Green Institute – Skopje – Civica Mobilitas

Total budget: 2,999,983 MKD

Implementation period: 01.01.2026 – 31.12.2026 (12 months)

Specific topic: Green Initiatives

Partners:

Association of Private Forest Owners – Berovo

Constituents:

Citizens; farmers; private forest owners; local communities; civil society organisations; local authorities and public institutions; educational institutions; media.

About the project supported by Civica Mobilitas: Zero Bio-Waste: Systemic Changes in Partnership with Citizens

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED SPECIFIC TOPIC

The action is aimed at reducing bio-waste and improving sustainable management of organic waste through piloting local models and strengthening cooperation between citizens, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders. The project envisages fieldwork and cooperation with local communities and municipalities, establishment of practical solutions for separation and treatment of bio-waste, as well as activities for raising public awareness and promoting sustainable habits.

Within the action, preparatory, educational, and informational activities are implemented, as well as development of recommendations and models that can be applied at local level. Through active involvement of citizens, farmers, and local stakeholders, the project contributes to improving local practices and policies for bio-waste management.

OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS

Overall objective:
To contribute to the transition towards “zero waste” municipalities through systemic improvement of bio-waste management, based on data, civic participation, intersectoral coordination, and strengthening institutional capacities, with the aim of reducing pollution and risks of fires in fields, forests, and settlements, increasing resource efficiency, and promoting circular economy at local and national level.

Specific objectives:

To conduct a comprehensive, inclusive, and intersectoral analysis of the generation and handling of bio-waste from households, industry, agriculture, and forestry in 4 pilot municipalities (Radovish, Kumanovo, Kavadarci and Berovo) from 4 planning regions (Southeast, Northeast, Vardar and East), through research conducted in partnership with civil society organisations and local stakeholders
To identify and develop technological, financial, and institutional models for bio-waste treatment through baseline research and multi-sectoral analysis, forum consultations, and pre-feasibility studies, with the aim of reducing pollution and fire risks
To stimulate public debate, media visibility, and institutional readiness for systemic bio-waste management through a national forum, broadcasting of a public debate, and a digital campaign, in partnership with media, municipalities, public utility companies, the private sector, and civil society organisations

RESULTS

Increased awareness and mobilisation of stakeholders for bio-waste management — civil society organisations, farmers, industrial facilities, public enterprises, forest management entities, and municipalities are informed about quantities, composition, and risks of bio-waste, as well as opportunities for its valorisation in line with circular economy principles, through civic participation, intersectoral coordination, and partnership engagement
Identified and presented technological, financial, and institutional models for bio-waste treatment through four developed pre-feasibility studies, adapted to planning regions, including technological options, financial assessment, and institutional models, developed through multi-sectoral analysis and forum discussions, with potential for institutional strengthening, circular economy, and systemic waste management
Strengthened public communication and institutional readiness for systemic bio-waste management through partnership with media and civil society organisations, organisation of a national forum, broadcasting of the programme “Top Tema”, and implementation of a digital campaign, encouraging public debate and media visibility, creating a basis for replication of selected solutions at national level, with secured revenue sources and institutional strengthening

ACTIVITIES

Analysis and mobilisation of stakeholders for bio-waste management
Mapping of stakeholders through municipal databases, the Central Registry, and partner networks, targeting agricultural holdings, individual farmers, food companies, wood processors, and branches of National Forests
Design of two instruments: an online questionnaire (Google Forms) for national mobilisation and an interview questionnaire for 250 respondents, collecting data on quantities, composition, logistics, and readiness for separation and investment in sustainable practices
Training of 5 enumerators and field visits by coordinators and experts
Conducting interviews and an online survey with active targeting of regions with low response
Identification and development of technological, financial, and institutional models
Preparation of baseline research on quantities and composition of bio-waste by sources, possible technologies (decentralised and centralised), financial analysis, and institutional models
Organisation of four one-day regional forums in the pilot municipalities
Preparation of four pre-feasibility studies with technical analysis, financial assessment, and institutional model
Formulation of recommendations for replication
Public communication, media visibility, and institutional readiness
Organisation of a one-day national forum in Skopje
Recording and broadcasting of the programme “Top Tema” on Telma
Implementation of a digital campaign via Facebook, Viber, and partner channels