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Groundwater Management, Use and Protection Programme (GWP)


Despite its vital importance for people, economy and environment, groundwater (GW) in North Macedonia is increasingly under pressure from pollution and unsustainable use in a changing climate. With Swiss expertise and support, the GWP will establish the basis for a long-term transformation of the GW management by building stakeholders’ capacities, securing the necessary collaboration mechanism, improving legislative and planning framework. 

Country/region Topic Period Budget
North Macedonia
Water
Climate change and environment
Water resources conservation
Water sector policy
Environmental policy
20.07.2022 - 31.12.2027
 CHF  5’350’000
The project in brief
Background Although GW in North Macedonia is of high strategic importance (source of 77% of the drinking water supply), it has not been recognised as such and is therefore not adequately used, managed and protected. The responsible institutions do not have sufficient and adequate capacities, there is a lack of background information, knowledge and tools for GW resource protection, planning and monitoring and legal framework is incomplete. Additionally, low awareness of the status of GW is reflected in low public pressure and weak mobilisation of the public and civil society on GW management issues. 
Objectives Strengthened relevant authorities and a conscious civil society implement the provisions of an integrated framework coherent with the requirements of the EU environmental acquis for the sustainable management of GW resources in a changing climate. 
Target groups
  • Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, Water Department; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy
  • Ministry of Economy; Ministry of Health – Institute for Public Health; Geological Institute; Hydro-meteorological services; Universities in Stip and Skopje
  • Municipalities, Public Utilities
  • Civil Society Organisations, private sector
Medium-term outcomes

Outcome 1: Key institutions and stakeholders (public, private, civil sector) have increased access to skills and knowledge in the field of integrated and sustainable GW management.

Outcome 2: A more conducive legal and regulatory framework for integrated GW management is developed by competent ministries.

Outcome 3: The conditions for better planning and management of GW in the Vardar River basin are in place.
Results

Expected results:  

  • Strengthened skills of key institutions and stakeholders for integrated and sustainable GW management
  • Legal framework is harmonized and consolidated
  • Draft RBMP for the Vardar River basin is updated with GW data
  • Pilot projects with farmers, public utilities, municipalities and private sector are implemented


Results from previous phases:  

Groundwater Data Management System was established

Analysis and assessments on:

  • GW legal and institutional framework
  • state and planned improvements of the GW data management, monitoring, hydrological research and mapping
  • sector skills needs (including academic)
  • socio-economic aspects of GW use
  • political economy analysis
  • gender equity and social inclusion
  • establishment of coordination mechnanism
  • draft communication strategy
  • preliminary Economic Cost-benefit Analysis, etc.

On this basis and a broad stakeholders consultation, elaboration of a joint vision and the Project Document. 
Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss cooperation with Eastern Europe
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO
Private sector
  • Other international or foreign NGO North
  • Foreign private sector North
  • Consortium Skat Consulting and PointPro Consulting; Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy (Memorandum of Understanding)


Coordination with other projects and actors Education for Employment project; Improving Market Employability; Civica Mobilitas project; Empowering Municipal Councils; Parliament Support Project; Regional Capacity Development Network; Integrated Water Resource Management in Kosovo 
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    5’350’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    1’097’805 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF   489’920
Project phases Phase 1 20.07.2022 - 31.12.2027   (Current phase)
  • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation WATER SUPPLY & SANITATION
    WATER SUPPLY & SANITATION
    GENERAL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
    Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
    Water resources conservation (including data collection)
    Water sector policy and administrative management
    Environmental policy and administrative management
    Cross-cutting topics The project also supports partner organisation improvements
    Aid Type Mandate with fiduciary funds
    Mandate without fiduciary fund
    Project number

    7F10044

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Last update 02.08.2024