L O C A L  B E A T

  The lake, and the town of Ohrid, are FYR Macedonia's principal tourist targets - placed on UNESCO's world natural and cultural heritage lists in 1980 for their outstanding natural environment and architecture, respectively. Tourism development pressures, however, especially along FYR Macedonia's ecologically critical shore areas, are threatening the lake's fragile balance and any elimination of species would be irreversible. On the Albanian side, poor sewage treatment is seen as the biggest problem. And while the 'transition' for these countries has meant a reduction in industrial pollution to the lake, remaining problem sources include agricultural nutrients flowing to Lake Ohrid from agricultural activities and neighboring Lake Prespa nearby, and indiscriminately cut forests in the surrounding mountains.

  In response, in 1996, REC's Local Offices in Macedonia and Albania began playing an important role in encouraging public participation and raising awareness about a Global Environmental Facility (GEF)/World Bank long-term project entitled "Conservation of Ohrid Lake." Part of the project included a REC-designed campaign called "Keep the Lake Clean," the activities of which were promoted through a REC-managed fund and carried out by local NGOs, including a "Hug the Lake" action day, photo exhibits, a school environment week, and the creation of a public roundtable with representatives from Macedonian and Albanian local authorities.

  Thanks to the successful completion of the first year's work, REC received additional funding to continue and expand the project from the GEF and the World Bank. Covering a three year period, total amounts available are USD 100,000 for Albania and USD 150,000 for FYR Macedonia, to be focused on three main areas - public awareness, public action, and capacity building. A key goal is to encourage collaboration between NGOs in Albania and FYR Macedonia - necessary if their common treasure is to be saved.

  Public awareness raising will include the continued support and expansion of the Green Centers Network which rings the lake and involvement of local and national media. More environmental events will be scheduled including the 2nd "Hug the Lake Day," and a summer camp will be created in Struga, FYR Macedonia - geared at bringing NGOs and students together to strengthen the exchange of ideas between the two countries and to help them consider the lake as their common heritage. Anti-litter campaigns will combine with simple recycling activities, while REC's Local Offices will publish a tri-lingual Bulletin.

  Planned public actions will include a radio show, public surveys, public meetings and a voluntary patrol to spot early threats to the lake.

  And finally, capacity building activities will help support the development and infrastructure of those NGOs working on Ohrid issues, focusing on training in public participation, NGO management and environmental education.