UNESCO grants another opportunity to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the Lake Ohrid region as concerns over uncontrolled construction remain unresolved
The Lake Ohrid region has once again avoided being placed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger, but authorities in North Macedonia and Albania have been given another warning to take stronger measures to protect one of Europe’s most valuable natural and cultural sites.
During today’s meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in South Korea, members decided that the Ohrid region will not be added to the danger list for now. The decision was supported by 16 of the 21 member states of the committee.
However, UNESCO maintained its previous recommendations and concerns, giving both countries a new five-year period to address long-standing problems threatening the area’s protected status.
Uncontrolled Urban Development Remains the Main Concern
Among the main issues highlighted by UNESCO are years of uncontrolled urban expansion, illegal construction, and insufficient protection of the region’s unique environmental and cultural values.
The organization has repeatedly called on authorities to limit mass construction along the lake shore and to resolve the problem of unauthorized buildings that have altered the landscape of the protected area.
The Ohrid region, recognized for its ancient cultural heritage, biodiversity, and unique lake ecosystem, has been under international scrutiny due to increasing pressure from tourism development and infrastructure projects.
Joint Responsibility for North Macedonia and Albania
The UNESCO-listed Ohrid region extends beyond national borders, making cooperation between North Macedonia and Albania essential for its preservation.
Both countries are expected to implement conservation measures, improve urban planning, and strengthen protection policies during the next five years.
Failure to address UNESCO’s concerns could lead to renewed discussions about placing the site on the List of World Heritage in Danger in the future.
A Temporary Relief, Not a Final Solution
Although today’s decision represents a relief for authorities in Skopje and Tirana, environmental experts have warned that the threat has not disappeared.
The committee’s decision does not remove previous obligations but instead gives the two governments additional time to demonstrate concrete progress in protecting Lake Ohrid.
The coming years will be crucial in determining whether the region can preserve its UNESCO status while balancing tourism development with environmental protection.
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UNESCO has spared the Ohrid region from the World Heritage in Danger List, but North Macedonia and Albania must address illegal construction and uncontrolled urbanization.