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, at the east of the Great Prespa Lake, in the area of the transboundary Prespa Park.
The transboundary Prespa Park as an accelerator for sustainable development in the CBA Greece - North Macedonia. Α borderless alternation of ecosystems, monuments, settlements, landscapes, and agricultural products.
The area is part of Prespa Park, the first transboundary protected area in the Balkans, constituted by 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) with the aim of comprehensive and effective protection of the common natural and cultural values of the Region with the participation of its inhabitants.
Great Prespa Lake could be characterized as the convergence and collaboration point of all three countries (Greece, Albania, and the Republic of North Macedonia). The Great Prespa Lake, among the most famous wetlands protected by the Ramsar Convention, can serve as a focal point to bring together all stakeholders for further collaboration and developmental trajectories. With this as granted, the transboundary Prespa Park provides an excellent opportunity for communication, dialogue, and coordination of activities for the area's environmental protection and sustainable development.
Following the Joint Declaration of the Prime Ministers in February 2000, on establishing the first cross-border protected area in the Balkans, the need for sustainable development while protecting the environment raised the issue of local border crossings and cross-border waterborne movements. Therefore, opening the border crossing between Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia in the Lemos area is considered a significant intervention to strengthen ties between the two countries while having a solid developmental character that can safely lead to multiple environmental, social and economic results.
The intervention area is located on the Greek side, in the Municipality of Prespa, in the northwestern part of the Regional Unit of Florina, Western Macedonia Region and is of significant meaning within the Spatial Planning of the Region of Western Macedonia. The intermediate area of both small and great Prespa lake is considered the most important area of natural beauty and the largest and richest – in terms of biodiversity – National Park of Greece, which belongs to the Natura 2000 Network. Moreover, it combines rich historical and cultural heritage, the Prespa – Pisoderi area in Florina is one of the most important tourist destinations of the Region.
Regarding the Republic of North Macedonia, the project area is located in the Municipality of Resen, in the Region of Pelagonia. It is considered of great importance in terms of biodiversity and is expected to contribute to regional tourism development.
Establishing and reopening the Border Crossing Point will further strengthen and promote regional cooperation. Furthermore, it will contribute to sustainable tourism development in the Prespa Lake and the wider area of Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia regions.