Decline of Little Prespa Lake on Albanian-Greek Border

Little Prespa Lake, located on the Albanian-Greek border, is experiencing a significant environmental crisis. Once known for its clear waters and rich biodiversity, the lake is now transforming into a marshy area, leading to concerns about its future and the livelihoods of local communities.

Current Situation:

1. Visual Transformation: The lake, once vibrant and fish-filled, has become a barren landscape with abandoned boats stuck in the mud and cattle roaming where fish used to thrive.
2. Local Impact: Residents like Enver Llomi, a 68-year-old local, express deep sadness over the lake's decline, stating that fishing, once a vital part of their lives, has nearly vanished.

Geographical Overview:

1. Location: Little Prespa Lake, also known as Small Lake Prespa, is situated predominantly in Greece, with its southern tip extending into Albania. It is part of a larger lake system that includes the Great Prespa Lake.
2. Size: Experts estimate that out of the 450 hectares of the lake within Albania, approximately 430 hectares have dried up or turned into swamps.

Historical Context:

1. Irrigation Changes: The lake's decline began in the 1970s when the Albanian communist government diverted the Devoll River for irrigation purposes, significantly affecting the lake's water levels.
2. Climate Change: Rising temperatures, mild winters with reduced snowfall, and diminished precipitation have exacerbated the ecological crisis facing Little Prespa Lake.

Ecological Significance

1. Tectonic Lake: Little Prespa is one of the oldest tectonic lakes in Europe, characterized by its unique geological formation resulting from tectonic plate movements. Such lakes are often deep and narrow, supporting distinct aquatic life.
2. Biodiversity: The region's biodiversity is at risk as aquatic habitats disappear, affecting both flora and fauna.

Climate Change Effects:

1. Rising Temperatures: The increasing heat is leading to further evaporation and reduced water levels in the lake.
2. Drought Risk: Local ranger Astrit Kodra warns that another dry winter or hot summer could spell disaster for the remaining ecosystem.

Conclusion
The situation at Little Prespa Lake reflects broader environmental challenges facing many ecosystems globally, including the impact of climate change and human intervention. The lake's decline poses significant threats not only to biodiversity but also to the livelihoods of local communities that depend on its resources.

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