Myrsini Malakou

Managing Director, Society for the Protection of Prespa
Prespa, Greece

"’I come from a beautiful place!’ Will our children be able to say this in the years to come without our efforts?”

Myrsini Malakou is a biologist who has lived permanently in Prespa since 1988. She has been the director of the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) since 1991. Her work focuses on biodiversity conservation, including the management of threatened species and important habitats. She has conducted extensive research on the ecology of rare bird and fish species, restored and managed critical habitats, promoted and implemented pilot actions for sustainable development, integrated traditional ecological knowledge with scientific research and management, and strengthened participatory processes to actively involve residents and stakeholders in biodiversity management. Furthermore, in the context of cross-border cooperation in the Prespa region, she works on developing joint strategies and management programs for biodiversity conservation and implementing pilot research and management actions throughout the broader Prespa area. In 2001, she and Giorgos Katsadorakis received the international Goldman Environmental Prize for their contribution to protecting Prespa, and in 2013, she was awarded the 'Byron Antipas' prize in recognition of her work in Prespa.