The unique habitat and the biodiversity of Prespa and Ohrid lakes has been on the focus of GEF and other donors over the years. Recently the German Development Bank (KfW) has started the implementation of the management plan for the Small Prespa Lake.
The Albanian part of Small Prespa Lake is almost completely invaded by the reeds. The reed beds are a valuable habitat for birds and other animals, but when they become the only habitat present in an ecosystem they lower the biodiversity by reducing the number of ecological niches available. If the management of the area has as target the maximizing of the biodiversity, then it becomes necessary to reduce the area covered by the reeds aiming at the creation of a mosaic of habitats that can ultimately host a greater number of animal species.
The project consists in harvesting the reeds and in doing so creating areas of open water. The harvested biomass will be used for the production of briquettes that will be used as wood substitute for heating purposes with the borders of the Park. The briquetting device will be hosted and operated by the park authority.