Little Prespa Lake's Decline
- 03 Oct 2024
In News:
Little Prespa Lake on Albanian-Greek border slowly dying.
Overview of Little Prespa Lake's Decline
- Location and Geography:
- Little Prespa Lake is situated on the Albanian-Greek border, primarily in Greece with a southern tip extending into Albania.
- It covers approximately 450 hectares in Albania, now largely transformed into swamps or dry land.
- Ecological Changes:
- Once a crystal-clear lake, it has degraded into a marshy area, with about 430 hectares in Albania suffering from significant drying.
- Local wildlife has shifted; cows now roam where fish once thrived.
- Historical Context:
- The lake's decline began in the 1970s when Albanian authorities diverted the Devoll River to irrigate surrounding agricultural lands, severely limiting water inflow.
- Climate Change Impact:
- Rising temperatures, mild winters, and decreased precipitation have intensified the lake’s ecological crisis.
- Local experts warn that continued dry winters and hot summers could lead to irreversible damage.