Vardar River basin management plan enters public consultation phase

Public consultations have commenced for the development of the first management plan for the Vardar River basin in North Macedonia. Led by the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, the initiative aims to establish sustainable policies for the country's most significant water resource, which covers over 80 percent of the nation's water bodies.

Consultative meetings have already been held in Skopje, Tetovo, Štip, and Bitola, involving representatives from municipalities, public enterprises, civil organizations, and private companies. Over the next six months, the public and experts can provide input via an online questionnaire. The process includes scientific monitoring of water quality and quantity conducted by the Water Resources Management Authority.

The final management plan is expected to be adopted by the end of 2027. The project is supported by the Swiss Water Management, Use, and Protection Program. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of establishing a Vardar River Basin Management Council as an inter-institutional body to oversee the plan's implementation and prevent further ecosystem degradation.