PULSE: Prespa United through Local Sustainability and Engagement

2026-07-22

PULSE is an innovative collaborative project linking the municipalities of Prespes in Greece and Pustec in Albania, all situated around the Great Prespa Lake. This initiative aims to enhance regional cooperation, boost youth engagement, and promote sustainable tourism in the Prespa region. The project is particularly timely, as the upcoming opening of a new border crossing between Greece and North Macedonia creates new opportunities for collaboration and regional integration. By focusing on dialogue, youth engagement, and sustainable practices, PULSE seeks to strengthen regional identity and foster long-term cooperation. PULSE consists of two main actions: 1. Prespa People’s Forum: This forum provides a platform for dialogue among key stakeholders from the two countries, including local authorities, community leaders, farmers, and tourism professionals. The forum will address shared challenges related to environmental sustainability, regional development, and tourism, promoting joint initiatives that can be capitalized upon with the improved connectivity from the new border crossing. 2. Youth for Prespa: Environmental and Cultural Ambassadors: This youth program engages high school students in activities such as environmental monitoring, cultural exchange, and leadership development. It fosters cross-border collaboration among youth and empowers them to become ambassadors for sustainability and cultural preservation, leveraging the increased mobility and opportunities provided by the new border crossing to strengthen cross-border friendships and regional solidarity. PULSE adopts an integrated, cross-border approach, focusing on building relationships among key stakeholders and empowering youth to lead environmental and cultural sustainability efforts. Through collaborative dialogue, hands-on activities, and shared initiatives, the project strengthens regional identity and fosters long-term partnerships across borders.

Greece

2026-01-01