Albania, Greece and North Macedonia have launched preparations for a joint bid to add the Prespa region to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The initiative aims to protect the area’s natural, historical and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and creating new opportunities for local communities. The European Union will provide €2 million to fund the feasibility study, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said during a meeting in Prespa with his Greek and North Macedonian counterparts, Lina Mendoni and Sedat Sulejman.

Gonxhja highlighted ongoing heritage projects on the Albanian side, including the restoration of murals at St. Mary’s Church on Maligrad Island and improvements to the Sterjo Spasse House Museum in Gollomboç. He also pointed to the EU-funded ACT4PRESPA project, which brings institutions from all three countries together to conserve, digitise and promote the region’s heritage.

The three countries also plan to develop joint tourist routes, research missions and expeditions to promote Prespa and Ohrid, alongside cultural, sporting and youth exchanges. Their shared UNESCO bid aims to strengthen cross-border heritage protection and support local development through sustainable tourism.