Flood Risk Assessment Workshop Held in Kumanovo to Support Climate-Resilient Urban Planning

Kumanovo has experienced recurrent flooding in recent years due to a combination of intense rainfall events, river overflows, urban expansion into flood-prone areas, and ageing stormwater infrastructure. Climate change is further amplifying these risks, making flood management and climate adaptation a priority for local and national authorities. Against this backdrop, the workshop marked an important step toward integrating flood risk reduction measures into long-term urban development planning.

Presenting Evidence-Based Flood Risk Findings

The main objective of the workshop was to present and validate the findings of the Flood Risk Assessment for the city of Kumanovo, with a specific focus on river flooding hazards and their impacts within the defined Area of Interest. The assessment examined flood risks through three key dimensions: hazard, exposure, and vulnerability, providing a comprehensive understanding of where, how, and why flood risks occur.

Participants were presented with findings from the analysis of physical and hydrological data, the flood modelling process and its results, as well as flood hazard and risk maps highlighting vulnerable areas across the city. In addition, a longlist of potential intervention measures was introduced, including both structural and non-structural solutions, as well as nature-based solutions. The methodology used to identify and prioritise these measures was also explained and discussed.

Strong Institutional Engagement and Coordination

Opening remarks were delivered by Mr Björn Gabriel, Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Representation in North Macedonia, Mr Alexander Erlewein, , and Mr Maksim Dimitrievski, Mayor of the Municipality of Kumanovo.

The workshop brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the Municipality of Kumanovo, municipal administration, emergency management services, the Regional Crisis Management Centre, the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, the Hydrometeorological Institute, the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, and the Public Enterprise “Water Economy”. Their participation underlined the importance of coordinated, cross-sectoral action in addressing climate-related risks.

From Assessment to Action

Beyond presenting technical findings, the workshop aimed to actively engage stakeholders in the next steps of the process. Discussions focused on collecting feedback, validating data and modelling results, and preparing for the identification and prioritisation of concrete investment options for flood protection in Kumanovo.

Effective flood risk management requires close coordination between local authorities, emergency services, institutions, and communities. Public awareness, community engagement, and inclusive planning were highlighted as essential elements to ensure that citizens are informed, prepared, and able to respond effectively to flood risks.

Supporting Climate-Resilient Cities

The Flood Risk Assessment for Kumanovo is part of broader efforts to support climate-resilient urban development in the Western Balkans, contributing to the implementation of the Green Agenda and strengthening local capacities for climate adaptation. The outcomes of the workshop will feed into the final Flood Risk Assessment Report and guide the development of priority investment measures aimed at reducing flood risks and increasing the city’s resilience to climate change.

These activities are supported by the City Climate Finance Gap Fund (“Gap Fund”), a partnership between the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and Luxembourg’s Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development. Implementors are the European Investment Bank (EIB) in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the World Bank (WB).