Scientists are warning of the “slow death” of the Prespes Lakes in northern Greece, as water levels have dropped to their lowest point in 35 years, according to an article by Giorgos Lialios in ekathimerini.com.
“Until now we hoped that the change would not be so great. Now we are sure that Great Prespa will cease to be what it was. But the truly painful change will occur in Little Prespa. If it continues like this, within a few years it will disappear before our eyes,” says biologist Giorgos Catsadorakis, scientific adviser at the Society for the Protection of Prespa.
Experts note that the water level of Great Prespa has nearly matched its lowest point from 1990, creating serious environmental and agricultural challenges. “The lake level this year is close to the lowest recorded in 1990. If it continues like this, the lake water will no longer be usable for irrigation. Climate change is not just about lake levels: Last year, producers threshed beans in February instead of October. This is the third year they are being subsidized by the state for the damage, as they have minimal production,” he adds.
The Prespes region, home to rare bird species and vital ecosystems, is now at risk due to prolonged drought and rising temperatures. Scientists stress that without immediate conservation measures, Little Prespa could dry up completely in the coming years, marking an ecological disaster for one of Greece’s most unique natural habitats.
Source: ekathimerini.com
