Skopje, 26 September 2023 (MIA) — At the proposal of the Ministry of Culture following UNESCO monitoring mission recommendations, the government has instructed several governmental agencies, institutions and ministries to take urgent measures for the rehabilitation of the Ohrid Region's natural and cultural heritage.

According to an official press release, the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning has been instructed to prepare a priority list of key habitats of national and European importance and a list of endangered species of fish, invertebrates and algae in Lake Ohrid.

The Cultural Heritage Protection Office has been instructed to limit potential new construction or reconstruction in the Old Town area of Ohrid.

The Municipality of Ohrid, the Municipality of Struga and the Municipality of Debrca have been instructed to start demolishing the buildings constructed without permits in line with court decisions and with funding provided for their demolition.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications has been instructed to create a workgroup that would prepare a survey of Lake Ohrid vessels and their carrying capacity.

And the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, and the Cultural Heritage Protection Office have been instructed to draft a bill on the management of the Ohrid Region's natural and cultural heritage. mr/