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Little Prespa Lake
Context:
- Little Prespa Lake is experiencing a severe ecological crisis.
- Once a pristine body of water, it is now turning into a marshy wasteland, jeopardising local livelihoods and the region’s biodiversity.
Causes of Decline:
- Human Intervention: In the 1970s, the Albanian government diverted the Devoll River to irrigate fields around the city of Korca. This significantly reduced the water inflow to the lake, marking the beginning of its ecological decline.
- Climate Change: Rising temperatures, mild winters with little snowfall, and a scarcity of precipitation have exacerbated the problem.
- The lake’s water levels have dropped significantly, with the water on the Albanian side now 10 metres lower than in the late 1970s.
About Little Prespa Lake:
- Locally known as Small Lake Prespa, spans primarily Greek territory, with only its southern tip crossing into Albania.
- Covering an area of 48.5 sq km (of which 5 sq km belongs to Albania), it has a deepest point of 8.4 m and an average depth of 4 m.
- It is a long and narrow lake, measuring up to 13.6 km in length.
- Formed from a former single Lake Prespa through sediment deposition from the Agios Germanos stream-torrent.
- The lake’s water flow was redirected between 1936-1945 to connect to the Great Prespa, with overflow occurring via the stream “Koula.”
Vegetation:
- Deciduous forests on higher mountain slopes.
- Reedbeds and hydrophilic plants in lower zones.
- Islands: Agios Achilleios and Vidronisi.
- Environmental Significance:
- Protected habitat within Prespa National Park.
- A significant portion is included in the Natura 2000 network.
- Features large shallow zones with swampy vegetation and steep shores.
Impact on Local Communities:
- The once-thriving fishing industry has collapsed, depriving locals of their primary livelihood.
- Abandoned boats now lie stuck in the mud, and cows wander where fish once swam.
- The transformation of the lake into a marshland has also led to significant biodiversity loss.
Environmental and Regional Implications:
- The decline of Little Prespa Lake serves as a stark warning for the broader Balkan region, which is rich in water resources but lacks effective management.
- The death of the lake could have repercussions on neighbouring lakes, such as the larger Prespa and Ohrid lakes.
Conclusion:
The plight of Little Prespa Lake underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management practices and climate change mitigation efforts. Without immediate action, this once beautiful lake could disappear entirely, leaving behind a barren landscape and a stark reminder of the consequences of environmental neglect.