The project will be implemented in the border crossing area between Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia and specifically between the municipalities of Prespes and Resen, in the northwest edge of Greece (municipality of Florina), east of Prespa Lake, on the borderline between Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia at a narrow strip of land, where a crossing point pre-existed and where the two countries are essentially joined by road.
The Prespa water body (Big Prespa Lake) connects three countries, Greece, Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia and is the region’s most important wetland protected by the Ramsar Convention.
The area is part of Prespa Park, the first transboundary protected area in the Balkans, which was established in February 2000 with a joint tripartite declaration. Four national Parks (The Prespa National Park of Greece, Prespa National Park in Albania, and the Galicica and Pelister National Parks of the Republic of North Macedonia) constitute the first Prespa Cross-border Park, the first cross-border protected area in the Balkans, with the aim of comprehensive and effective protection of the common natural and cultural values of the region with the participation of its inhabitants.
The Agreement on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Prespa Park Area was signed in 2010 by Greece, the Republic of North Macedonia, Albania, and the European Union.
The border crossing point of Laimos was operated until 1967 between Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia and served the inhabitants of the region in both sides of the border. The border crossing was abolished and although the relations between the two countries were smooth after 1974, the border crossing has never been restored.
The opening of the border crossing between Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia in the Prespa area is a pivotal intervention to enhance bilateral ties, promising significant environmental, social, and economic benefits for the cross-border region. This initiative is grounded in the 2019 Agreement between the two nations to establish a Border Crossing Point in the Prespa lake area. The new crossing, alongside complementary projects, aims at regional development and creating a transnational development area.
This project represents the second phase following the "Prespa Lake Area border guard station: Preparatory activities for the establishment of the border crossing point" (BorPres) project under the INTERREG IPA CBC Programme 2014-2020. This phase focuses on reconstructing and renovating the State border security police station at Markova Noga, and, on the Greek side, constructing the new border crossing facilities and establishing the pedestrian connection to the BCP, where the future crossing will be established. The project is internationally significant, serving as a tool for sustainable development by integrating economic, social, and environmental aspects across borders.
Moreover, the project addresses the challenge of revitalizing tourism post-COVID-19 by embracing Regenerative Tourism. This approach aims to transform the Prespa area into a model of sustainable tourism, where visitors positively impact the destination. By assessing and enhancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, engaging communities in co-designing tourism solutions, and implementing sustainable practices, the project seeks to create an inclusive, environmentally aware, and culturally enriching tourism experience. This will be highlighted by a network of trails and volunteerism opportunities, fostering innovation and balance in boosting the area's economy sustainably.
