This project addresses the problem of the ?smoothing? of the habitat that becomes too homogenous due to the invasion of the common reed. Depending on management objectives, common reed can have a positive or negative effect. Due to changing of water level this plant has occupied most of the water surface in Small Prespa Lake leaving very little space for other plants as well as open water. The management of this site asks for the maintenance of a ?mosaic? of habitats in order to maximize ecological niches and ultimately biodiversity. The only way at the present conditions to reduce the reed is to harvest it. This project does this and also explores ways to generate income through assisting locals in the production of products that use the reeds such as briquettes for burning during winter, reed cover for thatched roofs.
The second ?by-product? of this project is that of capacity building of the local NGO: Albanian Local Women Association. Civil society organizations have a weak presence in the Albanian countryside and the situation is even worse with women-based associations. Capacities of NGOs improve significantly if they are involved in a process of ?learning by doing?. This association is being helped by the Greek Prespa Society in an attempt to form a real and active NGO on the Albanian side. The Greek counterpart has paid for the purchase and renovation of the building to be used by the local NGO and is continuously assisting this NGO.