Skopje, 14 July 2023 (MIA) - North Macedonia has a high percentage of groundwater use, but so far its potential has neither been sufficiently explored nor used, and most importantly, hasn't been sufficiently protected. That is why the National Groundwater Register is a key strategic document for the development of the country, Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Kaja Shukova said Friday.

Speaking at Friday's press conference on promoting the Register, Shukova said this was the first project of its kind, adding that it is of particular importance for the sustainable management, identification, use, protection and monitoring of groundwater at a national level.

She noted that in addition to being crucial for the country's further development, the National Register is also an obligation according to European directives.

"It was necessary to bring together and centralize in one system the thematically diverse data collected in different national and private institutions. On the other hand, the digitization not only of the data, but the procedures and the reporting facilitates the access to them and the implementation of the groundwater management processes. In short, transparency, availability and shortening of the procedures for issuing administrative acts for the use and discharge of waters are ensured. A total of 13 different processes are included in the system," said the Minister. 

Swiss Ambassador Véronique Hulmann pointed out that groundwater is a strategic natural resource in North Macedonia, vital for the well-being of the population, key for the agriculture and the industry. 

"With an increased need and adverse consequences of climate change, it becomes urgent to take effective measures to manage groundwater properly. One of the key elements for sustainable groundwater management is the development, maintenance and use of a Groundwater Data Management System, also called National Groundwater Cadastre," Hulmann said. 

A mobile app has also been developed as part of the project as a tool to support the implementation of the monitoring and control process. 

The project is funded by the Swiss Confederation, via the Swiss Embassy in the Republic of North Macedonia and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

Photo: MIA / Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning