The Cultural Heritage of the Great Prespa Region

• Author: Ema Muslli
• Position: Preka College, Korç?
• Pages: 160-165

ISSN 2410-3918 Academic Journal of Business, Administration, Law and Social Sciences Vol 1 No 1

Acces online at www.iipccl.org IIPCCL Publishing, Tirana-Albania March 2015

160

e Cultural Heritage of the Great Prespa Region

MSc. Ema Muslli

Preka College, Korçё

Abstract

e Great Prespa region is situated in the Balkan Peninsula and is divided between Albania,

Macedonia and Greece. It includes the Great Prespa Lake and the surrounding beach and meadow,

areas designated for agricultural use and the towns of Pusteci (formerly known as Liqenas) and

Resen. is region is now part of the Trans-Boundary Biosphere Reserve ‘Ohrid-Prespa Watershed.

Great and Small Prespa lakes plus Ohrid Lake are included in this newly-approved UNESCO world

Heritage Site, but for this paper, we are looking only at the area surrounding the Great Prespa Lake.

It is critical for this area to be protected immediately, because of the overuse it has undergone in

recent years.

While current levels of fauna are dangerously declining due to recent over-harvesting, this area

has been known historically for its diverse natural and cultural features.us it is important to

take drastic measures to reclaim the natural beauty immediately, including those areas currently

covered byPrespa National Parks in Albania and Greece and Galichica and Pelisteri National Parks

in Macedonia.

Due to many wars over the centuries, it exists a mixture of Albanian and Macedonian culture. e

historical and architectural remaining, religious structures and artifacts testify the richness and

uniqueness of the communities of Pustec and Resen have.e cultural heritage is now a key element

designated for the development ofthe region’s sustainable tourism development. is study was

enhanced via the Geographic Info System (GIS) digital presentation showing the opportunities for

natural and cultural tourismin both countries (Albania and Macedonia).

Keywords: tourist potential, cultural heritage, Great Prespa Lake, Albania, Macedonia.

Introduction

Pustec (formerly known as Liqenas), and Resen date back to the Neolithic period when

early settlers chose their location close to fresh water and abundant hunting grounds.

ese small communities have a long history, with many of the earlier structures standing

today, and welcoming visitors. From 1945-1990, the community of Pustec, was completely

isolated from both Albania and Macedonia. In those years, their most signicant economic

activity was the raising of livestock, mostly the raise of goats, cattle and agriculture, mostly

fruits like apples and grape. Tourism is not the primary economic activity in the region.

Today, on both sides of the Lake, there is an opportunity to explore and develop a solid

tourism industry in this region.