Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid lies in southeastern Europe on the border between North Macedonia and Albania. Encyclopaedia Britannica reports an area of about 347 square kilometres and a maximum depth of 286 metres, making it the deepest lake in the Balkans. Underground channels connect it with Lake Prespa to the southeast.

The lake is a deep tectonic basin whose long history has allowed distinctive freshwater communities to develop. UNESCO describes Lake Ohrid as a refuge for numerous endemic freshwater species of plants and animals. Its ecological importance is closely linked to the lake's relative isolation and long-term stability, and the World Heritage designation recognizes the natural values alongside the cultural landscape around its shores.

The lake is shared by Albania and North Macedonia, so safeguarding its water quality and ecosystems requires cooperation across the border. The surrounding World Heritage property includes both natural and cultural features; UNESCO notes that the Ohrid region was extended to include the Albanian part of the lake in 2019. Conservation concerns include pressure on water quality, habitats and the species that depend on them, making coordinated watershed management important.