Society for the Protection of Prespa

From as early as the 1960s, Prespa had already attracted the interest of ecologists, nature-lovers and environmental scientists because of its exceptional natural beauty and rare biodiversity.

The first coordinated effort to protect the area took place in 1990 with the foundation of the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP). Some of the people who played a decisive role in its formation were the environmentalist and architect-planner, Thymios Papayannis, the internationally renowned zoologist, Dr. Luc Hoffmann, and the biologist, Dr. Giorgos Catsadorakis. Together they laid the foundation for the establishment of the SPP, with the help and support of a series of environmental non-profit organisations. The formal initiative was undertaken by the ‘Friends of Prespa’ and WWF International and so, in 1991, the Society SPP was created with the participation of ten environmental organisations.

Since 1991 the SPP has systematically and effectively contributed to the protection of natural and cultural heritage throughout the entire Prespa basin, by means of a wide range of projects jointly promoting viable development and the harmonious co-existence of man and nature. Its activities aim to secure the appropriate management of natural resources, sustainable forms of development, the protection of threatened species and the informing and awareness-raising of the public. From the beginning the SPP has understood quite clearly that to safeguard Prespa’s exceptional heritage and promote viable development in the area requires the harmonious cooperation and involvement of the three states that share the lakes – FYROM, Albania and Greece. Accordingly its efforts have been guided by this principle, aiming wherever possible to emphasise their transboundary nature.

Since December 2013, the SPP has been a member of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), a union with over 1,200 Members in all, spread across some 160 countries.

SPP’s premises in Agios Germanos and Laimos, built according to the local architectural types. 

Today the SPP is an environmental organisation whose work is internationally recognised. The organisation is based in the villages of Agios Germanos and Laimos in Prespa, and its accomplishments are based on the dynamic work of its resident staff, many of whom are native to the region.