Driven by the desire to protect Lake Prespa, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, yesterday from the municipality of Resen, began a series of visits to Macedonian towns and villages.
In her presence and in the presence of Mayor Jovan Tozievski, at the debate in Oteshevo, more than 15 representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, UNDP, from the non-governmental sector and other state and local institutions explained the reasons for the alarming decrease in the water level in Lake Prespa. Based on scientific analyses and evidence, they pointed to climate change, reduced rainfall and snowfall, subsidence, as well as excessive use of water for irrigation as key factors. Those present at the debate emphasized that the withdrawal of Lake Prespa is not only a national, but also a cross-border problem.
Noting that the Prespa region possesses impeccable beauty that radiates with special peace, Siljanovska-Davkova said that we all have an obligation to treat nature as a partner, because by protecting nature, we protect ourselves.
“I believe there are solutions which just need to be heard. I believe that in an inclusive process, all decision-makers must hear the opinions and views of these qualified and interested people who live here and believe in the future of this region. We all need to harness ourselves to make what is achievable, truly a reality, and not just a desired goal”, the President added.
Previously, in Resen, she visited the Culture Center “Dragi Tozija”, known as the Resen Saraj. The building was built by one of the leaders of the Young Turk Revolution, Ahmed Niyazi Bey, at the beginning of the 20th century, and it houses the memorial room of Keraca Visulcheva, which displays some of her drawings and paintings. The President expressed her belief that Nade Proeva, a resident of Resen, a prominent Macedonian historian and professor, will also receive her deserved corner in the Saraj.
She also visited the Tatarcevi Memorial House, which houses objects from this famous family, as well as the museum exhibition with wax figures and other marks of a large number of historical figures from the region.
During the visit, Siljanovska-Davkova went to the Swisslion Agroplod factory and met with Mayor Jovan Tozievski, members of the Municipal Council and the citizens of Resen.
Stressing that it is a great challenge for her to talk to young people, who bring unique energy, the President listened to their thoughts and ideas on how to reduce emigration. At the meeting, she agreed with the position of the young people and the Mayor that a state strategy is necessary to keep young people here, at home.
“I know Resen has a bright future, it just needs a little help. Through the “EU for Prespa” project, significant funds are being invested in the development of Resen, which is one of the Macedonian municipalities with the greatest benefit from European funds”, Siljanovska-Davkova concluded.
