Ecohydrology Of Dojran Lake

Abstract

In the Republic of Macedonia there are three natural lakes: Ohrid, Prespa and Dojran. Dojran Lake is the smallest one but not less significant as a water resource, natural wealth and scenic beauty. The last 15 years this place of natural heritage is threatened because the lake's water level decreased seriously. The lake watershed and the lake itself are shared by Macedonia and Greece. Since 1988 the lake surface area dropped from 42 km(2) to 31 km(2). This water declination together with the simultaneous deterioration of the water quality resulted with serious ecological impacts. How much the present state of this natural lake is under the impact of hydrology and climate, and. how much this is due to some other, not clearly identified causes, should be main goals in future water management in both countries that share the lake and the watershed. A complete environmental assessment can not be made without serious analyzes of the basic hydrological, meteorological and water management data. The intention of the authors is to emphasize the vulnerability of the lake and its biodiversity and to initiate urgent and strong support of the international community in cooperation in water quantity and water quality management between both countries that share the lake and its watershed.