Two pioneering Greek biologists have picked up this year's environmental equivalent of the Oscar.

Mirsini Malakou and Giorgos Katsadorakis received the Goldman Prize for their key-role in the creation of the trans-national Prespa park.

Trans-national Balkan park

"Establishing a tri-national body that promotes the conservation of this delicate eco-system is a step to ensuring the areas long term sustainable management," says Malakou. "It is also a political statement. A message telling governments worldwide that the environment does not have to, and should not be, the victim of political manoeuvring."

Covering 55,830 acres of mostly mountainous terrain the Prespa park borders Greece, Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). The reserve includes two large lakes and is the only breeding ground for white pelicans in Europe.

Broadest biodiversity in SE Europe

Prespa was first declared a national park in 1974. The same year it was also declared a Ramsar site - an area where conservation and controlled use of wetlands are promoted under international legislation. The national park is the largest in Greece and offers sanctuary to the broadest biodiversity in SE Europe.

Home to rare flora and fauna, maintaining the parks eco-balance is a delicate affair, "Interference from any of the lakes shores can directly affect the entire region," Malakou explains.

"It is why co-operation between the three bordering countries is necessary. Had the park not been created independent long-term management would lead to the lakes gradual death."

The biologist supports this argument through a recent example, "Albania has received financial support from the World Bank to improve its watering system. Some of the water it plans on using is from the smaller of the Prespa lakes. Without proper infrastructure and measures taken in all three countries this project alone could destroy the areas eco-balance."

Wetlands are among the most threatened eco-systems on the planet. According to WorldWide Fund for Nature reports over half of the world's wetlands have disappeared in the last 100 years. "Freshwater eco-systems are an integral part of the hydrological cycle, absorbing rainfall and surface runoff, storing the water and gradually releasing it over time. They also reduce the risk of flooding and ensure the regular flow of fresh water."

WWF documents show how swamps, marshes and lakes are being altered to accommodate agriculture, housing development and industry. Invasive species and pollution are also putting wetlands at risk. The reports point out that nearly two billion people experience water shortages a number that is expected to double in the next 25 years.

From utopia to Balkan reality

Environmentalists hailed the creation of the Prespa park as a landmark project for the protection of wetlands worldwide. Malakou acknowledges that the idea of creating a trans-boundary park in the politically turbulent Balkans appeared utopian at first.

Now she is optimistic that other multinational initiatives will follow the success of this project. "In many areas, water is a potential source for future conflict," Denis Landenbergue of the World Wide Fund for Nature's "Living Waters" campaign says. "It is important to have common management of water sources, we try to encourage countries to join together."

The $125,000 award came as a surprise to the biologists who have dedicated the last decade of their lives to educating the communities living around Prespa how to use environmentally-friendly farming methods.

"We knew nothing about the nomination. It was the National Geographic Society that put us forward. Of course the award is a great recognition for the work of all those who are trying to protect Prespa," says Malakou. "It is also a confirmation that the international community shares our views on the areas tremendous environmental importance."

Planning sustainable development

Founding members of the Prespa Centre for Man and Nature, the two biologists continue to serve as scientific advisors for the Society for the Protection of Prespa. In 1999 they received the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award.

Malakou and Catsadorakis are currently working on a management plan for the sustainable development of the new park.