LAKE OHRIDLAKE OHRIDMACEDONIA AND ALBANIAMACEDONIA AND ALBANIA

Experiences with Nutrient Management Experiences with Nutrient Management and Agricultural Non-point Source and Agricultural Non-point Source

Pollution ControlPollution Control

Lake OhridLake Ohrid• ancient tectonic lake, > 2 million yearsancient 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 kmlength 31km, width 14.5 km• watershed about 3,900 watershed about 3,900 kmkm22 , includes Big and , includes Big and Small Prespa LakesSmall Prespa Lakes

BULGARIA

ALBANIA

GREECE

MACEDONIA

Threats to Threats to Sustainable UseSustainable 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 Assessment of the pollution loads from the non-point sources of pollutionthe 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 Educating and involving the stakeholders.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 Lake Ohrid Conservation Project - coordinatesProject - 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 The Program For Monitoring The Activities Of The Individual FarmsActivities 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 ProgramMonitoring 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 areaEducational 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 New methods for maximum plant protection and minimum

pollution including:pollution including: a) Solar radiation of the soil, by using sunbeams and PVC foilb)   b) Using biological substances. They stimulate plant’s growing,

protect them, they don’t pollute, they are not toxically for plantsd)  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 managementManure 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 managementManure management1 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: 1.000 - 2.000 tons) on the Macedonian part of the watershed;

    Two pig farms (100 - 200 pigs) on the Macedonian part of the watershed;

     One poultry farm - estimated amount of manure per month: 10.000 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 Manure management (preparation phase)(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.