Water resource management in North Macedonia

In 2023, the Groundwater Programme in North Macedonia was launched and in 2024 expanded to include surface water in response to local partner requests. This shift towards a more holistic approach adds complexity but offers significant benefits. A key advantage is that SKAT is also implementing a programme on Integrated Water Resources Management in Kosovo. By connecting our two local teams, all benefit from exchanging knowledge with their counterparts. The Groundwater Programme is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and SKAT implements it with its local consortium partner Point Pro Consulting.

Our goal is to sustainably protect water resources while enhancing coordination among water users and thus increasing the standard of living for many people in North Macedonia. A key focus of the project is developing legislative and regulatory frameworks that align with EU accession requirements, with the River Basin Management Plan at its core, set for 2024. With key partners from Civil Society Organisations and insights from our project in Kosovo, we developed an effective strategy to engage key stakeholder in the whole country. Recognising the shortage of water professionals in the region, we have recruited four Young Professionals to help build local capacity and expertise in North Macedonia.