Skopje, 21 September 2023 (MIA) — Two laws in line with UNESCO recommendations, the Law on Studenichishko Blato and the Law on Lake Ohrid, are to be adopted soon to address past deficiencies, Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Kaja Shukova said Thursday in response to a reporter's question whether the Ministry of Environment was doing anything to protect Lake Ohrid.

"Implementing laws is very important. We all have to work together. It cannot be only the [central] government's job to implement all measures and activities. A great deal of responsibility lies also with the local self-government.

"Taking away powers from local self-governments as a legal remedy is the last thing we want to do. However, if the process is delayed, we will do it. You know, we took away the power of Sveti Nikole Municipality for regional waste management. But I really don't want that," Shukova said.

She said she was in communication with local self-governments and local environmental projects were funded as part of the Ministry's programs. The Municipality of Ohrid, she said, this year had received significant support from the state.

"I talked to the Ohrid mayor several times about their priorities," she said. "One of the projects important for UNESCO is currently financed by the Ministry with state funds. As part of the European Investment Bank loan, the mayor prioritized the Trpejca project, which needs to be carried out. We are now reviewing the technical documentation to see if it is complete so we can start financing that project," she said. mr/