Greece and North Macedonia To Protect Lake Doirani

Greece has launched a €3.07 million cross-border environmental initiative with North Macedonia to strengthen cooperation, governance and the sustainable management of Lake Doirani under the Interreg VI-A IPA Greece-North Macedonia 2021-2027 Programme.

Alternate Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis signed the targeted call for project proposals, titled “Optimal Governance of Doirani Lake,” with a total budget of €3,071,591.

Joint project to protect shared lake

According to the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, the Decentralised Administration of Macedonia and Thrace will serve as the lead partner, working alongside the Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre (EKBY), the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of North Macedonia, and the Centre for Development of the Southeast Planning Region of North Macedonia.

The partners aim to establish a comprehensive framework for cooperation between Greek and North Macedonian authorities to improve the protection, monitoring and sustainable management of Doirani Lake.

Key measures include environmental management and renewable energy

The project includes several initiatives designed to strengthen cooperation between national and local authorities, including:

• Supporting environmental and hydrological management plans for the lake.
• Developing and implementing integrated environmental strategies.
• Creating joint governance structures and decision-making procedures.
• Raising public awareness, particularly among students, farmers and local communities.
• Installing a photovoltaic system in North Macedonia to reduce the operating costs of the lake’s water replenishment mechanism.
• Procuring specialised equipment and establishing the joint management of critical environmental information.

Two-year implementation period

The project is expected to run for 24 months from the signing of the funding agreement.

The ministry said the launch of the call fully activates the entire €33 million budget available under the Interreg VI-A IPA Greece–North Macedonia 2021-2027 Programme, ensuring the full use of European and national funding while accelerating planned cross-border development and environmental initiatives.

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