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Reforestation of Bukovik: Restoring the Forest and Preserving the Home of the Balkan Lynx

The Macedonian Ecological Society, in cooperation with the Public Enterprise "National Forests" – Shar-Gostivar Branch, has already begun reforestation efforts in the Bukovik area, an important natural ecosystem and a key bio corridor for the Balkan lynx. The reforestation campaign is in full swing – with joint efforts from ecologists and foresters, 21,000 seedlings of European beech ( Fagus sylvatica ) are being planted, a species that experts have identified as most suitable for the area. Not…

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Press release: EU sets to weaken wolf protection – NGOs warn of wider threats to nature

Today, the European Commission proposed a direct amendment of the wolf protection status under the Habitats Directive. This proposal follows the decision to downlist the wolf under the Bern Convention, which entered into force on 6 March 2025, drawing wide criticism from conservation experts and environmental organisations. For the last 18 months, the EU has been pushing to downgrade wolf protection despite the lack of sound scientific evidence. Back in December 2023, Ursula von der Leyen…

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Cross-border Meeting of the Three Local Action Groups Held in Kukës, Albania

24.02.2025 – The local action groups "Friends of Shara" from North Macedonia, LAG "Korab-Koritnik" from Albania, and LAG "Shari" from Kosovo held a meeting in Kukës, Albania, on February 21 and 22. The purpose of the meeting was to exchange experiences and provide updates on the activities of the LAGs since 2023, when the last cross-border meeting was held in Prizren, Kosovo. The LAGs discussed that topics such as nature education, sustainable tourism, cooperation, and promotion of the…

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Workshop with Partner Organizations from the Science Learning Network

The Macedonian Ecological Society organized a workshop in Veles from February 10 to 12, 2025, attended by partner organizations from the Experiential Learning Network. The goal of this workshop was to adapt educational activities for students with disabilities who participate in the workshops of the Experiential Learning Network. One of the key indicators of well-being in a society is the quality of life available to its most vulnerable groups. That is why we strive to bring science and…

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Lecture on the topic "Peatlands"

The head of the Young Ecologists section, Marija Čobanova, delivered an excellent lecture today titled "Peatlands: The Hidden Ally in the Fight Against Climate Change." In her presentation, she not only covered well-established theories but also shared insights gained through her research work. Additionally, she proposed future activities, such as measuring emissions from peatlands. The lecture took place in the Biological Amphitheater at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (PMF),…

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The Macedonian Ecological Society as part of the European Union Visitors Programme

Last week, Arta Starova, along with other participants from India, Japan, Serbia, and Papua New Guinea, took part in the European Union Visitors Programme (EUVP) in Brussels. The visit consisted of an individual five-day programme of meetings with various representatives from EU institutions. The main topics of Arta's visit were environmental crime, corruption, and sustainable management of natural resources. From an environmental perspective, meetings were held with representatives from the…

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Results of the Winter Census of Waterbirds

On the weekend of January 18-19, 2025, MES conducted the waterbird census for the 16th time at the three natural lakes in our country, as well as several smaller reservoirs. The census was carried out with the participation of MED employees and volunteers, along with representatives from relevant institutions responsible for managing protected areas at some of the sites. Despite the snow cover, the teams conducting the census achieved excellent results, counting approximately 27,000 birds at…

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MES Wins the "Green Thorn" Award

The Macedonian Ecological Society, thanks to its stork census initiative, has received the "Green Thorn" award from the online portal Trn.mk for the best green initiative of 2024. Among the winners in other categories were prominent companies and civic initiatives recognized for their exceptional commitment to social responsibility through their work and activities. The award on behalf of the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) was accepted by ornithologist Slave Nakev, who led this year's…

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Strategic Planning for Shar-Korab-Koritnik Region held in Prizren, Kosovo

On November 20-21, we were part of a strategic planning workshop held in Prizren, Kosovo. The aim of the workshop was to discuss the future steps for sustainable development and environmental protection in the Shar-Korab-Koritnik region. The meeting focused on defining the next project scope and key topics, with an emphasis on sustainability and biodiversity conservation. One of the highlights of the workshop was the sharing of results from the model projects, which has been implemented over…

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Announcement of Winners for the MES Calendar 2025

Dear all, we are pleased to announce the winners of the Photo Contest for the MES Calendar 2025 in alphabetical order! Andrej Mihajlov Bobi Kuzmanoski Velian Jagev Gopal Bili Dorian Milovanović Dragan Arsovski Mirjana Gjorgievska Slavcho Hristovski Toni Stojanovski Since this year we had an incredible response to the contest, with more than 30 participants and over 150 submitted photos, we have decided to organize an exhibition with the best of the photos that didn’t make it into the selection…

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MES representatives participated on BESTbelt Pan-European Conference 2024 in Latvia and presented long-lasting efforts for sustainable development in the region Shar-Korab-Koritnik

28.10.2024 – Above 80 people over 60 different organizations met and exchange during this year's BESTbelt Pan-European Conference 2024 in Latvia. Participants were from countries along the European Green Belt and met to discuss and to strengthen the collaboration along EGB. In scope of the conference a big focus was the EU-funded BESTbelt project , which provides small grants to organizations implementing projects along the European Green Belt. MES participated presenting successful stories…

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Call for engaging an expert for bats in the frame of Prespa Net III Project

MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE COMPONENT This action focuses on a review of the existing Transboundary Conservation Action Plan for Bats and Caves in Prespa Basin, developed back in 2012, and its update according the newest information on the status of bats and their habitats in transboundary Prespa. PROJECT LOCATION - TARGET AREA FOR THE ACTIVITY The activities in the frame of this component will be conducted in the area of Prespa. Read more at the attached file .

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