Prehistoric Balkan lake is drying up

Lake Prespa, as seen from an abandoned resort near Otesevo, North Macedonia. For millions of years, Lake Prespa was pristine. But following decades of climate change, over-consumption and pollution, the prehistoric lake is shrinking at a shocking rate. Photos: AFP

For millennia, Lake Prespa was pristine. But under pressure from climate change, unchecked pumping and pollution, the prehistoric body of water in southeast Europe is shrinking at an alarming rate.

Straddling the borders of Albania, Greece and North Macedonia, Lake Prespa is believed to be home to thousands of species that rely on the water and its surrounding habitat.