In January 2005 a joint project aiming at studying the interaction between River Devolli (in Albania) and Lake Micro Prespa (shared between Albania and Greece) was initiated. The two hydrological systems were artificially connected in the ‘70s, when River Devolli was diverted into the Albanian part of Micro Prespa, with the purpose to irrigate the Korcha plain. After some years, sediments brought by the river covered a large area of the Albanian part of the lake with negative environmental and socio-economic impacts on the Prespa ecosystem. At the same time, the extensive sedimentation of the lake has rendered water abstraction for irrigation impossible.

 

The project aims at better understanding the hydrology of the area. The study is expected to collect information on the existing situation, to identify the impacts of the diversion of River Devolli into Lake Micro Prespa, and to provide an initial assessment of the water needs of the wider Korcha area. In this regard, it will be a useful tool for the integrated management of water resources in the Prespa basin – a priority issue for both Albania and Greece in the Prespa Park cooperation.

 

The project is co-funded by the Hellenic Aid Agency (Development Cooperation Agency of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP), and it is implemented by the SPP in collaboration with the Albanian NGO Preservation and Protection of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA).

The point where Devolli canal enters lake Micro Prespa (photo: M.Gletsos)