On December 15th, on the premises of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, the establishment of the Platform for Environmental Justice was presented, as part of the project “Establishment of efficient and effective environmental justice”.
The event was opened by Academician Dr. Vlado Kambovski who, through the philosophy of ecocentrism, presented the universal value and significance of ecology, preservation and improvement of the environment and noted that the Platform and the project itself aim to bring the concept of environmental justice closer to national institutions and themselves citizens in the Republic of North Macedonia. Mr. Kambovski highlighted the United Nations’ Global Sustainable Development Goals 2030 as an example of where we should direct our focus in the future. He realized that the right to a healthy environment, as well as the obligation to preserve and improve it, are fundamental values from our Constitution, for which we still do not have a collective awareness for consistent implementation. The minimal progress in the legal framework for environmental protection has been noted by the European Commission, from where further activities and measures are expected that will contribute to the concrete implementation and realization of the legislation in practice. In the role of reviewing the existing legislation and supervising its application, Academician Kambovski emphasized the importance of the establishment and functioning of this Platform.
The ambassador of Great Britain in North Macedonia NE Rachel Galloway spoke about the importance of joint responsibility, cooperation and coordination. In the address, it was noted that the support for the protection and promotion of resources and natural wealth in North Macedonia is part of the main commitments of the United Kingdom for the promotion of the protection and preservation of the environment at the global level.
The Deputy Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, Mrs. Hristina Odžaklieska, also addressed the attendees. She emphasized the support of the Ministry in this important platform and referred to some of the efforts of the Ministry of Education and Culture to date for constantly improving and harmonizing the numerous laws that regulate the environment in the Republic. She also announced novelties and amendments to eight laws relating to the environment, as well as the creation of legal conditions for the declaration of a part of the territory of Shar Mountain as a National Park. Mrs. Odzaklieska explained that the Ministry of Education and Culture is constantly working on the adoption of by-laws that derive from all laws, therefore they always support and encourage professional support. At the same time, the Deputy Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning emphasized that the Government of RNM for the period until 2024 has committed to following the new Strategy and Plan for the renewal of the economic, social and ecological components of the European Union in the fight against climate change and the loss of biological diversity. especially through the implementation of the Green Deal and the goals for sustainable development established by the United Nations.
Mr. Zharko Hadji-Zafirov from the Center for Legal Research and Analysis shared that it was the perception of the problematic application of laws in the area of the environment that gave birth to the idea of working in the area of environmental improvement through a scientific-professional approach. It was emphasized that one of the main goals of the project and the Platform itself is to enable an intersectoral way of cooperation between all concerned and interested, professional and expert individuals, organizations and institutions.
Mr. Nikola Jovanovski, the project manager, shared the main expected results for the next period, which are the establishment and operation of this joint Platform for Environmental Justice, conducting an analysis of shortcomings and challenges of the institutional and legal framework, developing alternative policies for efficient supervision and implementation of environmental policies and regulations and preparation of an environmental policy roadmap to support policymakers in planning the best national measures and actions. He highlighted the proposal of the members of the Platform to whom a memorandum of cooperation was sent and announced that it is open for additional involvement in its work.
For more information about the project and the Platform, visit the following link: Establishing efficient and effective environmental justice – Center for Legal Research and Analysis (cpia.mk)