Terrible: Pearl of the Balkans, and the greatest pride of the former Yugoslavia, One step away from being erased from UNESCO! (PHOTO)

If the local government in Ohrid continues with the realization of a number of disputed projects, Ohrid region could lose it status of natural heritage and to be transferred into the list of endangered heritage, and that is just one step away from complete removal from the UNESCO list.

Recommended

Belgrade is the first on the list of destinations that should be disclosed in 2017

This conclusion stems from a meeting of members of the monitoring missions of UNESCO, who "scanned" the situation from 9th to 14th April in the region, and with the civil association Ohrid SOS, Association of the protection of animals and the Environment E.D.E.N.

Macedonian Ecologists persistently warn that the planned development projects along the coast of the Ohrid Lake and the National Park "Galicica" can lead to the drying up of the last wetlands in the Ohrid region - Studencko Blato, unique natural habitats of rare species of plants, as well as the Lake Ohrid. This would cause enormous damage to many species of plant life, and the planned construction of a ski resort on the mountain with no snow would destroy the entire biodiversity on Galicica.

Foto: Profimedia, Alamy

A few months ago, UNESCO has warned that the planned infrastructure projects may affect the value of Ohrid and the lake. Even at the last meeting in Istanbul, the possibility was announced that this year Ohrid could be deleted from the list of UNESCO and transferred to the list of world heritage in danger.

Therefore, reactive UNESCO mission visited the region to scan the situation.

Foto: Profimedia, Alamy

Their report, with all remarks, will be completed in two months.

It will be crucial if the region will be transferred to the lower, List of World heritage in danger. According to the estimates of NGO's and Macedonian ecologists, the predicted construction projects of express road Ohrid - Pestani, Sky center and tourist zones in the national park Galicica, as well plans of urbanization of Studenicko Blato and building of Mediterranean beaches, are not well planned.

Foto: Wikipedia/Alexandar Vujadinovic

- The main objection of UNESCO is that all of these plans are developed without pre-approved plan about management of Ohrid Region which should determine the direction of development, and what kind of tourism and projects work for Ohrid Region, said for Telma Television, Aleksandra Bujarovska, ecologist from "Front 21/42".

The association Ohrid SOS pointed out that UNESCO recommended to stop with the controversial infrastructure projects until they determine what will be their effect on the environment.

Ohrid is one of up to 35 zones designated to be world natural heritage, and with the protection it enjoys from UNESKO, it is in the same level with Ibiza or Machu Picchu.

It will be known on 41st meeting of UNESCO which will take place in Krakow, if it will keep its status.

(Telegraf.co.uk / D.J)