Full GEF programme

The full GEF programme is a multiannual joint project for the Prespa Park, which aims to promote integrated ecosystem management of the wider region with the participation of all stakeholders, and by enhancing cooperation among the three participating countries. The project wishes to promote a common strategic approach through the implementation of the main proposals included in the SAP, and, therefore is considered to be significant for the sustainable development of the Prespa region.

The idea of a common large project in the area was initiated during the first International Working Meeting on the Establishment of the Prespa Park, where the expression of interest of the Albanian part for the development of a project proposal for submission to the Global Environment Facility for funding, was communicated to the participants, and consequently was decided to enlarge this proposal so that to address the whole Prespa Basin. To this effect, a concept paper was developed, describing the ecological, social and cultural values of the area, and analysing the project’s expected outcomes. For that purpose, the Prespa Park Co-ordination Committee (PPCC) held a special meeting in Thessaloniki, Greece, in June 2001.

The concept paper was endorsed by the GEF Secretariat in November 2001. Following this, a PDF B request was developed in order to obtain funds for undertaking of all necessary preparatory activities, which will enable the development of the multiannual full GEF project. To this effect, the PPCC held a special meeting in Ag. Germanos, Greece, in March 2003. The request was approved in June 2003 and the PPCC was granted initial funding (Programme Development Facility - PDF B phase) of approximately $820,000, which will be provided mainly by UNDP and KfW (German Bank for Reconstruction) resources.

The multiannual GEF project entitled “Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Transboundary Prespa Park Region”, will have an estimated budget of $15m. and a duration of four years. The main objectives of the project could be summarised to the following: 1) protection of ecosystem values through effective land-use planning, protected area management and integrated water resources management; 2) enhancement of awareness and understanding of the ecological values of the region among the public at all levels; 3) creation of an enabling environment for sustainable development in the region through appropriate policies, incentives and opportunities, and inter-sectoral co-ordination; 4) building up mechanisms for transboundary co-operation through the strengthening of the PPCC and its Secretariat and exploring options for the establishment of a more permanent regional commission.