Abstract
One of the main findings of the analysis performed within the scope of the project “Enhancing Environmental Performance and Climate Proofing of Infrastructure Investments in the Western Balkan Region from an EU integration perspective” is that a comprehensive legal basis needs to be developed and corresponding institutional and administrative infrastructure established to effectively address climate change mitigation and adaptation requirements.
Institutional framework
The further implementation of the legally binding obligations requires the establishment and continuous development of administrative infrastructure and capacities. Administrative capacities in the Republic of North Macedonia should be strengthened at both the national and local level to address the need for enhanced climate action in a sustainable manner, beyond a project-by-project basis. It is therefore recommended to establish a legal basis for institutional responsibilities and for the exchange of information and data.
Capacities need to be built and further strengthened through continuous on-the-job training, especially for public servants who work in departments that conduct EIAs and SEAs. Moreover, other relevant departments that deal with climate change adaptation and are involved in conducting EIA and SEA procedures (i.e. departments that deal with nature and water within MoEPP and staff of the Ministry of Transport and Communications). The Department of Urban Planning still lacks knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of mainstreaming climate change considerations into policies; in addition, capacity-building on how to implement the requirements arising from the new Law on Urban Planning and subsequent sub-laws as well as future amendments of the Law on Environment is necessary.
Local self-government units need to develop local strategies and decentralize disaster risk reduction activities locally. They should establish at least one post to perform tasks related to SEAs and LEAPs.
Legal and policy framework related to climate change and adaptation
The development and adoption of a new Law on Climate Change will be indispensable and will set a legal basis for the roles, responsibilities and competences of institutions. In addition, it will regulate the manner of cooperation and the exchange of data and information between different public entities.
As regards policy aspects, North Macedonia needs to mainstream climate change considerations into planning processes (especially in the development of a new Spatial Plan) and adopt new methodology on the preparation of spatial plans. Climate considerations and climate proofing of infrastructure need to be incorporated into the development of upcoming National Communications (Plans) on Climate Change as well as into the National Adaptation Plan.
Other relevant sectoral policies and legislation
Amendments on the Law on Environment and provisions on EIA are needed to transpose the obligations arising from Directive 2014/52/EU.
In addition, draft amendments of the Law on Waters and relevant by-laws are necessary to transpose the obligations arising from the Floods Directive 2007/60/EC (to date, approximately 20 per cent of the Directive’s regulations have been transposed) and establish a legal basis to further develop the preliminary flood risk assessments, the flood hazard maps and the flood risk maps for all river basins. Furthermore, the country needs to develop and adopt a disaster risk strategy in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. The National Coordinator for Implementation of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (appointed by the government in accordance with the government decision of December 2017) and a Committee for Coordination and Implementation of the National Platform for Accident and Disaster Risk Reduction (consisting of the National Coordinator for implementation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Platform -which chairs the Committee and members nominated by the Crisis Management Centre, the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry for Environmental Protection, the Community of Local Self-government Units, etc.) should jointly coordinate this activity .
Guidance is provided on how to effectively implement each of these recommendations.