DEM - THE ECOLOGISTS’ MOVEMENT OF MACEDONIA

CLOSING EVENT IN BELGRADE 20.12.2011

2011-12-23T10:51:00.000-08:00

Study tour in Bulgaria

2011-12-14T06:48:00.001-08:00

One of the key activities of the project "EU environmental policies and strategies" was held last week in Bulgaria, and was attended by members of DEM member groups as well as farmers from the region Ratkova Skala. The point of this 6-day event was a study tour that enables participants to have indoor and on location sessions about Natura2000 and farming practices and policies in several regions in Bulgaria.

Lecture in Transhumance restoration and nature-friendly farming (Wen, 07.12.2011)

The lectures began in Sofia with Andrey Kovachev from Balkani Wildlife Society, who transferred a number of experiences and problems that Bulgarian NGOs met in the process of protecting areas and parks in the country. What followed was a visit to the National Park Rila and Pirin acompanied by on the road sessions by Dunchev Alexander, a visit to Kresna Gora and accommodation in a bio hotel that produces its own organic food. The study tour continued with visiting farms, a presentation of the Bulgarian agri-environmental program in BIOSELENA, visiting a local winery and so on. The tour ended in Sofia with a session with Vjara Stefanova who spoke of examples of rural development in Bulgaria.

Besepari Hills winery session (Thu, 08.12.2011)

Study tour map

Thanks to Veronika for the photos, more coming soon!

Presentation - 03.12.2011

2011-12-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

3rd of December 2011, meetings were held for the Project Steering Group and the Network for Policy creation within the project "Promoting agriculture with high natural values and agri-environmental payments through civil society organizations in Macedonia."

The purpose of these meetings was the presentation of the project results in the second year of its implementation, presentation of the draft policy measures that support agriculture in HNV areas where case studies made by Dr. Susanna Kratovalieva and activities will be implemented by the end of the project. Project leader Vjara Stefanova presented the proposed direct payments and rural development for the period of 2014 -2020 as a part of the Common Agricultural Policy of the EU.

At the end of the meeting participants discussed the proposed policy measures that support HNV agriculture in areas that are focal in the case studies.

Upcoming activities to be implemented are:

- Preparation of a manual for High Nature Value farming in Macedonia

- involving all the key project results / conclusions in Macedonian and English

- will be followed by another meeting of the Project Steering Group and the Network for Policy creation- Dissemination of project results

- organizing round tables, press conferences, events

- Communication campaign organized by the DEM and local NGO members, in order to promote the "hidden values" of traditional extensive agriculture in Macedonia.

SAVE VELES

2011-12-02T02:21:00.000-08:00

On the 9th of November, Veles had the largest protest in its history. We gathered together on the Samarmaale Square and joined forces to show our revolt and disagreement with the decision to restart the smelting factory that has caused so much harm in the past. DEM was present with all of its members to show support to citizens of Veles. Enough poisoning, save Veles!

Protest against the smelting factory in Veles 09/11/2011

2011-11-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

In the eighties, Veles' lead smelting factory marked the faiths of many younger generations who were affected by the poisoning of heavy metals. This smelter is the biggest enemy of the city, by some it is even called "Veles' Adolf Hitler". After 8 years of non- working, there was an announcement that the factory will restart its work. So, on the 9th of November, Veles Liberation Day, let's join citizens of Veles and victims of lead poisonings and help them in their struggle city to cast out this ruthless killer once and for all! DEM will support them by joining the march that starts in 5 PM at the Sarmaale Square in Veles, so JOIN IN: the smelting factory must not start working again!

More about the aftermath of the smelter in the film "Veles Kaputt" which is available on Youtube.
WARNING: explicit pictures and footage! CLICK HERE FOR THE FILM.

MORE INFO:
http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/macedonian-town-prepares-ecological-uprising

E-Learning course on CAP

2011-10-31T02:54:00.000-07:00

For all interested to find out more about the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Groupe De Bruges is organizing a free online course on CAP's history and political context.
The course is targeted for students of agriculture, agricultural economy, rural sociology, agronomy etc. Participants can register starting from November 1st 2011.

For more info, see the brochure.

Training for building CSOs capacities on EU Nature- related policies

2011-10-30T03:45:00.000-07:00

Our project's training took place from the 24th to the 28th of October in Grand Hotel, Valjevo, Serbia. Veronika Ferdinandova and Boris Erg from IUCN welcomed the participants and gave a brief introduction to the policies of focus.

The first day was centered around Ecological Networks, a concept presented by Lawrence Jones-Walters from ECNC. Ecological Connectivity was also discussed the second day together with Green Infrastructure, as well as the importance of EIA's and SEA's. Biotope held these sessions and also organized a role playing workshop that simulates the processes of EIA and SEA with participants acting as stakeholders. The third day was focused on NATURA2000 - concept, management and the general public. The following day Mark Redman spoke of the focal policy of DEM's part in the project, the Rural Development Policy and the CAP. There was a session about High Nature Value Farming as well as future policy developments, changes and new opportunities. Day 5 was set for an excursion to Valjevo mountains where participants would identify species and habitats and simultae the process of making a site of Community Importance or Special Protected Area.

DEM was present with participants from its member groups - Eko Misija and ED Zletovica,and participants came from other CSO's invited like Ekoskop, CEPROSARD, Greener Association for Green Society, Bivium, and Eko-Svest.

Workshop on HNV Farming in the Balkans

NATURA2000 and Birds and Habitats Annexes

Field trip to Valjevo Mountains

Valjevo Mountains

TRAINING INVITATION - Send your biographies! (deadline 14th of October, 2011)

2011-10-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

For all those who are a part of an CSO working on the environment in Macedonia or the region:

We are pleased to announce that soon we will be holding a training workshop as a part of our project in collaboration with IUCN, "EU policies and strategies for the environment in Southeast Europe". This training will be held from 24th to 28th October and will take place in Valjevo, Serbia. Topics to be covered in this training are: the concept of Green Infrastructure, environmental impact assesment, NATURA2000 and regulations for rural development of the European Union.

The presence of CSO's is of particular importance to this training because they will be carriers of the message and future trainers in their countries.

If interested send a brief biography of your organization and answer the following:

1) Is your organization involved in the implementation / development of EU policies related to environment?
2) How will acquired knowledge from the training be transferred back into the organization?

For any details or questions, contact us.
Send your biographies to ekologisti_mk@yahoo.com until Friday 14.10.2011.

Network for climate response

2011-07-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

On the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of June, 2011, a workshop was organized by Macedonian Red Cross entitled "National workshop for adaptation and response to climate challenges- workshop for development and adoption of common policies and priorities." The workshop is a part of the EU IPA project “SEE Forum of Climate change” and was organized in cooperation with the Austrian Red Cross. DEM took part in the proposed initiative for cooperation and became a member of the national network of civil organizations - "Network for climate response." The mission of the network includes cooperation among the members, raising awareness about climate change, as well as promotion and adoption of standards for climate protection among vulnerable groups.

More info

CCA Forum
Macedonian Red Cross

Third workshop in Zabljak, Montenegro

2011-04-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

On March 29th/30th, 2011 in Zhabljak, Montenegro the third workshop of our project was held, focusing on Green Infrastructure. The workshop was entitled "Integrated approach to land use – the Green Infrastructure as part of the EU post-2010 biodiversity policy" and lasted two days, the second of which was intended to visit Crno Jezero. The organizers and hosts of the workshop were the Greens of Montenegro, who along with IUCN prepared a successful workshop. Representatives from DEM took part in the workshop.

More info about the workshop HERE.
DOWNLOAD the power point presentations

Workshop in Probistip, Macedonia

2010-12-16T07:36:00.002-08:00

On the 25th and 26th of November this year, DEM together with IUCN organized the second workshop of the partnership action project "EU policies and strategies of Environment in Southeast Europe: Building capacities for implementation of EU policies and strategies in Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia" in San Niko Hotel in Probistip, Macedonia.

The workshop was entitled "Building capacity - supporting the development of agri-environment schemes". The welcome was given by Mr. Ranko Davitkov from the Regional Office of Probistip for Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management.

Veronika Ferdinandova (IUCN)
speaking about EU nature policies

The topics that were covered during the first day were:
-An introduction to Ratkova Skala
-The region's biodiversity and need for conservation
-Current farming practices
-IPARD application process
-EU environmental policies (CAP)
-Policy frameworks for implementation of agri-environment schemes
-Introducing opportunities in Bulgaria's implementation of AE schemes
-HNV farming in Macedonia
-Linking the hydrosystem with rural agriculture in the region

Ruska Miceva (DEM) on HNV farming

The second day we took a tour to the hydrosystem, passing through part of the Ratkova Skala region that is used from rural agriculture and livestock.

Blaze Stefanovski (Hydrosystem Zletovica)
explaining the link between waters and rural agriculture

Fishpond "Zletovica"

The workshop had more than 30 participants:
local farmers, representatives from the Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Ministry for Environment - Sector Nature, Union of Agricultural Machinery Rings in Macedonia, local Eco group "Zletovica", Agency for development of agriculture in Macedonia, State University of Cyril and Methodius, Eco group "Molika" - Bitola, Eco group "Eko Misija" - Skopje, Association for Private Forests, Probistip municipality, Hydrosystem "Zletovica", European Forum on Nature Conservation and Pastoralism, State Institute for Nature Protection of Novi Sad, REC Office - Montenegro and our partners Greens of Montenegro and Bird Study and Protection Society of Vojvodina.

The event was covered by a local TV and radio station, as well as daily newspaper Dnevnik.

Power point presentations from the workshop:
Biodiversity and conservation -Биодиверзитет и важноста на конзервацијата на Раткова Скала
Framework for implementation of AE schemes- Политичка рамка за имплементација на агро-еколошки шеми
Promoting HNV farming- Промоција на земјоделие со високи природни вредности (HNV)
IPARD Programme in Macedonia -IPARD програмата во РМ
Current farming practices- Тековни земјоделски пракси во Македонија
Capacity building of EU nature policies- Градење капацитети на ЕУ политики за природа
Implementation of EU in Bulgaria -Имплементација на АЕ во Бугарија - предизвици и можности за една нова ЕУ земја членка

Ratkova Skala at a glance, video material HERE.
To read the situation analysis and stakeholders included click HERE.

More info about CAP...
The CAP explained
Questions and Answers about the CAP
Europeans and the CAP

Workshop in Zrenjanin, Serbia

2010-11-26T13:59:00.000-08:00

On October 27 /28 in Zrenjanin, Serbia the first workshop of the project "EU policies and strategies of Environment in Southeast Europe: Building capacities for implementation of EU policies and strategies in Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia" was held, organized by our partners from Serbia- Bird Study and Protection Society of Vojvodina together with IUCN.

The workshop was entitled "Building capacities - support to the implementation of EU directives in the field of environment." The workshop covered many topics about the Potamish region and its significance for the EU, starting from a lecture about the current situation of nature and its protection in Serbia as well as the ecological status of the region, historical and social development of the region, natural values, EU directives and Natura 2000.

As a part of the workshop there was work in groups in which the groups discussed two topics, the potential benefits of declaring the area as a Natura 2000 area and objectives of managing the Potamish region.
The second day of the workshop included a field trip through the region. Participants visited eight locations that reflect the values and activities in Potamish.

Four representatives of DEM attended this workshop as a partner country in the project and an organizer of the next workshop that will be held in Macedonia.

More about the workshop HERE.

Alarm for Nature

2010-07-12T05:42:00.000-07:00

Last month DEM joined the Eco Fair in Ljubanista, Ohrid which happened within the festival Alarm organized by NGO Bivium that lasted from 25th to 27th of June 2010.

The eco program that included activities such as:
eco photo workshop
drawing comics
making a recycling machine
making a solar furnace
eco film and making eco handmade instruments (covered by DEM).

We were pleasantly surprised by the great interest of the people there to sit and make instruments with us. Besides the workshop, DEM's stand offered numerous posters and brochures about the organization and its members as well as CD's from previous activities.

Our stand

Our eco instruments workshop

Exhibition of some of the instruments we made-
-in the end we had two pairs of rattles from sand and plastic bottle caps, two rattles with metal caps that simulate the sound of a tambourine, castanets and various other rattles.

For more info on the eco action Alarm for Nature, click here.

Earth Day

2010-04-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

The first Earth Day was held on the 22-nd of April, 1970. The idea for the name for this environmental holiday came from the simple fact that Earth Day rhymes with Birthday. Ever since 1970, Earth Day has become more and more popular and significant worldwide.

In honor to Earth's birthday, on the 22nd of April, we had an interesting activity in the kindergarten "Koco Racin" : a colorful lesson about nature protection and recycling.

Conference on the 30th of March

2010-04-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

On the 30th of March 2010 an introductory meeting for the HNV project was held at Hotel Continental attended by representatives from different state institutions (the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning - MOEPP, the Ministry of agriculture, forestry and water management - MAFWE etc), institutes, universities, representatives from civil society organizations, agencies and others.
The workshop was opened by Mrs. Lydia Zafirovska, state secretary in the MOEPP, moderator - Martien Lankester, CEO of Avalon, and the presenters included: Mark Redman, project leader, Tamsin Cooper, a consultant from the Institute for European environmental policy and Robertina Brajanoska of MES.

Because the meeting took place on the same date with the Day of the Tree, some of us went to plant one after the conference had finished.

More pictures...

Training in Veles: Promotion of agriculture with high natural values and agri-environmental payments through civil society organizations in Macedonia

2010-04-30T19:05:00.000-07:00

Agriculture can be a threat to nature, especially through the use of high levels of pesticides and fertilizers, loss of habitats and their characteristics, or inappropriate land use. However, certain types of agriculture - like cattle raising, traditional permanent crops - are essential for the survival of nature. That is why high natural value (HNV) agriculture is the only agriculture that is compatible with nature.

This topic was discussed on the training for representatives of local organizations - members of DEM, that took place in the Hotel Romantic in Veles from the 26th to the 28th of March. The purpose of this training was to train local organizations as well as collaborators about the aspects and the concept of high natural values, including the policy for rural development by the European Union.

Main speakers on the training were Tamsin Cooper, Mark Redman and Kaley Hart.

Tamsin Cooper presenting the HNV concept

Mark Redman spoke about farming with high natural values in Romania

The presentation of Kaley Hart for agro-environmental payments

The project is implemented jointly by the Movement of Ecologists of Macedonia - DEM and the Center for Civic Initiative (CCI), in cooperation with the support of two international NGOs - Avalon from the Netherlands and the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) from Great Britain.

This is a project for conservation of nature ..... but with a difference!

About DEM

2010-04-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

The Ecologist's Movement of Macedonia-DEM is a nongovernmental, non-profitable and apolitical association. It is a national association that includes 23 local environmental NGOs as full-members.

It was established in 1990 as a necessity to coordinate the work of the existing local groups. We are also members of the Friends of the Earth - International (FoEI) and we have a good cooperation and communication with many neighbors’ NGOs.

DEM's main objective is to raise public awareness concerning environmental protection, sustainable development, and preservation of nature at the lowest level of destruction.

DEM's activists organize many different kinds of actions such as: lobbying, organizing public campaigns, round tables on specific themes concerning the environment, talks with experts, public meetings for local problems, direct actions, protests, publishing leaflets, brochures, posters, bulletins, training, workshops, lectures in primary and secondary schools etc.

Some of DEM's projects:

A National Campaign for protection from fires

Awareness raising campaign concerning GMO in Macedonia

For more information, visit our website:
www.dem.org.mk