Macedonian Ecological Report
Sacha Shopov
Report on a Visit
to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
--------------------------------------------
Fact Finding Mission by
the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern
Europe
in October 1993
Budapest, January 1994
By Paul Kosterink, Alexander Juras, Olinka Gjigas, Phoebe
Cochrane
Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern
Europe
Foreword
>From October 10 to October 16, 1993 the authors of this
report visited the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
This report represents the results of this trip. The
report does not claim to give a complete overview of the
situation of the environment and the environmental
movement in Macedonia. Nor is it based on extensive
research or literature studies.
The authors are aware of the sensitivities which are
connected with the name of the country and they apologise
for any misunderstandings. It is the position of the
Regional Environmental Center to stay neutral in
political discussions.
At all places in the country the authors of this report
were overwhelmed by the hospitality and kindness of
people they met. They want to thank all persons which
helped them during their stay, in particular the Local
Coodinator of the REC for Macedonia, Katarina
Dimitrovska.
Budapest, November 1993
Phoebe Cochrane
Olinka Gjigas
Alexander Juras
Paul Kosterink
Contents
This report presents the results of a fact finding
mission of a team of the Regional Environmental Center
for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) to the former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. It was the aim of the
trip to collect information about the situation of the
environment and and environmental movement in this
country.
Chapter 1 of the report decribes the situation of the
environment in Macedonia, with a special emphasis on the
pollution of Lakes Dojran, Ohrid and Prespa.
In Chapter 2 the authors describe the situation of
environmental administration, including its legislative
aspects.
Chapter 3 gives an overview of the environmental
movement, describing some of the key environmental
organisations.
In Chapter 4 the actvities of THE REC in Macedonia
(history, current grants, etc.) are described.
Chapter 5 contains a record of the meetings which were
held during the fact finding mission and chapter 6
presents the conclusions of the report, emphasizing the
need for support of the environmental movement in
Macedonia, but also the high level of organisation which
can be found in some of the NGOs there.
The annex presents an address list and copies of
important materials which were collected during the stay
and from other sources.
Table of Contents
0. Introduction . . . . . . .
1
1. Basic Facts about Macedonia . . . . .
2
2. Environment and Nature . . . . .
3
2.1. Air Pollution . . . . . . .
3
2.2. Water Pollution. . . . . . .
3
2.2.1. Vardar River . . . . . .
3
2.2.2. Lake Dojran . . . . . .
3
2.2.3. Lake Prespa and Lake Ohrid . . .
4
2.3. Nature Conservation . . . . .
4
3. Environmental Administration and Legislation . .
5
4. Environmental NGOs . . . . . .
6
5. Activities of the REC in Macedonia . . . .
7
6. Record of the Meetings . . . . . .
8
6.1. Kriva Palanka . . . . . .
8
6.2. Lake Dojran . . . . . . .
9
6.3. Prilep . . . . . . . .
10
6.4. Resen and Lake Prespa . . . . .
11
6.5. Lake Ohrid, Ohrid and Struga . . . .
12
6.6. Kicevo . . . . . . . .
14
6.7. Titov Veles . . . . . . .
14
6.8. Skopje . . . . . . . .
15
6.9. National Government . . . . .
17
7. Conclusions . . . . . . . .
19
7.1. Environment and Nature . . . . .
19
7.2. Constituents . . . . . . .
20
Annexes
I. Map of Macedonia
II. Meeting list of organisations and persons
III. List of members and associate members of DEM
IV. Awarded grants in REC Local Grants Program
V. Article about Dojran Lake
VI. Structure of Ministry of Urbanism, Physical
Planning, Traffic and Ecology
VII. Address of REC Local Coordinator in Macedonia and
REC Budapest
0. Introduction
As a result of a visit of a delegation of the Regional
Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC)
to Macedonia in March 1993, and a decision of the Board
of Directors of the REC, Macedonia became fully eligible
for the REC services from April 1993.
In order to extend the presence of the REC in Macedonia,
a fact finding mission was conducted between October 10
and 16, 1993. Phoebe Cochrane, Olinka Gjigas, Paul
Kosterink and Alexander Juras from the REC Budapest, and
Katarina Dimitrovska, the Local Coordinator for
Macedonia, participated in this trip.
During the trip, representatives from non-governmental
organisations (NGOs), Local Authorities, Governmental
Institutions and Industry were visited throughout the
whole country. Through these talks the authors achieved a
good overview of the situation of the country, which will
help the REC to better design its activities in the
country.
This report describes the results of the trip, complete
with information from various publications.1
1. Basic Facts about Macedonia2
Macedonia is situated in the southern part of the Balkan
Peninsula and covers an area of about 26,000 km2 (which
is similar to The Netherlands). The population is about
2.3 million, of which half lives in urban areas. The
capital Skopje has 600,000 inhabitants. Other important
cities are: Bitola (85,000 inhabitants), Kumanovo
(70,000), Prilep (70,000), Tetovo (51,000), Titov Veles
(47,000), Ohrid (43,000) and Stip (42,000).
Macedonia became an independent, sovereign state on
November 17, 1991, after a majority of the population
opted for this in a national referendum. The state is
organised as a parliamentary democracy. Administratively
Macedonia is devided into 34 municipalities, which are
governed by municipal councils.
Macedonia is a mountounous country, having more than 34
peaks exceeding 2,000 meters. There are 53 natural or
artificial lakes, the largest being Lake Ohrid which, at
an altitude of 693 meters, occupies an area of 349 square
kilometer, of which 119 km2 belong to Albania. Lake Ohrid
and the city of Ohrid are recognised as a UNESCO World
Heritage. Lake Prespa covers 274 km2 (50 km2 belongs to
Albania, 48 km2 to Greece). The longest river in
Macedonia is the Vardar river, which is 301 km long.
35% Of the country (900,000 ha) is covered with forests,
27 % of the surface is used for agricultural purposes.
Macedonia has three national parks (Galicica, Mavrovo and
Pelister).
Energy is mainly produced by thermo electric power
stations. The three main stations, belonging to the
Bitola Mining and Power Combines produce 80% of
Macedonian electric energy.
2. Environment and Nature
Sections 2.1. and 2.2. summarise main pollution problems
for air and water, respectively, and section 2.3. handles
nature conservation.
2.1. Air Pollution
The main industrial polluters of the air are the thermal
power plants in Bitola (three units of each 210 MW) and
Oslomej (120 MW), both of which use lignite fuel, and the
chemical industry in Skopje (in particular the factory
OHIS, see section 6.8.). The city of Titov Veles is a
town heavily polluted by emissions from an oil factory, a
fertiliser and the "Zletovo" zinc and lead smelter. The
smelter was the second biggest industrial complex of its
kind in the former Yugoslavia.
As a result of the the war in Yugoslavia, and the
economic recession, Macedonia is only able to buy low
quality fuel with high contents of sulphur (up to 6 %).
This leads, in particular during temperature inversions,
to pollution problems. In January 1993 the concentration
of SO2 in the air of Skopje was 10 times higher than
allowed by the standards. Soot was even 14 times higher.
The main source of this pollution was car traffic in the
capital. Effects were an increased mortality among risk
groups such as old people and people with respiratory
illnesses.
2.2. Water Pollution
Rivers and lakes in Macedonia are polluted by industrial
and communal waste waters. No Macedonian town has
adequate waste water cleaning facilities. The situation
of the Vardar river, the largest Macedonian river, and of
the lakes Dojran, Prespa and Ohrid are particularly
alarming.
2.2.1. Vardar river3
The Vardar river has a length of 301 km. Its largest
tributaries are the rivers Bregalnica (225 km), Crna Reka
(207 km), Treska (138 km) and Pcinja (135 km).
The Vardar basin covers 80% of the territory of
Macedonia. Because of this, in particular during drought
periods, the river is heavily polluted by household waste
water, industrial waste water and by agriculture.
On the other hand, the river is an important source of
drinking water, because Macedonia lacks sufficient ground
water.
2.2.2. Lake Dojran
Lake Dojran is located in the south-east of Macedonia and
is a relatively small lake (originally, 42.5 km2; average
depth 6.8 meters). Two-thirds of the lake belong to
Macedonia, one-third to Greece. The lake is vital to the
local Macedonian community for fish production and
tourism. In 1988 Greece, partly with the permission of
the Yugoslav Government, subtracted a large quantity of
water from the lake through the Gjolaia canal. This was
the beginning of the end of Lake Dojran. Because of very
dry years and extensive use of water for irrigation the
level of Lake Dojran has fallen by 210 cm up to now, and
many endemic species for which the lake was famous have
already disappeared.
2.2.3. Lake Prespa and Lake Ohrid
Lake Prespa is the second biggest lake in Macedonia and
covers 274 km2. It is 54 meters deep. The biggest lake,
Lake Ohrid, covers 349 km2 and has a maximum depth of 286
meters. Madedonia shares Lake Prespa with Albania and
Greece, and Lake Ohrid with Albania. Lake Ohrid is on the
list of UNESCO World Natural Heritages.
Both lakes are polluted by heavy metals and various
chemicals, coming from industry and intensive agriculture
around the lakes. Communal waste waters also flow into
the lakes.
A sewage system for communal waste water was built around
a part of Lake Ohrid, but it is still not fully
completed.4
2.3. Nature Conservation
In Macedonia, there are three National Parks (IUCN
category II): Pelister (10,400 ha), Mavrovo (73,088 ha)
and Galicica (23,000 ha). There are also everal Natural
Monuments (IUCN category III) and Nature Conservation
Reserves (IUCN category IV). At present, 6.4% of the
territory of Macedonia is protected. According to
Macedonian's Physical Plan, this share is to increase to
18 % by the year 2000. The situation of the parks is
critical, because of the economic situation: there is not
enough money to maintain the parks in an adequate way.
3. Environmental Administration and Legislation
On the national level the Ministry for Urbanism,
Construction, Transport and Ecology is responsible for
environmental protection. Inside the ministry there are
only three persons responsible for environmental issues
(under Deputy Minister Nikola Srbinoski; see also annex
VI), none of them (yet) speaking adequate English. All
issues concerning setting enivironmental standards are
handled by the Ministry of Economy. An important role is
also played by the Ministry of Science.5
On the local level, the municipalities are responsible
for environmental protection. The minstry and the
municipalities are assisted by specialised agencies (such
has the Hydrobiological Institute in Ohrid).
The work of the ministry and the municipalities is
limited by financial means. Furthermore, there is a need
for training of experts in environmental protection and
policy.
The parliamentary Commission for Environment is
responsible for advising and for proposing environmental
laws. Two members in this commission are members of the
Ecologists' Movement of Macedonia: Dr. Mihail Tokarev and
Prof. Dr. Ljubco Grupce.
Up till now there has been no environmental legislation
in Macedonia, though a new law is being prepared. The
reason is that the environment is not a priority in
politics. As a result of this, the work of local
authorities is "frozen" because they do not have a legal
base for their work.6
Environmental standards exist but often are not enforced.
Fines for polluting activities are often so low that the
industry prefers to pay the fine rather than to reduce
pollution.
4. Environmental NGOs
Most environmental NGOs were founded around 1990 when
Macedonia was on its way to becoming a democratic,
sovereign state. Most NGOs in Macedonia can be considered
grassroot organisations. People organised themselves in
the different towns and cities as a response to local
environmental problems. The NGOs developed very rapidly
during the past years. They organised themselves on a
national level in the Ecologists' Movement of Macedonia
(DEM). DEM represents 31 out of the approximately 37
environmental NGOs, and additionally has associate
members7. The NGOs usually lack financial means and can
use training in organisational skills. They are not
supported by the government.
5. Activities of the REC in Macedonia
>From its start in 1990, the REC served the Socialist
Federal Republics of Yugoslavia, including Macedonia. In
practice, however, there were hardly any contacts with
Macedonian environmentalists and organisations during the
first years of the REC's existence (1990 till 1992).
Macedonian NGOs were eligible to receive grants from the
REC, but in practice the REC received only one project
proposal in 1992 from this country.
Macedonia became internationally isolated during the past
years because of the war and tensions in former
Yugoslavia and delays in the international recognition of
Macedonia as a sovereign country8. Also for these
reasons, Macedonian NGOs had only a few contacts at the
international level. To improve cooperation with
Macedonia the REC organised a mission to Macedonia in
March 19939. On the basis of that mission the Board of
Directors of the REC decided in April 1993 to formally
extend activities in Macedonia. On July 1, 1993 a
coordinator was hired to represent the REC in Macedonia
and to coordinate the newly developed Local Grants
Program.
The response to this Local Grants Program in Macedonia
was most positive. Nineteen project proposals from eleven
different NGOs were evaluated in the first Local Advisory
Board Meeting in September 1993. The eleven NGOs
represent about one-third of all active NGOs in
Macedonia, and geographically cover most of the country.
The maximum amount of available money for 1993 (ECU 7000)
was awarded to five projects from different NGOs10. For
1994, the total amount of money for the Local Grants
Program in Macedonia will be ECU 30,000. This amount is 6
% of the total budget (i.e. ECU 500,000) for the Local
Grants Program for the ten CEE countries the REC serves.
This exemplifies the emphasis the REC puts on supporting
the NGO movement in this relatively small country (2.3
million inhabitants).
The assignment of a Local Coordinator for Macedonia
certainly contributed to the succesful response to the
Local Grants Program. Furthermore, the coordinator
supported and advised the NGOs on writing project
proposals, disseminated information about the REC to the
environmental community, informed REC staff about
environmental conditions and constituents' needs, and was
active as a consultant on different topics.
The REC plans to open a Local Office in Skopje in Summer
of 1994.
6. Record of the Meetings
This chapter describes the information obtained from the
meetings with people from NGOs, local authorities,
ministries and institutes who work on environmental
issues, and is completed with background information from
various sources. These sources are mentioned in the
footnotes.
The places which were visited describe a round-trip
through Macedonia. Kriva Palanka in the north-east, Lake
Dojran in the south-east, Prilep in the south, the two
big border lakes Prespa and Ohrid in the south-west,
Kicevo in the west, and Titov Veles and Skopje in the
norther part of the country. See also the map of
Macedonia in annex I. Exact data on people and
organisations met are laid down in annex II.
6.1. Kriva Palanka
The whole Eastern part of Macedonia can be characterised
as rural. The population density is low in this part of
the country, where the major activities consist of
agriculture and ore mining. There are only three
environmental NGOs active in the East. Kriva Palanka is
situated in the North-east, half-way between Sofia and
Skopje. There are about 15,000 inhabitants and another
11,000 in the surrounding areas.
Environmental and Natural Conditions
The zinc and lead mines supply the country with important
minerals that also cause pollution. The ores are also
purified near Kriva Palanka11 causing air pollution.
Macedonia is surrounded by four countries: small
Yugoslavia in the North, Bulgaria in the East, Greece in
the South and Albania in the West. For different reasons
(small Yugoslavia: international boycot, Greece:
political tensions, Albania: economical problems), most
international road transport now goes via Sofia - Skopje,
through Kriva Palanka. This road is also used for
transporting goods to Greece and Albania. The roads are
clearly not suited for this traffic burden, and
inhabitants suffer from air pollution, noise and unsafe
roads.
>From 1970 till now there have been 15,000 hectares of
trees planted (the whole rural area has a surface area of
72,000 ha.). The last few years have been very dry,
affecting the natural areas in the form of forest fires
and the disappearance of flora.
Environmental Activities
The only environmental NGO in Kriva Palanka is 'Flora'.
Flora was established in 1990. Currently there are over
100 members from different backgrounds and ages,
including engineers, mine workers, teachers and pupils
from primary and secondary schools. They are in need of
an office in order to work effectively12.
So far, "the local authorities are immune for the
environmental virus" as one of Flora's members stated.
Nevertheless Flora has been able to put pressure on the
authorities which took over some solutions proposed by
the NGO. A ring road around Kriva Palanka to avoid heavy
traffic burden is being seriously considered now.
6.2. Lake Dojran
Lake Dojran is a small lake in the south-east of
Macedonia, and borders Greece.
Environmental and Natural Conditions
The relatively small lake does not have much buffer
capacity. This made it necessary to build waste water
treatment facilities for the many hotels in 1986 in
Dojran. The facilities worked well in the initial years
of operation, but now face many technical problems
because of lack of money. Over time, the lake will be
unsuitable for tourism and fishing without adequate waste
water treatment. The drop of water level (see below)
gives the lake a 'sad' look; the tourism industry has
already been decimated.
An agreement between Greece and Yugoslavia was signed in
1988. It consisted of the draining of 30 million m3 water
at once to fill water reservoirs in Greece for
agricultural use. As a result the lake's water surface
dropped about 40 cm. Since then, successive dry years and
uncontrolled use of water for irrigation caused a
further drop in the water level. 90% of the original
water input from rivers comes from the Greek side. Most
of that river water is now used for irrigation. Water
from the contributory rivers on the Macedonian side is
also used for irrigation. However, in Macedonia it is
forbidden to use water from the lake for irrigation.
Furthermore, the drought in recent years contributed to
the low input of fresh water into the lake. Between 1988
and 1992, 55-60% of the initial amount of water
disappeared from the lake at an average rate of 43 cm a
year 13. The amount of water in the lake was 286 million
m3 in 1988, and in 1993 was diminished to 90 million m3.
Average depth is now 3 m, compared to 6-6.5 m in 1988.
The shores are drawn back by some 100 to 150 m (see
pictures).
The lake will be dried up within a decade or so if no
measures are taken. This would mean the end of Lake
Dojran and thus of the 5,000 inhabitants' main
livelihood. As Dine Ajcev, president of Dojransko ezero,
puts it "Without a lake there's no life". The biggest
problem the NGO and the community face is that only an
international agreement between Greece and Macedonia, or
actions on the Greek side, can save Lake Dojran. In the
present relationship between the two countries, and the
low public pressure in Greek society, this is difficult.
Lake Dojran is the habitat of several endemic species.
The impact of low water levels on nature is considerable.
Fish can not lay spawn in the reed anymore since the reed
is now on dry shores. There are changes in physical and
chemical parameters, thus in the vulnerable ecological
balance. In 1988 the lake produced 500 tons fish, which
has now been decreased to some 250 tons, partly due to
(illegal) over-fishing.
Lake Dojran is well-known because of its historical and
unique way of fishing. From wooden huts on stakes,
situated in the water, the fishermen use trained birds to
drive schools of fish into a trap. The huts are now on
dry land (see picture), ending a unique culture.
Environmental Activities
The Ecological Association 'Dojransko ezero' was founded
in 1988. In that year the NGO was asked by local
authorities to support activities to diminish fishing in
the lake. Now there is only one fishing enterprise left,
but illegal fishing is increasing. The NGO has no own
financial resources, and most activities are financed by
this fishing enterprise. The Ecologist Movement of
Macedonia (DEM), in cooperation with the NGO, organised a
conference in 1990 on the protection of the lake.
Participants from Macedonia as well as from Greece
attended the conference. One of the results was an
overview of the problems of Lake Dojran in the conference
proceedings14.
The Macedonian government tried via the United Nations
(UNESCO) to have the lake protected as a world heritage,
but Greece was not willing to sign an agreement. Greece
wants action on the Vardar river, which flows through
Greece, and is highly polluted by activities on the
Macedonian side. Dojransko ezero is now building up
pressure on the Macedonian government to make a 'deal'
between Macedonia and Greece: cleaning the Vardar river
versus protecting Lake Dojran.
A visit by John Hontelez and Mara Silina of Friends of
the Earth International in June 1993 resulted in some
international pressure through questioning Greece in the
European Community's parliament by an EC Member of
Parliament.
The NGO is producing a film in English which will show
the pressing situation of the lake. It is now seeking
international support to build up pressure on the
governments of Macedonia and Greece15.
6.3. Prilep
Prilep has 70,000 inhabitants and is situated in the
south of Macedonia.
Environmental and Natural Conditions
In the past few decades there has been a continuous
migration of (especially young) people from the
surrounding villages and agricultural lands to the town
Prilep. As a consequence, unemployment is high in Prilep,
and social problems are increasing. The main reason for
the migration is the lack of work and prospects for
people, partly as a result of the drought. Villages are
in some cases completely deserted, despite the fact that
about 20,000 ha. of land is arable. For example, the
village of Bela Vodica had about 1000 inhabitants in the
1980s; currently only 20 are left. The town Mariovo had
20,000 inhabitants in the 1980s, now 800 people are left.
There is only one school for Mariovo and for the
surrounding villages, now with four pupils.
Air pollution (especially sulfur dioxide) comes from
mining activities and processing industries around
Prilep. There is suspicion of natural elevated background
levels of radon as a cause of relatively higher cancer
rates among the inhabitants of Prilep.
Fires, caused by the recent droughts, destroyed much of
the surrounding forests and vegetation of these arid
soils.
Environmental Activities
The Ecological Association 'Prilep' 's main activity is
to put life back in the villages surrounding Prilep. The
association works closely with a local watermanagement
enterprise. The first stage of a comprehensive plan is to
bring back water to an area of 500 km2. Totally 10 water
reservoirs will have to be built, which will be
interconnected. These reservoirs will contain 80,000 -
150,000 m3 of water each and will provide the necessary
water for irrigation, especially during dry periods.
The first part of the plan is being implemented now in
the village of Bela Vodica. A water reservoir has been
built and provides water for ecologically friendly
agriculture. A farm is run by the enterprise, which
serves as an example to attract farmers to the deserted
areas. The farm produces fruits as well as food for local
cattle.
6.4. Resen and Lake Prespa
Resen has about 30,000 inhabitants and is situated in the
south-west of Macedonia, some kilometers north of Lake
Prespa. Lake Prespa borders Greece, Albania and
Macedonia. The lake covers 274 km3 and is 54 m deep.
Environmental and Natural Conditions
Tourism is an important economic activity around Lake
Prespa, and causes ecological pressure on the beautiful
nature area. The water quality of the lake is still very
high, and suited for drinking without purification. The
water quantity is dropping through an ever diminishing
input. The level of the water surface dropped by around 5
m (maximum drop was 7 m) over the last 40 years. As a
comparison, this is an amount of water equalling six to
seven times Lake Dojran. Scientific research is underway
to determine whether it is caused by natural fluctuations
or human interference. Agro chemicals and nutrification
threaten the water quality of the lake.
The area around Resen is famous of its apple production.
Uncontrolled use of chemicals in apple production causes
pollution of soils and water.
A primary forest near Resen is dying through uncontrolled
cutting down of trees.
The city of Resen faces problems with communal wastes.
Environmental Activities
The first environmental organisation in Macedonia was
established in Resen in 1988, and evolved from the
socialist youth organisation of Resen . On the basis of
this organisation the Ecological Association 'Zdravec'
was founded. Currently, there are two environmental NGOs
active in Resen: Ecological Association 'Zdravec' and the
Ecological Initiative 'Resen', established in 1992. The
NGOs lack office space and financial support. among Local
Authorities there is not much understanding for the
environmental problems and the NGOs' suggestions, while
environmental awareness among the citizens is low.
Lake Prespa was proposed to have international protection
by having it acknowledged as a UNESCO world heritage,
like Lake Ohrid (see below). It was not approved yet, and
is now on the nomination list of UNESCO. Pressure on the
national government and international pressure are being
sought now. This is especially important because the lake
belongs to three countries, whose mutual relationships
are far from optimal.
6.5. Lake Ohrid, Ohrid and Struga
Lake Ohrid lies in the south-west of Macedonia, bordering
Albania. The lake is only a few kilometers away from Lake
Prespa, seperated by a hill range. In fact, water from
Lake Prespa percolates through the soil into Lake Ohrid,
because Lake Prespa lies 100 m higher then Lake Ohrid.
the towns of Ohrid and Struga are the main towns on this
Lake. Lake Ohrid as well as the town of Ohrid have been
placed under the protection of UNESCO for their
outstanding natural surroundings and unique architecture,
respectively. The lake and the town are Macedonia's chief
touristic attractions.
Environmental and Natural Conditions
Lake Ohrid is about 2 million years old and one of the
oldest lakes in the world. 80 % Of all species in the
lake are endemic species, such as sponges, shells,
arthropodes and a famous endemic trout (Salmonidai-Salmo
lenica).
There is a sewage system built around the lake which
collects most of the communal waste waters from all
northern and eastern towns and settlements. The length of
the sewage system covers only one-third of the Macedonion
shores of the lake. The remaining two-thirds of the
system are planned, but, because of lack of money, can
not be finished. On the Albanian side of the lake there
is no sewage system. Waste water from industries are not
connected to the sewage system.
The Grasnica river flows through the town of Ohrid into
the lake. A factory processing heavy metals pollutes the
river with its effluents. The river is not connected with
any sewage treatment system, and thus pollutes Lake Ohrid
as well. Other pollution sources are a galvanisation
factory, communal waste, car painting industry and agro-
chemicals.
Environmental Activities
An international symposium on the condition and
perspectives for protection of Lake Ohrid was held in
June 199116. In the summer of 1992, the Forum of Young
Ecologists (FOMEK; see section 6.8.) organised an
international eco-camp on the bank of Lake Ohrid. A video
on the natural situation and problems of Lake Ohrid was
produced.
The symposium on Lake Ohrid in 1991 boosted the
environmental activities in Ohrid. Two environmental NGOs
are active in Ohrid: Ecological Association 'Grasnica'
and Ecological Association 'Ohrid'. In Struga there is
one environmental organisation active: the Ecological
Association 'Enhalon'. All these NGOs are active not only
on local problems, but also on Lake Ohrid and its
surroundings.
The main activities of the Ecological Association
'Grasnica' deal with the protection of the lake and to
raise environmental awareness of the people. The group
wants to involve more young people and is setting up
youth sections within the NGO.
Grasnica pressures authorities and the two factories in
the town to protect the lake from industrial pollution
through proper waste water treatment17 and pollution
prevention. Experts already found fish from the lake with
elevated levels of heavy metals in the tissues. A protest
meeting for protecting the lake, organised by the NGO in
the summer of 1993, was attended by some 300 citizens.
Cooperation with Albanian counterparts to protect the
lake has been established.
The NGO also sent a letter of protest to the President of
the Republic. If Local Authorities do not respond soon,
UNESCO will be contacted to enforce proper protection of
the lake. Furthermore, an action involving tourists is
planned for August 1994.
The Ecological Association 'Enhalon' of Struga focuses
its activities on protecting the lake and has projects on
environmental education. Actions to protect the lake are
aimed at preventing pollution from rivers flowing into
the lake (Sateska river between Ohrid and Struga, and
Crni Drim river).
The local authorities of Ohrid claim to be constrained by
(lack of clear) legislation. Before the separation from
SFR Yugoslavia, Macedonian county authorities had clear
responsibilities concerning the environment.
Representatives of the local authorities mentioned the
current vacuum which exists in determining
responsibilities on environment related issues among
national and local authorities. This is caused by not
passing new environmental legislation in the National
Parliament, while the status of the old (Yugoslavian)
laws is not clear.
The local authorities of Ohrid have programs to prevent
the pollution of Grasnica river, but lack the financial
means to execute them.
The Hydrobiological Institute in Ohrid was established in
1934. The institute examines the biological, physical and
chemical characteristics of Lake Ohrid. Furthermore, it
breeds the endemic trout to prevent them from becoming
extinct. The institute reproduces 20 million fish per
year to keep the population in the lake stable, since 300
tonnes of trout are fished annually. The institute plays
an active role in the protection of the lake.
The Sewage Treatment Plant in Vraniste, near Struga,
purifies the communal waste waters of the northern and
eastern shores of Lake Ohrid. 35 Km of the sewage system
still have to be built; this will cost some 30 million
German Mark. About the same amount of money has already
been spent on the plant by the national government and
the municipalities. The plant lacks the money to finalise
the whole sewage system; national and local authorities
see no possibilities of supporting the plant with
additional finance. The communities of Ohrid and Struga
pay for the operational costs.
About 4000 tonnes of sewage sludge are produced per year.
At the moment there is the problem of what to do with it.
In principle the sludge is suitable as fertiliser in
agriculture. A pilot project in cooperation with the
Agriculture Department of the University in Skopje is
carried out to let worms make compost of it.They estimate
that 30% of the operational costs can be earned back by
selling the compost. Money is lacking to implement the
technique for the whole plant.
6.6. Kicevo
Kicevo lies in western Macedonia. It is a town with
mainly agricultural activities and some light industries.
There are natural areas in its surroundings.
Environmental and Natural Conditions
Natural areas consist of forests with endemic species of
flora and fauna. There are caves and a beautiful canyon
in the vicinity of Kicevo. Nature conservation is
problematic because there is no law to enforce
protection. The Studencica river is completely dry
because of draining for drinking water.
Communal wastes go directly into the Treska river. Some
factories have purification systems, but not many are
operational.
Environmental Activities
The Ecological Association 'Studencica' is concerned with
water supplies, communal waste, environmental education,
nature conservation and pollution prevention. It has a
commission of 21 respected, experienced people who advise
the NGO and the local authorities on environmental
issues. The commission also gathers funds for
environmental activities and financially supports
Studencica. Due to lack of (clear) environmental
legislation the local authorities have no real means of
enforcing environmentally sound policy. Therefore, the
NGO and the commission play a vital role in protecting
the environment and nature in and around Kicevo, through
cooperation with the authorities, and with industry.
A current project, financed by the REC (see also annex
IV) consists of teaching pupils from different secondary
schools to measure water pollution. Besides teaching
pupils and making them enthusiastic about nature and the
environment, the NGO is setting up a local monitoring
network for the surface water. The NGO's recent efforts
in water pollution prevention resulted in the treatment
of effluents produced by an iron processing factory.
In and around Kicevo there is a general lack of water.
The Studencica river already ran dry because of draining
for drinking water. The NGO wants to have part of the
river water brought back, so that flora and fauna can
recover. Water reservoirs (which could also be used for
electrical power generation) will have to be built to
ensure sufficient water supplies. Planned activities are
to have an environmental radio programme on the local
radio station, with an open telephone line to have the
public more involved in environmental topics and
problems. Setting up a speleological group to protect the
caves around the town is also planned.
6.7. Titov Veles
Titov Veles is situated in the middle of the country,
close to Skopje. It has 47,000 inhabitants and is
predominantly industrial. There is a smelter for lead and
zinc, a porcelain factory, a fertiliser factory and
leather and metal industries. Agriculture and viticulture
(growing grapes for wine production) are other sources of
income.
Environmental and Natural Conditions
The industrial activities in Titov Veles dominate the
environmental agenda of people involved. Titov Veles is
considered to be the most polluted town in Macedonia. The
main polluter in Titov Veles is the Zletovo zinc and lead
smelter. The smelter is situated in the outskirts of the
city. It pollutes air, soil and water (e.g. Vardar river)
with heavy metals over a wide area; elevated levels of
lead in soil are found in places as far as 80 km away.
Data from a comparitive study among people from Titov
Veles and a clean town in Macedonia, carried out in 1991,
showed clear elevations of heavy metals in the
population, food, air, soil and water in Titov Veles.
The technical processes used for smelting the metals are
outdated; they are the same as when the factory opened in
1973. Filters were installed some years ago, but to
diminish pollution to acceptable levels the smelter needs
to renew its techniques and processes completely. The
smelter claims to have no money for this or for following
the steps of other smelting factories in the world via
the ISP organisation. They are waiting for the government
for new investments to improve environmental conditions.
The smelter has an environmental department of six
people, responsible for advising on environmental and
working conditions. Their main activity is to monitor the
chemical, physical and ergonomical conditions inside and
outside the industrial premises. They take, for instance,
measurements of cadmium, zinc and lead in the soil and
around the industrial grounds. They also measure air
pollution levels in three places in the city which are
controlled by the Institute of Health Protection and the
factory.
Environmental Activities
The Ecological Association 'Vila Zora' has about 500
members, of which 70 are active. The NGO has various
actions related to the problems with the smeltery
mentioned above. It informs the public about pollution
and related health effects on citizens, and puts pressure
on the smelter to prevent pollution. There are 1100
people working at the smelter in a city of 47,000
inhabitants, indicating the reserved attitude of the
populace towards any actions against the smelter.
Vila Zora focuses on the education of children. They
organise, for instance, drawing and poem competitions and
protests to protect children's health from the various
pollutant sources. The NGO is currently establishing its
own office. 18
6.8. Skopje
Skopje is situated in the northern part of the country.
It is the capital of Macedonia and houses about half a
million people. The city was devestated by an earthquake
in 1963. Therefore the city now has a modern, 'cold'
outlook.
Environmental and Natural Conditions
Being the political and economic centre of the country,
Skopje faces the 'regular' environmental problems of
Central and Eastern European cities: air pollution from
intensive traffic, industrial pollution, and a polluting
public transport system (mainly consisting of old buses).
Environmental Activities
The environmental movement in Macedonia distinguishes
itself from the movements in other Central and Eastern
European countries by having a strong and broad umbrella
organisation: the Ecologists Movement of Macedonia (DEM).
31 Environmental NGOs (of a total of about 37, nation-
wide) from all over Macedonia are members of DEM. The
Movement also has 31 associated members consisting mainly
of governmental institutions. DEM supports and stands up
for its member organisations, and expresses the common
voice of the environmental movement towards, for example,
national government19. DEM is a member of Friends of the
Earth International.
The Ecological Association 'Opstanok' ('Survival') Has
existed for tive years now and is the biggest
environmental organisation of Macedonia. It has several
local groups and sections, and other organisations have
become associate members of Opstanok (e.g. a
speleological, a macrobiotical, and a mountaineering
organisation). Opstanok is active not only on issues
dealing with Skopje, but also on national ones. Opstanok
receives no financial support from governmental sources;
everything is financed by its members.
Some of the activities of Opstanok are the following:
- Air pollution problems in Skopje: Air pollution levels
in the city are permanently elevated, with serious smog
periods from time to time. In January 1993 Skopje had
levels of air pollution (winter type smog) exceeding up
to 10 times the allowable limits. Responsible
organisations did not immediately react to the severe
smog. Opstanok organised meetings for all important
institutions, organised protest meetings and a strike.
- Improved public transport system: Activities consist of
pleading to make public transport better and cleaner,
e.g. by building tram lines in Skopje.
- Education: Projects at schools are carried out to
educate pupils about smoking, healthy life, the
environment and to organise school environmental clubs,
quizes, exhibitions and art contests.
- Water pollution: All around the country more and more
filling stations are being planned and built. Opstanok is
trying to have them removed from drinking water areas.
- Vardar river: Opstanok opposes to the main polluters of
this river: the organic chemical factory 'OHIS' in Skopje
and the smelter 'Zletovo' in Titov Veles. In January 1993
massive death of fish occurred in Vardar river. Opstanok
prosecuted OHIS, which most likely caused this
'incident'. More mass fish deaths have been reported
before and after this incident. So far (as of November
1993), Opstanok has not heard anything from the
judiciary, nor from the governmental side which was asked
to investigate the incidents.
- (Re)forestation: Activitities are held nation-wide to
reforest burnt forests and green the cities.
- Political pressure: Ministries, political parties and
parliament are put under pressure to come to
environmentally sound policies. Opstanok managed to get
the different ministries together to make decisions on
environment.
'FOMEK' (Forum of Young Ecologists of Macedonia) is an
NGO of young active people from Skopje. They are
currently trying to set up similar organisations in other
major towns of Macedonia. The Youth Council of Macedonia
(see below) supports FOMEK financially and with office
space.
Presently FOMEK is running a project to organise its
yearly summercamp with international participation.
Furthermore, FOMEK is joining an initiative called 'I
like nature - I like life', involving environmental
education and tree planting actions for pupils from
primary and secundary schools. Another project is to
issue a publication on environmental articles to make the
topic accessable to young people20. The essays in the
publication are written by young people and young
journalists. Furthermore, it contains a summary of
interviews on environment and nature among youngsters. An
exhibition is being held from a competition of cartoons,
drawings and arts among pupils.
The organisation Young Researchers of Macedonia focuses
on nature studies for young people. Young Researchers of
Macedonia measured the levels of pollutants in the water
from the Vardar river upstream and downstream from known
polluting factories. On these issues the organisation
works with other NGOs, such as FOMEK and Opstanok.
Now their most important aim is to establish a research
station in Katlanovo (between the cities of Skopje and
Titov Veles) for ecological observation. They are
supported by the Ecology Department of the University of
Natural Sciences and some well-known professors.
The Youth Council of Macedonia is an organisation funded
by the government (e.g. via the state lottery). The
Council's main task is to distribute money to some eleven
youth organisations. Money is thus also donated to
organisations dealing with nature and environment, such
as FOMEK, and scouting groups which are for instance
involved in tree planting actions. The Council also
offers FOMEK an office space. The Youth Council is member
of the European Youth Council.
The Assembly of the City of Skopje (environmental
department) estimates it needs one million German Mark to
start cleaning up the environment in Skopje. Money is
still spent on other issues instead of environment, as
they mentioned. It considers air pollution to be the
biggest problem in Skopje, referring to January 1993's
severe smog period. It measures air pollution levels in
Skopje in three places with old equipment.
6.9. National government
The Parliamentary Commission for Environment consists of
eleven members; seven from parliament (MPs from different
parties) and four outside experts. Two of these experts
are also active members of environmental NGOs. The
Commission's task is to advise parliament and government
on environmental issues; it facilitates decision making
on environmental issues, and has the task of promoting
protection of the environment in all aspects of the
national policy. Commission members mentioned that every
decision made by the Commission so far was made by
consensus and that political party background is not
important.
The Ministry of Science does not have many tools for
environmentally friendly policy. Nevertheless, it is
considered by many people to be the most active ministry
in Macedonia with respect to protection of the
environment. The Ministry is also active in making
international contacts (e.g. with IAEA Vienna, UNDP
Nairobi). The Minister of Science attends many
international meetings, and the minister is now signing
various international treaties.
Current projects which have an international dimension
are the problems with the three border lakes and the
Vardar river. Cooperation with Albanian counterparts
consists of studying possibilities to protect the Lake
Prespa and Lake Ohrid. Contacts with Greek counterparts
are still sought. The Ministry plans to found an
environmental department inside the ministry.
The Ministry of Urbanism, Physical Planning, Traffic and
Ecology has a small environmental section (see annex VI
for structure of the Ministry). The Ministry drafts
environmental laws for the government, with input from
scientists and NGOs. Laws from other countries are used
as a basis to draft these laws. Parliament did not pass
the environmental law yet. The Ministry seeks contacts
with Albania and Greece to solve the problems with the
three border lakes. So far no contacts have been found.
7. Conclusions
Conclusions presented in this chapter are based on the
results of the trip, as described in the previous
chapters, and therefore do not claim to give a complete
and objective picture.
7.1. Environment and Nature
Macedonia is a beautiful country where natural and
(agri)cultural areas are connected. It does not have as
bad an environmental situation as do other Central and
Eastern European countries such as Poland and Czech
Republic. Former SFR Yugoslavia in general took better
care of pollution and was wealthier then any of the other
Central and Eastern European countries.
Nevertheless, there is a lot to do in the environmental
and nature protection field. We summarise the main points
of attention on a national scale:
The Lakes
In the south, bordering Greece and/or Albania, are three
lakes: Dojran, Prespa and Ohrid. The former one is dying
because of water frained for irrigation, mainly on the
Greek side (less then half of the original amount of
water is left). Lake Prespa also shows a drop in the
water level, though probably caused by the severe
draughts in recent years. Lake Prespa and Lake Ohrid are
threatened by pollution from agriculture, communal waste
and small industries. Each of the three lakes is unique
because of its richness in endemic species. Solutions for
the problems can only be found in cooperation with the
bordering countries of Greece and Albania. Since mutual
relationships and the economic situation are quite bad,
improvements are very difficult. International pressure
has to build upon the governments from all three nations
involved to restore and protect the lakes.
Vardar River
The Vardar river is the biggest river in Macedonia. It
has its source in the north-west of Macedonia and flows
to the south-east into Greece. Before flowing into Greece
the river is highly polluted by communal and industrial
waste. Cleaning up the river needs big investments
especially in sewage systems and industrial pollution
prevention.
Nature
More then one-third of Macedonia is covered with forests.
There are three national parks covering just over 100,000
ha. of the surface (approximately 4%). Legal and illegal
tree cutting endanger some forests. Fires, caused by the
drought of past six years, destroyed many forests in
1993. Reforestation requires extra efforts because of the
arid soils, which recover only slowly. Protection of the
natural areas requires clear legislation and nature
policy from the governmental side.
7.2. Constituents
Macedonia is quite poor in international contacts and
financial means. This also holds true for the
environmental scene: governmental agencies and
ministries, scientific and academic institutions, and the
environmental movement are just starting to build up
strong international contacts and have to compete for
scarce financial sources.
Environmental Movement
Most environmental organisations were founded three years
ago. Despite this short history and - additionally - the
lack of international and financial support, we met a
very lively and constructive environmental movement in
Macedonia. On a national scale, the environmental NGOs
cooperate well together, mainly (but not exclusively)
through the umbrella organisation DEM.
We can and should not generalise the NGOs much: their
effectiveness and possibilities differ from town to town.
Some cooperate well with their local authorities or with
local 'polluters', others meet high walls to achieve even
a dialogue. What they often have in common is that
results depend on personal contacts. We had the
impression that when key persons in governmental or
industrial places are open to environmentally sound
choices and NGOs anticipate well, then much could be
achieved. The support of numbers (i.e. many NGO members
or broad public support) or of money was usually not a
necessary key to success, let alone available.
Macedonian NGOs need broad support to expand
environmental education, to raise the low environmental
awareness of the people, and to put pressure on the
government to have nature and environment as a high
priority in day-to-day policy. The international
community needs to support the Macedonian movement more
actively with information, training and finance.
Especially regarding the problems with the three border
lakes, the NGOs need international back-up to have
Macedonia, Albania and Greece take the situation
seriously.
Local Authorities
Local authorities we met always mentioned the lack of
(clear) environmental legislation. Therefore they lack
tools to implement environmental policy.
We often heard the complaint from NGOs we met that local
authorities are not open to environmental topics at all.
In one case we met an NGO and local authorities who
worked well together and achieved clear results to
improve the local environmental conditions.
National Government
The Government and Parliament need to pass environmental
legislation to give environmental policy a backbone. The
environment is not a big issue on the political agenda.
The Parliamentary Commission for Environment, with a
broad representation of the different constituents and
with an ambitious agenda, might make the environment more
important on the political agenda. The Ministry of
Urbanism, Physical Planning, Traffic and Ecology needs
more support (politically and financially) and employees
to take ecology seriously. The good-will seems to be
present in Ministries.
Annexes
I. Map of Macedonia
II. Meeting list of organisations and persons
III. List of members and associate members of DEM
IV. Awarded grants in REC Local Grants Program
V. Article about Dojran Lake
VI. Structure of Ministry of Urbanism, Physical
Planning, Traffic and Ecology
VII Address of REC Local Coordinator in Macedonia and
REC Budapest
I. Map of Macedonia
II. Meeting list of organisations and persons
The organisations and persons which were visited during
the Fact Finding Mission of the Regional Environmental
Center are listed below.
SUNDAY, October 10, 1993
EkoloTauko druTautvo "Flora"
Kriva Palanka
Ecological Association
"Flora"
Ulica MarTaual Tito 96
91330 Kriva Palanka
tel. +389 91 75 447
dr. -or-i Kerovski,
president of NGO
Ljupflorino Stojnev, vice
president
Ljupflorino Petkovski, local
authority
Jovanflorine Maflorinovski, member
Slobodanka Taseva, member
Stevan DImitrijevski,
member
MONDAY, October 11, 1993
EkoloTauko druTautvo
"Dojransko ezero", Star
Dojran
Ecological Association
"Dojransko ezero"
Mesna zaednica
91487 Star Dojran
tel. +389 93 83 690
Dine Ajcev, president of
NGO
EkoloTauko druTautvo "Prilep",
Prilep
Ecological Association
"Prilep"
tavica bb
97500 Prilep
tel. +389 98 21104
dr. Ilija BaTaueski
TUESDAY, October 12, 1993
EkoloTauko druTautvo "Zdravec" WEDNESDAY, October 20,
Ecological Assocation 1993
"Zdravec"
City of Ohrid - Local
EkoloTauka inicijativa Authorities
"Resen" D. Vlahov 57
Ecological Initiative 96000 Ohrid
"Resen" tel. +389 96 21 406
Mladinski Sovet fax. +389 96 32 454
97310 Resen, tel. 389 96
42 803 Nikodin Naumoski,
secretary
Aron Prculovski
Goce Stavrevski
Goce Grozdanovski Hydrobiological Institute,
Kiro -akov Ohrid
LeTauka Baranova 96000 Ohrid
prof. Nikola Naumovski tel. +389 96 23 638
Ofelija Bogoevska
Pavel ljahov Zdravko Krstanovski,
director
EkoloTauko druTautvo
"GraTaunica", Ohrid Javno pretprijatie za
Ecological Association zaTautita na Ohridskoto
"GraTaunica" ezero, Struga
Ulica ar Planina 59 Sewage system, Struga
96000 Ohrid 96355 Struga
tel. +389 96 34 121 tel. +389 96 71 061
Svetozar Kostovski, ing. Stojan Damjanovski
president
Stojan Stojanovski
Nikola Ivanovski EkoloTauko druTautvo
Josif Stojkovski "Enhalon", Struga
Boris Stojanovski Ecological Association
Vanflorino Stojanovski "Enhalon"
Ulica Vojdan .25ernodrinski
24
96355 Struga
tel. +389 96 71 308, 72
059
Mate Gogoski, president
EkoloTauko druTautvo
"Studenflorinica", Kiflorinevo
Ecological Association
"Studenflorinica"
Ulica Partizanski odredi
124
96250 Kiflorinevo
tel. +389 95 36 200
Koce Naumovski, president
Blagoje
Zoran Krstevski
Stojmir
Elena Booinovska aivko Arsovski
Secretary of the Local
Council
THURSDAY, October 14, 1993
Ministry of Urbanism,
Civil Engineering, Traffic
and Ecology
Dame Gruev 14
91000 Skopje
tel. +389 91 231 307
fax. +389 91 221 918
Nikola Srbinoski, Deputy
Minister
"Zletovo" - Smelter, Titov
Veles
93000 Titov Veles
tel. +389 93 22 165
fax. +389 93 21 249
Panflorine Pljakov, Director of
Development Department
Goran Arsov, Environmental
Officer - Ecolog
Sla-ana Nikova,
Environmnetal Officer -
Ecolog
EkoloTauko druTautvo "Vila
Zora", Titov Veles
Ecological Association
"Vila Zora"
Ulica Pajak Planina 13
91400 Titov Veles
tel. +389 93 24 830
Pandorka NikuTaueva
EkoloTauko druTautvo
"Opstanok", Skopje
Ecological Association
"Opstanok"
Bulevar Ilinden bb, p. fah
558
91000 Skopje
tel. +389 91 220 518
fax. +389 91 231 777
Sveto Stefanoski,
president
Vasilka Cvetkovska
Pero Stojflorinevski
FRIDAY, October 15, 1993
Dvioenje na ekologistite
na Makedonija
Ecologist Movement of
Macedonia
Bulevar Ilinden bb, p. fah
558
91000 Skopje
tel. +389 91 220 518
Prof. dr. Mihail Tokarev
Melita Ivanova
Forum na mladi ekologisti
Forum of Young Ecologist
of Macedonia
Bulevar Ilinden blok 12
91000 Skopje
tel. +389 91 234 373
fax. +389 91 116 545
Marjan Madoovski
Milica Sinokapflorineva
Toni Popovski
Mladi istraoivaflorini na
Makedonija
Young Researchers of
Macedonia
Ivan Malenkov
Mladinski Sovet na
Makedonija
Youth Council of Macedonia
Darko Serafimovski
Organsko kemijska
industrija "Naum Naumovski
- Borflorine", Skopje
Organic Chemical Industry
(OHIS)
Prvomajska ulica bb, p.p.
330
91000 Skopje
tel. +389 91 236 660
fax. +389 91 231 654
Ms. Georgijevska, Advisor
for Ecology
Miodrag Stefanoski, Ass.
Gen. Manager
Vojo Karafiloski
Assembly of the City of
Skopje
tel. +389 91 234 455
fax. +389 91 111 402
Ektim Takovski, member of
the Executive Board
Gligor Smokvarski, vice-
president of the Executive
Board
Beba Doekova, Committee
for Urbanism
Komisija na zaTautita na
florinovekovata okolina pri
Sobranieto na Republika
Makedonija
Parliamentary Commission
for Environm.
Sobranie na Mekedonia
91000 Skopje
ETauref Baliov, (MP)
president
Aleksandar Babamov, (MP)
secretary
TaTauko Kirov, (MP)
Boris Gjorflorineski, (MP)
Ljupflorine Grupflorine, NGO
Mihail Tokarev, NGO
Ministarstvo znanosti
Ministry of Science
Bihaaka 8
91000 Skopje
tel. +389 91 238 610
fax. +389 91 235 573
dr. Aslan Selmani,
minister
III. List of members and associate members of DEM
Listed below are the members and associate members of The
Ecologists' Movement of Macedonia, DEM. Source: The
Ecologists' Movement of Macedonia, Autumn 1993.
IV. Awarded grants in REC Local Grants Program
Listed below are all awarded grants in the Local Grants
Program for Macedonia in 1993. Available money in this
Grants Program for Macedonia from September till December
1993 was 7000 ECU.
V. Article about Dojran Lake
Article written by the NGO "Dojransko ezero" about the
situation in Dojran Lake; for the REC Information
Bulletin, issue of Autumn 1993.
VI. Structure of Ministry of Urbanism, Physical
Planning, Traffic and
Ecology
Structure of the Ministry of Urbanism, Physical Planning,
Traffic and Ecology:
Responsibilities of environment related areas in other
Ministries:
- forest and water are dealt with in the Ministry for
Forest and Water Management;
- agriculture is dealt with in the Ministry for
Agriculture;
- standards are set by the Ministry of Economy.
VII. Address of REC Local Coordinator Macedonia and of
REC Budapest
Regional Environmental Center's Local Coordinator in
Macedonia:
Ms. Katarina Dimitrovska
Bul. Partizanski Odredi 119-1-5
91000 Skopje
Macedonia
tel / fax.: (389 91) 253 870
Regional Environmental Center's Headquarters in Budapest:
Regional Environmental Center for Central and
Eastern Europe
Miklos ter 1
H-1035 Budapest
Hungary
tel.: (36 1) 250 3401
fax: (36 1) 250 3403
_______________________________
1 Chapters 2 and 3 are partly based on: Alexander Juras,
Dunja Marusic, Report on a Visit to the former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia, March 22 - 25, 1993, REC.
2 The information in this chapter is taken from Risto
Lazarov, This is the Republic of Macedonia, Skopje 1993:
The Ministry of Information of the Republic of Macdonia,
pp. 3 - 19.
3 This chapter is based on a paper which was provided by
the Forum of Young Economists of Macedonia: "Water
Economy and Agriculture" (1993, without author)
4 For further information see also section 6.5. and: DEM-
The Ecologist Movement of Macedonia, The Condition and
the Perspective for Protection of the Ohrid Lake and its
Surroundings, Skopje 1992 (in Macedonian with some
summaries in English).
5 More information in section 6.9.
6 Formally the old Yugoslav legislation is still in
force.
7 More about DEM in section 6.8.; full list of DEM's
members and associate members in annex III.
8 Macedonia declared itself independent in November 1991,
and was admitted as member of the United Nations
Organisation in April 1993.
9 See: Alexander Juras and Dunja Marusic, Report on a
Visit to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, March
22 to 25, 1993, REC
10 Summary of the awarded grants in annex IV.
11 The ores are also processed in the "Zletovo" zinc and
lead smelter in Titov Veles; see section 6.7.
12 Through the REC's Local Grants Program, Flora was
awarded a grant for equipment and office space; see annex
IV.
13 "The information for the condition of the Dojran Lake -
December 1992". Paper dated 26 December, 1992, by The
Ecological Movement of Macedonia - DEM.
14 "The conditions and perspectives for the protection of
Dojran lake", proceedings of the symposium. Dr. Milivoj
Gasevski (ed.). The Ecologists Movement of Macedonia,
1991. (mostly in Macedonian)
15 see annex V for the article written by Dojranski ezero,
published in the REC Information Bulletin, autumn 1993.
16 See footnote 4.
17 Waste water treatment facilities do exist at the
factories' sites, but are not operational, because of
'economic reasons'.
18 The REC supported "Vila Zora" for operational expenses
for their activities through its Local Grants Program.
See also annex IV.
19 DEM was awarded a grant in REC's Local Grants Program
for its evaluation of past activities and effectiveness;
see annex IV.
20 This project has been awarded with a grant from REC's
Local Grants Program; see annex IV.
====================================================================
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Sacha Alexander Shopov
University of Sydney, Australia
Electrical Engineering (Information Systems)
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Sacha Alexander Shopov
University of Sydney, Australia
Electrical Engineering (Information Systems)