Between Albania and North Macedonia, the winter stillness of Lake Ohrid.

21 January 2026

CdB

Ohrid’s UNESCO status is threatened by uncontrolled construction and pollution. Civil society urges Albania and North Macedonia to protect this vital natural and cultural heritage.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

The Ohrid Lake region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is threatened by real estate developments and pollution, jeopardizing its natural and cultural integrity. Activists point to uncontrolled urbanization, inadequate sewage systems, and illegal constructions as major threats, which degrade the landscape and pollute the water. UNESCO previously recommended listing Ohrid on the World Heritage in Danger list due to these severe damages, requiring a halt to construction near the lake. Despite UNESCO’s repeated requests for a suspension of construction, such as for a hotel complex in Gorica, work has continued. The Albanian and Macedonian governments face a deadline of February 1st to report on protective measures, with activists viewing UNESCO’s listing as a crucial last chance for oversight. Concerns are also raised about specific projects, like those in Pogradec, which threaten to replace the contemplative landscape with concrete structures. Civil society groups are mobilizing to stop these developments, arguing that the region’s unique natural and historical value must be protected from private interests.

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