Strengthening the capacities for effective implementation of the acquis in the field of nature protection in the North Macedonia

The project purpose was to strengthen administrative capacities of the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, Administration of Environment, Nature Department and other relevant stakeholders for implementation of the nature protection acquis in the North Macedonia, through the development of implementing legislation, provision of training and implementing of nature protection legislation.

Key results

• Nature conservation legislation developed further to meet the requirements of the EU Habitat and Bird Directives
• Management capacity improved for implementation of nature protection activities in administrative and field level
• Inventory and monitoring methods and protocols developed to meet the requirements of the Habitat and Bird Directives

The work was carried out under four components

1. Strengthened capacities for preparation of draft management plans for natural protected areas which are of national and EU interest for conservation (potential future NATURA 2000 sites):
   Key result: two draft management plans for potential Natura 2000 sites.
2. Strengthened capacities for preparation of studies for valorisation of nature values (including field data gathering and updating of Data standard from) of natural protected areas which are of national and EU interest for conservation (potential future NATURA 2000 sites).
   Key result: two draft studies for valorisation of nature values for potential Natura 2000 sites; nature inventories implemented in two pilot sites.
3. Strengthened capacities for developing monitoring methodology for monitoring national biodiversity and preparation of National biodiversity monitoring program for national monitoring.
   Key results: monitoring protocols and practices developed for 20 habitats, 20 species and 20 birds; draft National biodiversity monitoring program prepared.
4. Further transposition and strengthened administrative capacities for implementation of Nature Protection legislation.
   Key results: Institutional capacity analysis with recommendations prepared; four draft secondary legislation prepared; stakeholder involvement plan for Natura 2000 prepared and 20 people trained for different topics related to the implementation of NATURA 2000.

SYKE had the main responsibility for

• the overall management and administration of the project
• management of and provision of expert inputs of the Component 2 and Component 3

In addition, SYKE contributed to the implementation of Components 1 and 4 with substantial expert inputs. State Service for Protected Areas SSPA, Lithuania, had the main responsibility for Component 1 and Metsähallitus Parks and Wildlife Finland for Component 4.

Macedonia field training © Petri Ahlroth