Bern Convention

Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats

The Environmental Citizens’ Association “Front 21/42” and “Eko-svest - Center for environmental research and information” submitted a complaint in 2017 concerning infrastructure development within the territory of Galichica National Park and at the Lake Ohrid shore in North Macedonia.

According to the complainant, this could cause damage to the flora and fauna in the National park and the lake. Lake Ohrid is the oldest natural lake in Europe, one of the oldest lakes in the world, and a Candidate Emerald Network site.

The National park is home to many endangered species protected under Annex II of the Bern Convention including the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos), the Wild Cat (Felis silvestris) and the Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra). The development project includes the construction of a skiing center and resort, the Expressway A3, rail, a marina, and several touristic development zones, which will, according to the complainant, result in habitat and species loss, fragmentation, and disturbance.

The case-file was opened during the 41st Standing Committee meeting in 2021 and an on-the-spot appraisal (OSA) was mandated. The OSA was eventually carried-out on 25-27 April 2023, and involved representatives of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and of the Ramsar Convention as Observers. Recommendation no. 221 (2023) was adopted during the 43rd Standing Committee in December 2023.

 Key Timeline

• 2017 - Case registration
• 2021 - Opening of Case and Standing Committee mandate for an OSA
• 2023 - OSA & Rec 221

 Other countries possibly concerned

• Albania

 Other international organisations involved

• IUCN 
• Ramsar Convention
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre

 Documents

Complaint form

OSA report and recommendation

Regular reports to the Bureau and/or Standing Committee

Please note that all reports received by a Party during one calendar year are included in one single report for that year. Some older reports are not available in digital form.

Other information / documents