LAKE OHRID MACEDONIA AND ALBANIA Experiences with Nutrient Management and Agricultural Non-point Source Pollution Control

Lake Ohrid ancient tectonic lake, > 2 million years 695 m above sea level, maximum depth 289 m, 695 m above sea level, maximum depth 289 m, length 31km, width 14.5 km length 31km, width 14.5 km watershed about 3,900 km 2, includes Big and watershed about 3,900 km 2, includes Big and Small Prespa Lakes Small Prespa Lakes BULGARIA ALBANIA GREECE MACEDONIA

Threats to Sustainable Use The annual phosphorus load to Lake Ohrid is estimated at 240 t/y, 154 of which is in dissolved form, readly available to the algae. More than 30% of the dissolved phosphorus originates from the rivers and the springs, that is, form non- point sources of pollution. The eutrophication is the main transboundary problem at lake Ohrid.

Assessment of the pollution loads from the non-point sources of pollution Assessment of the pollution loads from the non-point sources of pollution. The pollutions loads from the non-point are often calculated on the basis of a set of estimations/approximations, very often originating from different regions or countries having different agricultural traditions and practices. Having a clear picture of the pollution loads and sources of pollution is substantial for the identification and setting out of the management priorities.

Because a limited amount of funding is available, efforts to reduce phosphorus should focus on sub-basins most affected by phosphorus. The regional watershed associations of citizens can play a crucial role since they are familiar with non-point pollution sources within the sub-basins. Therefore, it rests heavily on public education and creating an active public participation and public support.

Educating and involving the stakeholders. The watershed approach at whole and the control of the non-point sources of pollution in particular, relay very much on the involvement of and contribution from the stakeholders and the public in general. The ongoing educational and demonstration programs coincide with several important actions in the field of the agriculture proposed by the Lake Ohrid Watershed Committee

Lake Ohrid Conservation Project - coordinates Lake Ohrid Conservation Project - coordinates Lake Ohrid Conservation Project provide a framework for coordination and cooperation among key interests in the development and implementation of the management plan for the Lake Ohrid Watershed. In this respect, the Agency for Development and Promotion of the Agriculture of Republic of Macedonia plays a very important role. This is especially true in tackling down the non-point sources of pollution.

The Program For Monitoring The Activities Of The Individual Farms Very important part of the implementation strategy is the cooperation with agricultural associations and individual farmers. The best example of cooperation is the program for monitoring the activities of the individual farms.

Monitoring Program The Monitoring program consists of several modules: 1)Regular recording of a set of parameters (monthly incomes and expenses, usage of pesticides, fertilizers, other agrochemicals) 2) Collecting information on different practices (storage and application practices of the animal manure, agricultural methods and technology used at the farm ) 3) Data analysis (indicate the sources of losses or inefficiency. 4) Field visits and consultations (directly observing the practices applied and eventually give direct recommendations and guidance )

Educational Programs focus on several area Adequate use of agrochemicals, handling of surplus pesticides and agrochemicals, controlling wash water from agrochemical application machines; dumping of the packing etc, in order to protect the surface and ground waters; New methods for maximum plant protection and minimum pollution including: a) Solar radiation of the soil, by using sunbeams and PVC foil b) b) Using biological substances. They stimulate plant’s growing, protect them, they don’t pollute, they are not toxically for plants d) c)Using bacteria in disintegration of surplus pesticides that remained in the soil. d) Analysis of the soil to find out which chemical element it consist from and their amounts; which fertilizers and quantity of them are important for correct plant’s growing.

Manure management In the frame of the Lake Ohrid Conservation Project pilot projects for establishing manure management systems for dairy, pig and poultry farms in the Lake Ohrid watershed will be financed The aim is to promote an integrated land and water management and, ultimately, to reduce the discharge of nutrients and other agricultural pollutants in Lake Ohrid, other the surface waters and groundwater and the watershed. The pilot manure management system should consists of manure pad and liquid animal waste storage tanks and equipment for handling and spreading of the waste.

Manure management 1 Following a number of filed observations, visits of eligible farms and calls for Expression of Interest published in national news papers, the following sites have been selected by the WMCs in the Lake Ohrid watershed:  Two dairy farms (25-45 cows; estimated amount of manure per month: tons) on the Macedonian part of the watershed;  Two pig farms ( pigs) on the Macedonian part of the watershed;  One poultry farm - estimated amount of manure per month: tons) on the Macedonian part of the Watershed; A number of households having a small number of animals with variable amounts of manure produced per month in several villages on the Albanian part of the watershed.

Manure management (preparation phase) a ) design and provide estimated costs for a typical waste management system at pre- selected farms and at the household level; b) propose criteria for selecting/ranking eligible investments and prepare an indicative investment program; and c) prepare construction and equipment specifications for bidding documents.