Struga to demolish illegal buildings around UNESCO Lake Ohrid

The municipality of Struga announced that all illegal constructions in the UNESCO‑protected zone surrounding Lake Ohrid will be razed. Mayor Mendi Qyra said the 847 unauthorized structures impede urban planning and will be reduced to earth, adding that a new law governing lake beaches is also expected.

Qyra called on residents not to build on the lake shore, stating, “All illegal objects will be demolished.” The demolition follows UNESCO’s repeated recommendations that North Macedonia and Albania comply with protection measures for the lake’s natural and cultural heritage by 2030. The heritage committee recently considered adding the Ohrid region to the World Heritage in Danger list.

Struga is reviewing applications for legalisation, but any building that does not meet the criteria or blocks infrastructure will be removed, aligning with the forthcoming beach regulation.