World Environment Day - How German International Cooperation is supporting North Macedonia

North Macedonia is already facing the impacts of climate change — from floods, heatwaves and droughts, to increasing wildfire risks, pressure on water resources and growing risks for agriculture, cities and public health. According to the World Bank, the country is a hotspot for both slow-onset and sudden climate and natural hazards, while disaster and extreme climate event losses have reached an estimated US$667 million over the past 20 years. Without adaptation investments, climate impacts could reach close to 4% of GDP by 2050.

Water is one of the sectors where climate resilience is becoming increasingly urgent. Supported by Germany and Switzerland, and with the goal of securing clean water accessible to everyone, GIZ is strengthening water and sanitation services in the Western Balkans through the Regional Capacity Development Network (RCDN). Today, the Twinning Programme in Switzerland came to a close, bringing together water and wastewater professionals from the Western Balkans and Swiss partner utilities to exchange practical knowledge, identify applicable best practices and strengthen the operational performance of water services back home.

At municipal level, climate adaptation is also being translated into concrete flood protection planning. The municipality of Kumanovo and Kriva Palanka, supported by Germany, the European Investment Bank and the City Climate Finance Gap Fund, are preparing pre-feasibility studies and concept notes for flood protection, combining structural, non-structural and nature-based measures aligned with urban plans and EU standards.

In the water sector, in cooperation with Makedonski Telekom and ADKOM, smart water metering and digital tools were piloted in Kruševo, Dojran, Kavadarci and Radoviš, helping utilities improve monitoring, reduce losses and manage water networks more efficiently. The initiative increased capacities at individual, organisational and sector level through trainings, study tours, peer-to-peer exchanges, new equipment, digital platforms, network studies and policy initiatives for better framework conditions. As a result, pilot utilities increased invoiced water quantities by 29.7%

Climate action is equally important for agriculture, where droughts, heat and extreme weather directly affect production and livelihoods. Evidence-based policy design is being strengthened through the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (RRD SWG) and the Task Force on Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture, which is a regional platform designed to lead policy discussions and support the preparation of strategic frameworks on climate change adaptation in agriculture across the Western Balkans. At tje same time, a demonstration field at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food in Skopje is testing a practical “toolbox” of adaptive practices and technologies, including drought-tolerant varieties, precision irrigation and digital decision support for annual crops and fruits.

Cities and transport systems are another important part of the climate resilience agenda. In transport and urban mobility, ministries, national institutions and municipalities across all six Western Balkan economies are building capacity through partnerships with the Transport Community, CIVINET and NALAS, aligning policies with EU standards, the Green Mobility Declaration and TEN-T requirements. Cities are being supported to plan more resilient, greener and people-centred mobility systems — with cleaner transport, safer streets and public spaces better adapted to heat and extreme weather.

The energy transition is closely connected to this broader climate agenda. GIZ supports the foundations for better planning, financing and implementation of green investments, while PEEB Cool supports the establishment of a National Inventory of Public Buildings. The inventory strengthens national platforms for monitoring and verification of public buildings and enables a shift from fragmented data toward structured, evidence-based investment planning. This creates an important basis for prioritising renovations, attracting financing and improving the energy performance of public buildings. At local level, concrete examples are already visible: solar panels in Vevčani now power the wastewater treatment plant, while a smart public lighting system in Kočani is making streets safer and more energy-efficient — reducing municipal operating costs and improving public services.

Climate action also means using resources more responsibly. An efficient model for organic waste management in vineyards and wineries has been successfully developed. Following extensive research and stakeholder consultations, a comprehensive Gap Analysis and Policy Proposal were prepared and submitted to both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning. The response from the wine sector has been encouraging. In the Tikveš region alone, 16 wineries have confirmed their interest in applying the business models of the piloted technology. As a practical example of the model’s potential, Bovin vineyards collected 700 tonnes of grape stalks, demonstrating the significant volume of organic waste available for transformation into valuable resources.

Climate action is also closely linked to how economies use resources, reduce waste and prevent pollution. With EU support, GIZ has supported MSMEs, startups and business support organisations to develop greener, more innovative and more competitive solutions — from circular economy and climate-friendly technologies to new products and services that create jobs and reduce environmental pressure. As the Western Balkans move from linear resource use toward more circular material flows, plastic waste prevention is becoming a key priority — essential for protecting ecosystems, public health and biodiversity, strengthening recycling capacities and creating new opportunities for circular business models across the region.

Through these and other initiatives, GIZ supports Macedonian partners in turning climate ambition into practical action for safer municipalities, more resilient agriculture, cleaner water, greener mobility and stronger regional cooperation.