Environmental Performance Review of North Macedonia by UNECE

Over the past eight years, North Macedonia has made significant strides in improving its environmental performance, including reducing dependence on fossil fuels for electricity in favor of renewables and strengthening waste and chemicals management. However, key issues remain, as outlined in a comprehensive review of the country’s environmental performance conducted by UNECE.

Third Environmental Performance Review (EPR)

The Third Environmental Performance Review (EPR) of North Macedonia, launched in Skopje, highlights the progress made and provides 72 recommendations for further improvements. This third EPR demonstrates North Macedonia’s sustained commitment to enhancing its environmental performance.

Key Focus Areas:

• Legal and Policy Frameworks
• Greening the Economy
• Environmental Monitoring
• Public Participation and Education for Sustainable Development

The review also assesses critical issues such as air quality, biodiversity, protected areas, water management, waste and chemicals management, and climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

The review incorporates assessments related to 41 targets across 13 SDGs, emphasizing the interconnectedness of issues in sectors such as energy, transport, industry, housing, and forestry.

Air Quality: Achievements and Challenges

Achievements:

• Improved the air quality monitoring network.
• Reduced air pollution through decreased reliance on fossil fuels and gasification of the heating sector.
• Promoted renewable energy and energy efficiency via subsidies.
• Increased public awareness of air pollution sources and mitigation measures.

Challenges:

• Population Exposure: Air pollution caused an estimated 3,200 premature deaths. Reducing PM2.5 levels to EU standards could save 874 lives, while meeting WHO guidelines could save up to 1,464 lives.
• Transport and Energy Sectors: The vehicle fleet averages 18.6 years; urban public transport usage is just 11.9%. Energy production accounts for 91% of SO₂ emissions and 41% of NOx emissions.
• Amend and operationalize the Programme for Reduction of Air Pollution.
• Ratify amendments to international environmental protocols, such as the Gothenburg Protocol.

Waste Management: Progress and Next Steps

Progress:

• Improved separate collection and recycling under extended producer responsibility schemes.
• Enhanced chemical management and remediation of contaminated sites.

Next Steps:

• Construct regional landfills and promote separate waste collection by type.
• Operationalize the Waste Management Information System to address inefficiencies in reporting and data validation.
• Establish mechanisms for consultation and assistance from the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning to municipalities.

Priorities for the Future

• Establish an Environmental Protection Agency.
• Advance integrated approaches such as Strategic Environmental Assessment, Integrated Water Resources Management, and Environmental Impact Assessment.
• Promote green public procurement to support sustainability.
• Improve wastewater management with sewage treatment plants.
• Complete revalorization and re-proclamation of protected areas.
• Implement legally binding renewable energy targets, especially focusing on solar photovoltaic power.
• Encourage and support eco-schools.

Implementation and Collaboration

The successful implementation of the 72 recommendations depends on:

• A multistakeholder inter-institutional process led by the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning.
• Collaboration across ministries to integrate environmental concerns into all sectors.
• Active involvement of civil society organizations.
• Raising awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals and fostering multi-stakeholder participation.

UNECE Support

UNECE remains committed to supporting North Macedonia’s progress toward sustainable development by assisting in the implementation of the EPR’s recommendations. Through continued collaboration, North Macedonia can address its environmental challenges effectively and achieve its sustainability goals.