Skopje, 12 September 2024 (MIA) — The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning has drafted a national waste management strategy for the next 12 years, affirming the country's commitment to protecting the environment by setting up a sustainable waste management system in line with EU standards, according to an official press release.

The aim of the National Waste Management Strategy 2024-2036 is to develop a sustainable, integrated waste management system that would help protect public health, conserve resources, and prevent and reduce negative impacts on the environment, including greenhouse gas emissions and land degradation, the release says.

The strategy, which lays out the national policy for waste management in detail, is currently under evaluation. It should be the starting point for designing and implementing an integrated, economical waste management system in compliance with national and EU legislation and waste requirements.

The guidelines for solid waste management in the next 12 years are based on sustainability principles and designed to serve as the basis for managing all waste streams, the release adds. 

In an effort to increase public participation in strategic decision-making, the document has been published on the moepp.gov.mk website and six public debates have been held so far: in Tetovo, Shtip, Strumica, Ohrid, Bitola and Skopje. mr/