Programme for Development of the Northeast Planning Region
2015-2019
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Development characteristics of the Northeast Planning Region .................................. 6
Location ....................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Demographics .............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Economic characteristics ............................................................................................. 9
Production and new employments ............................................................................ 10
Social development...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Tourism ........................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Agriculture .................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Infrastructure ................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Transport infrastructure ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Road infrastructure ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Railway infrastructure .................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Air traffic. .................................................................................................................... 47
Energy infrastructure.................................................................................................. 47
Environment ................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Solid waste ................................................................................................................ 50
Water ......................................................................................................................... 52
Water supply. ............................................................................................................. 55
Wastewater .................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Water quality .............................................................................................................. 57
Soil ............................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Industrial contamination ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Erosion......................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Air ................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Nature ........................................................................................................................ 63
2
Planning the development of the Northeast Planning Region .... Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Vision ........................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Mid-term goal 1 ......................................................................................................... 67
Mid-term goal 2 ......................................................................................................... 81
Mid-term goal 3 .......................................................................................................... 91
Mid-term goal 4 ....................................................................................................... 101
Financing the implementation of the Programme for Development of the Northeast
Planning Region ..................................................................................................... 115
3
Introduction
The Programme for Development of the Third Northeast Planning Region is a
strategic document which defines and interprets the mid-term goals, priorities and
measures for development of the region for the period 2015-2019. The Programme
defines guidelines for development of the region by way of organised and
intergrated approach to achieve sustainable development of the region. The second
in line Programme for Regional Development ensures further regional development
and is in line with the Strategy for Regional Development of the Republic of
Macedonia.
Regional development means applying sustainable development on regional level.
Regional development is based on regional competitive values, utilising all available
resources, businesses and people for achieving region’s prosperity. The central
government plays a key role in regional development, especially with regard to
improving the effectiveness and reducing the expenses of its regional policy, which
incorporates implementation of regional solutions which refer to the strategies for
future development and their utilisation in identifying regional priorities. The
Programme for Development of the Northeast Planning Region was developed in
line with the main principles on which regional development policy is founded, as
well as with the objectives of regional development policy in the Republic of
Macedonia, stipulated in Article 3 of the Law on Balanced Regional Development.
Pursuant to the Law on Balanced Regional Development, the Programme for
Development of the Northeast Planning Region shall define the mid-term goals and
priorities of the region, by which the defined regional development policy for the
period 2015-2019 will be implemented. In the elaboration of the Programme, the
respective national documents in the field of regional development were used, as
well as the strategies for local development of the six municipalities which comprise
the Northeast Planning Region, national sector strategies and priorities, as well as
official data of the State Statistical Office.
4
The process of development of the Programme was coordinated by the Centre for
Development of the Northeast Planning Region, whereas technical assistance in
the elaboration of the Programme was provided by the GIZ RED programme which
is financed by EU, GIZ and SDC. For the needs of elaboration of the Programme, a
working team was established composed of experts from various fields, whereas in
the process of definining the vision, strategic objectives, measures and indicators,
the opinions of all stakeholders were expressed through a process of workshops.
The participatory approach was maintained by involving all stakeholders in the work
of working groups within each workshop.
In the course of the elaboration of the Programme, special attention was paid to the
findings and recommendations of the impact assessment report on the
implementation of the Programme for Development of the Region for the period
2009 – 2014, that is to say, on the analysis of the effects produced by the
implementation of this Programme over the region’s development results, and in
accordance with the initially set priorities therein.
5
Development characteristics of the Northeast Planning Region
Location
The Northeast Planning Region covers the north easternmost part of the
Republic of Macedonia and stretches along the flow of Pchinja River and Kriva
River. The region is one of the smallest by area; it covers 9.3% of the total area
of the Republic of Macedonia.
The Northeast Planning Region encompasses the municipalities in the north
easternmost part of the Republic of Macedonia, along the border with Kosovo,
Serbia and Bulgaria, that is to say, the river basin of Pchinja River and Kriva
River.
The region covers a total area of 2310 km2, i.e. 9% of the total territory of the
Republic of Macedonia. The region numbers 6 municipalities.
Municipalities in the Northeast Planning Region
Municipality
Area km2
Inhabitants
per km2
Populated
areas
Urban
population
6
Kratovo
375
26
31
66,30%
Kriva Palanka
480
42
34
69,90%
Kumanovo
509
213
48
72,30%
Lipkovo
273
109
22
0%
Rankovce
241
16
18
0%
Staro Nagorichane
432
10
39
0%
Total
2310
76
192
56,60%
Source: State Statistical Office, population estimation on 30.06.2013 and 31.12.2013 according to gender and age, by
municipality and by statistical region
There are 192 populated ares within its composition, 189 of which are rural
settlements. Population density amounts to 75 inhabitants/km2 and is
approximately on the same level as the national average (81 inhabitants/ km2).
Demographics
Demographic trends characteristic for the Republic of Macedonia, such as low
natural population increase and its slow ageing are also reflected in the
Northeast Planning Region. Population increase has practically ceased, having a
tendency to gradually change to depopulation:
Population by year
Republic of Macedonia
Northeast Planning Region
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2.052.722
2.057.284
2.059.794
2.062.294
2.065.769
174.876
175.211
175.323
175.560
175.863
The population index in 2013, compared to 2009 as the base year, marked
growth of 0.56%, which is less than the corresponding national index. Namely,
for the same time period, population in the Republic of Macedonia increased by
0.64%.
Population index
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Republic of Macedonia
100
100.22
100.34
100.47
100.64
Northeast Planning Region
100
100.19
100.26
100.39
100.56
7
Therefore, there is practically no change in the percentage share of population of
the Northeast Planning Region in the total population of the Republic of
Macedonia.
Share in the total population of the country
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Republic of Macedonia
100
100
100
100
100
8.52%
8.52%
8.51%
8.51%
8.51%
Northeast Planning Region
Population density in the Northeast Planning Region amounts to 76.1 inhabitants
per square kilometre. The population in the region in 2013 lived in 59.488
housing units, and the average size of one household was 3.7 members.
In the course of one year (2013), there were 2006 newborn babies which equal a
birth rate 11.4 pro mil. The natural population increase rate in the Northeast
Planning Region amounts to only 2.4 pro mil. In 2013, there were 114 persons
who immigrated to the Northeast Planning Region, whereas only eight persons
who emigrated, officially at least. Otherwise, even under the population census in
2002, the population literacy rate was satisfactory (94.8%), and year by year, as
a result of the natural change of generations, this rate has most probably
increased even more. Unfortunately, a large number of the data relating to the
demographic statistics is not available due to not having implemented an
additional population census.
Nevertheless, this data show that the Northeast Planning Region seems to slowly
enter a depopulation zone with all the usual effects of that phenomenon, such as
decrease in the demand of goods for youth, increase in the demand of services
for the elderly, seeming improvement of the relative economic activity indicators
caused by narrowing the comparison and measuring base, high unemployment
rate, and in practice – a real lack of young labour force and similar problems
requiring the Northeast Planning Region to address such issues in timely fashion,
since these are issues that development brings with itself, and the region should
do everything in its power to divert this trend in the desired direction.
8
Economic characteristics
The Northeast Planning Region is the economically most underdeveloped
planning region in the Republic of Macedonia. Its share in the gross domestic
product of the Republic of Macedonia is on a level of modest 5.5%, which is
much less than the share of the region in the total territory and in the total
population number in the country.
2009
2010
2011
Republic of Macedonia
Gross domestic product (in millions of
Denars)
410.734
434.112
459.789
Share
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
18.299
19.021
25.511
4.5%
4.4%
5.5%
Northeast region
Gross domestic product (in millions of
Denars)
Share
Measured per capita, in the year of 2012 the Northeast Planning Region had a
GDP of 25.511 million MKD or 145.554 MKD.
GDP per capita (MKD)
2009
2010
2011
2012
Republic of Macedonia
200.293
211.246
223.357
222.519
Northeast region
104.775
108.664
145.554
150.556
The acceleration of the economic activity in the region and the gradual coming
out of the crisis at the end of the last decade has conditioned the level of GDP
per capita in the region, compared to the national average, to grow faster and
from modest 51.4% of the average level in the Republic of Macedonia to rise to
67.7%, which is a relatively sound result, indicating a realistic revival of the
economy in this region as well.
GDP per capita (MKD)
2009
2010
2011
2012
Republic of Macedonia
100.00%
100.00%
100.00%
100.00%
Northeast Planning Region
52.31%
51.44%
65.17%
67.66%
9
As a whole, the Northeast Planning Region has developed relatively faster than
some other regions, especially the ones it is compared with. So, for instance,
Polog region had the lowest gross domestic product per capita compared to the
national average, amounting to modest 43.9% of the average. Still, according to
the Decision on classification of planning regions according to their level of
development, the Northeast Planning Region has a development index of 0,56,
economic and social index of 0,33 and a demographic index of 0,701. Thus, the
Northeast Planning Region remains to be ranked last of the eight planning regions in
Macedonia.
Production and new employments
The fact that gross value added is on the rise also speaks about the revival of
economic activity in the region.
Gross value added
2010
2011
2012
Republic of Macedonia
381,148
402,392
395,335
Northeast region
16,700
22,326
22,769
Share of the region
4.38%
5.55%
5.76%
100
133.69
136.34
(Millions of Denars)
Index (2010=100)
The structure of gross value added per activity is as follows. The share of
agriculture is on the level of the country, the share of industry is lower than the
average, the share of construction is almost twice as high than its share in the
national average, which is a result of the construction boom after the
liberalisation of construction in general, but is also due to the fact that in the
region one of the traditional construction regions is located (Kriva Palanka).
1
Source: Decision on classification of planning regions according to their level of development for the period 2008-2012, Official Gazette
No.162/2008
10
Republic of Macedonia
Northeast
Gross value added
395,335
22,769
Agriculture
40,705
2,351
Growth
10.30%
10.33%
Industry
70,198
3,519
Growth
17.76%
15.46%
Construction
31,166
3,383
Growth
7.88%
14.86%
Trade
85,261
6,141
Growth
21.57%
26.97%
Other activities
168,005
7,375
Growth
42.50%
32.39%
The Northeast Planning Region had a total of 4.303 active business entities in
2013. Below an overview of how the dynamics of the number of active
enterprises in the previous time period shifted, by year:
Active business entities
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Republic of Macedonia
70.710
75.497
73.118
74.424
71.290
Northeast region
4.190
4.397
4.279
4.283
4.303
Nevertheless, speaking about the size of business entities, it turns out that most
of them (91%) are practically micro enterprises with a low accumulation power
and they have been established for the purpose of economic existence of its
founders and employees, and not for some higher business purposes. The whole
region had only 86 bigger enterprises and only 5 really large ones.
11
Employees
0
139
1-9
3,760
10-19
175
20-49
145
Total small
4,219
50-249
79
Total medium
79
250 +
5
Total large
5
Total
4,303
The most important sectors of economic activity are industry (food, chemical and
metal industry, tobacco and cigarettes) and construction. The gross fixed capital
formation in the region is low and is below the national average. National data on
the gross fixed capital formation show growth of 15.8% (2011/2009), whereas the
corresponding growth in the Northeast region amounts to 9.56%.
Gross fixed capital formation
2010
2011
2012
Gross fixed capital formation
82,968
94,698
105,443
Northeast region
2,150
1,145
2,454
Share
2.59%
1.21%
2.33%
(Millions of Denars)
The share of the region in the total gross fixed capital formation is exceptionally
low (in 2012, only 2.33% of the total investments in the country were in the
region, which is the worst result of all eight planning regions). In addition, the
investment structure is also unfavourable. Even 59% of them all are in
construction.
12
RM
Total gross fixed capital formation
Northeast
105,443
100
2,454
100
In agriculture
2,557
2.43%
66
2.69%
In industry
26,428
25.06%
272
11.08%
In construction
34,679
32.89%
1,437
58.56%
In trade
15,860
15.04%
485
19.76%
Other
25,919
24.58%
194
7.91%
Otherwise, construction has marked an increase also measured by the value of
construction works. In 2013, there were 136 construction permits issued, and the
value of construction works was 1.73 billion MKD. The number of finished
apartments in the region is presented below:
Year
Apartments
2010
154
2011
122
2012
442
2013
363
Agriculture, that is to say, agricultural production in the Northeast region from the
perspective of crops has decreased almost with all cereal crops, industrial and
garden areas.
Year
Crop
2008
2009
2010
2011
Wheat
47568
34699
44921
40809
Maize
7664
13013
7456
5932
Tobacco
71
67
112
75
Potatoes
15951
17473
16551
15 876
Onion
2944
2602
3520
2687
13
Tomatoes
2388
1800
2298
3044
Pepper
3209
2012
2555
3157
Fruit
Cherries
242
224
188
231
Sour cherries
96
103
104
96
Apricots
220
230
183
191
Apples
2044
1853
2293
2153
Pears
1322
1223
1091
1102
Plums
7362
5917
4755
5765
Peaches
178
174
174
148
Walnuts
502
472
489
524
Grapes
13427
17843
17649
21446
Farming production is also in decline, whereby only the number of poultry has
marked an insignificant increase.
Year
2010
2011
2012
2013
Cattle
27,541
33,365
27,166
30,459
Swine
23,396
23,518
22,335
27,159
Sheep
52,307
53,855
35,523
28,869
Goats
11,510
7,585
6,936
6,081
Poultry
252,690
234,986
198,447
168,504
The economy is far from innovative. In the Northeast Planning Region, there are
no research development units, registered patents or centres of excellence. The
relative share of energy per product unit is high, and the labour force is
insufficiently productive, especially compared with the developed regions, such
as Skopje Planning Region for instance.
14
Labour force market
The population activity rate in the region has decreased, but the employment rate
is on the rise and unemployment is in decline. However, compared to the
national average, these indicators, in total, are insufficient for the assessment of
the situation on the labour force market in the Northeast region to be positive.
RM
Northeast
1.672.460
139.836
Activity rate
57.2
54.2
Employment rate
40.6
29.9
Unemployment rate
29.0
44.9
Working-age population
An overview of employment growth in the region by year:
Republic of Macedonia
2009
2010
2011
2012
629,377
642,005
647,874
651,009
2.01%
0.91%
0.48%
growth
compared to 2009
100
102.01
102.94
103.44
Northeast
27,725
30,222
30,384
34,554
9.01%
0.54%
13.72%
109.01
109.59
124.63
annual
compared to 2009
100
Labour productivity measured as a GDP per employee by hour of work (2.184
hours per year) shows that the region has made a significant step forward.
Macedonia
2011
GDP - million
459,789
Employees
709,689
GDP by hour of work
325 MKD
Northeast
GDP - million
2011
25,511
15
Employees
28,475
hours of work (000)
62.19
GDP by hour of work
410
However, results produced in this way should not be taken literally. Since the use
of available overtime work in the private sector is almost complete, the real
productivity indicator is set somewhere on 80% of the one calculated as afore.
Nevertheless, global indicators such as general productivity are sound indicators
for relative relations.
The comparison of employment indices with the indices of the gross domestic
product determines labour productivity dynamics in the region. In the period
2010/2009, the productivity index was negative due to the high employment
index, but in the period 2011/2010, on the other hand, productivity growth in the
Northeast Planning Region was indeed remarkable.
2010/2009
2011/2010
Republic of Macedonia
105.69
105.91
East region
121.15
99.79
Northeast region
103.95
134.12
Republic of Macedonia
100.78
100.52
East region
99.19
99.39
Northeast region
108.50
100.00
Republic of Macedonia
104.87
105.37
East region
122.13
100.40
Northeast region
95.80
134.12
GDP indices
Employment indices
Productivity indices
16
The ratio of unemployed population in towns and population in villages seeking
for a job shows that unemployment is in decline both in towns and in villages, by
which the decline in towns is somewhat lower.
Unemployed ratio
Total
Town
Village
town-village
2008/2012
2008/2012
2008/2018
Republic of Macedonia
-29.11%
-28.21%
-30.90%
Northeast
-29.28%
-27.49%
-32.63%
However, the structure of unemployed people in the region, compared to the
national average both in total and according to gender and place of residence is
very unfavourable when it comes to the Northeast region:
Republic of Macedonia
East
Northeast
Total
29.0
19.5
44.9
Men
29.0
22.0
44.4
Women
29.0
16.6
45.7
Urban
30.6
22.4
42.5
Men
30.8
26.3
40.7
Women
30.4
17.9
45.0
Rural
26.7
14.0
48.6
Men
26.7
14.1
49.3
Women
26.6
13.8
47.1
Social development
Population in the Northeast Planning Region lives under relatively good living
conditions. Populated areas have urban infrastructure, and the region also has a
measuring station for air pollution. It may be stated that living conditions are in
line with the regional economic possibilities, and as a result of the informal
economic activity and remittances from abroad, the standard of life of the
population is even better than what would be expected for a relatively
17
insufficiently economically developed region. Both the health and social
protection in the Northeast Planning Region are overall relatively sound. The
number of insured people is in decline. In 2010, the region had 146,095 health
insured people, whereas in 2012 only 135,367.
2010
2011
2012
2010
2011
2012
Republic of Macedonia
1,902,945
1,835,529
1,744,237
92,5%
89,2%
84,6%
Northeast
146,095
140,578
135,367
83,4%
80,2%
77,1%
The number of children in kindergartens is low. Whereas for the Republic of
Macedonia, this number amounts to 21% for children up to the age of 5 years,
the number in the Northeast region was only 14.6% or 69% of the average.
There are more families – recipients of child care allowance than the average
(4.5% vs. 3.8% or by 18.4% more than the average), while the number of
recipients of special allowance up to 26 years of age is 1%, just as the national
average.
In the whole Northeast region, 3.46% of households were recipients of social
financial assistance, vs. 2.11% in the Republic, which is a result higher by even
64% than the national average.
Republic of
Macedonia
East region
Northeast
region
Children aged 0 to 5 in kindergartens (%)
21.0
34.4
14.6
Recipients of child care allowance, children up to 18 years of age (%)
3.8
8.0
4.5
Recipients of special allowance, people up to 26 years of age (%)
1.0
1.1
1.0
Households – recipients of social financial assistance per 000 population
21.1
16.2
34.6
The number of recipients of social financial assistance has decreased
significantly, but it still remains twice as high than the national average.
Recipients of social financial assistance per 1.000
inhabitants
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Republic of Macedonia
101,9
94,1
85,8
74,5
64,8
18
Northeast Planning Region
142,5
128,9
114,5
118
103,6
The number of recipients of child care allowance in the Northeast Planning
Region has decreased from 22 children per 1.000 inhabitants to 17.5, whereas
the number of kindergartens per 10.000 inhabitants has remained to 1, but this is
yet again better than the national average which amounts to 0.9. The figures
have not changed throughout the whole planning period. Within the region, there
are 123 functioning primary schools, holding 18.078 pupils. There are 12
secondary schools and they have 8.187 students.
Pupils in primary schools
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
Republic of Macedonia
210.381
204.439
198.856
195.311
Northeast Planning Region
20.062
19.436
18.476
18.078
Students in secondary schools
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
Republic of Macedonia
95,343
94,155
93,064
89,884
Northeast Planning Region
8,843
8,337
8,316
8,187
Below an overview is provided of the number of enrolled students in
undergraduate university studies in the Northeast Planning Region (according to
the place of residence of the student).
Enrolled
studies
students
in undergraduate
university
2007
2008
2009
2010
Republic of Macedonia
210.381
204.439
198.856
195.311
Northeast Planning Region
20.062
19.436
18.476
18.078
There is one private college in the region and several regional units of state
universities. Below an overview is provided of the number of graduated students
by year, in the region, compared to the average for whole Macedonia.
Republic of Macedonia
Northeast
2010
2011
2012
9.807
9.707
10.210
618
652
696
19
Tourism
Tourism trends have undergone relatively profound changes over the past years.
Tourist clientele has changed, not only in its structure, but also in its demands.
Their needs have become specific and segmented, and the tourist offer has
adapted on these grounds. Destinations unknown for the tourist clientele in the
past mark today an ever higher number of visits. Much greater attention is given
to drafting tourism development plans, programmes and strategies for those
destinations. Thus, the analysis of tourism trends, involving determining the
scope, dynamics and structure of tourists and their nights spent, as well as the
percentage share and the variable features over the years has appeared as an
inevitable need. These parameters have been designed and presented in the
following tables, and they refer to the 5-year analysed period (2009-2013) in the
Northeast Planning Region of the Republic of Macedonia.
In the following table, it can be noticed that the number of tourists changed taking
both an upward, and a downward trend in the period analysed. So, the total
number of tourists who have visited the region goes up in general, except for the
year of 2010, when there was a decline of 13%, that is to say 3.098 tourists were
registered, which is less than the figure of 2009 (3.560 tourists). During the next
years, the number rises beyond the value in the base year of 2009. In 2013, an
increase can be noticed of 56.9%, i.e. 5.584 tourists. There is a different trend in
the number of registered domestic tourists in the Northeast Planning Region. In
almost every year, there are lower values compared to the base year of 2009,
that is to say, index values lower than 100. An exception to this trend is the last
year – of 2013 – when there was an increase of 29,2% compared to the first
analysed year (2009) and there were 1.856 tourists registered which was more
than the figure in 2009 (1.436).
20
Scope, dynamics, structure and percentage ratio of tourist visits to the Northeast Planning Region and to the Republic of
Macedonia
Year
Number of
Index base
Number of foreign
Index base
domestic tourists
2009
tourists
2009
Total number of
tourists in the
region
Percentage share of the total
Index base
Total number of
number of tourists in the region
2009
tourists in RM
in the total number of tourists in
RM
2009
1436
100,0
2124
100,0
3560
100,0
587770
0,61 %
2010
1093
76,1
2005
94,4
3098
87,0
586241
0,53 %
2011
1379
96,0
2424
114,1
3803
106,8
647568
0,59 %
2012
1166
81,2
3280
154,4
4446
124,9
663633
0,67 %
2013
1856
129,2
3728
139,2
5584
156,9
701794
0,80 %
Source: State Statistical Office
21
Scope, dynamics, structure and percentage ratio of nights spent in the Northeast Planning Region and in the Republic of
Macedonia
Nights spent by
Year
domestic
tourists
Total number
Index base
Nights spent by
Index
of nights
Index
2009
foreign tourists
base 2009
spent in the
base 2009
region
Total number
of nights spent
in RM
Percentage share of the total
number of nights spent in the
region in the total number of nights
spent in RM
2009
2781
100,0
3466
100,0
6247
100,0
2101606
0,30 %
2010
1706
61,3
3922
113,2
5628
90,1
2020217
0,28 %
2011
1978
71,1
4829
139,3
6807
109,0
2173034
0,31 %
2012
1815
65,3
6105
176,1
7920
126,8
2151692
0,37 %
2013
2553
91,8
5691
164,2
8244
132,0
2157175
0,38 %
Source: State Statistical Office
22
The movements in the number of foreign tourists show similarities with the total
number of tourists. Thus, in all the years within the period analysed, there is a
decline marked in view of the first year, except for the year of 2010, when the
decline was insignificant, but there are stagnation values. In 2013, the region was
visited by 3.728 tourists, which is an index value of 139.2 compared to the base
year (2.124 tourists).
When looking at the percentage share of the number of tourists who have visited
the region in the total number of tourists in the Republic of Macedonia, alarming
values may be noticed. Thus, this share amounts to less than 1%, whereas the
registered change of decline and rise is insignificant. In 2013, the share was
0.8% which is a very slight increase compared to the year of 2009 (0.61%).
From the data presented in the table afore, it may be unambiguously concluded
that urgent measures are necessary in the field of raising the number of domestic
and foreign tourists to the region, as well as in increasing the percentage share in
the forthcoming period.
In the tabular overview (Table 2) presenting the scope, dynamics, structure and
percentage share of nights spent in the Northeast Planning Region, similarities
may be noticed with the same parameters on the number of tourists who have
visited the region. So, in the total number of nights spent in the region, the only
decline was marked in the second year of the analysed period (2009-2013). More
precisely, the index amounts to 90.1, whereas in the following period it amounts
to over 100, which is the value for the base year of 2009 with 6.247 nights spent.
In 2013, the number increased to 8.244 nights spent.
The number of nights spent by domestic tourists in the analysed period marks
fluctuating values. However, despite the upward and downward features, values
in all consecutive years (after 2009) show lower amounts (index values lower
than 100). This speaks of an exceptionally negative occurrence.
Foreign tourists, on the other hand, show more favourable values. Thus, the
number of their nights spent in the analysed period has continuously increased,
except for in 2013, when there were 5.691 nights spent registered, which was a
23
slight decrease compared to the previous year when the highest number of
nights spent was determined (6.105), with an index value of 176.1.
The Northeast Planning Region has an insignificantly small percentage share in
the total number of nights spent on national level, that is to say, the value
amounts to approximately 0.3% in the overall period. It can be stated that the
increase in that share in the 5-year period is unnoticeable.
A logical conclusion of this overview would be the need for urgent activities to be
undertaken in increasing all the parameters of tourism development in the
Northeast Planning Region.
Percentage share of the number of visitors and the number of nights spent in the
regions of the Republic of Macedonia in the year of 2013
Visits of tourists by statistical region in 2013
TOTAL
701794
Vardar region
17196
East region
20747
Southwest region
264826
Southeast region
109982
Pelagonia region
70312
Polog region
30823
Northeast region
5584
Skopje region
182324
Domestic tourists
TOTAL
302114
Vardar region
4120
East region
13582
Southwest region
130020
24
Southeast region
59977
Pelagonia region
49635
Polog region
15491
Northeast region
1856
Skopje region
27433
Foreign tourists
TOTAL
399680
Vardar region
13076
East region
7165
Southwest region
134806
Southeast region
50005
Pelagonia region
20677
Polog region
15332
Northeast region
3728
Skopje region
154891
Source: State Statistical Office
25
Percentage ratio of the number of visitors to the regions of RM in 2013
In the diagram and the table above it may be noticed that there is a different
percentage share in the total number of tourists having visited the regions in the
Republic of Macedonia in 2013. As it may be noticed, the Northeast Planning
Region has an insignificant share, which is an alarming state. Even the regions
that are ranked right before this region – in terms of the number of tourists
(Vardar, East and Polog region), mark a higher degree of percentage share. This
means that this region has marked values lower than 1% which in itself speaks of
the need for activities in all fields of tourist operations in the forthcoming period
and a more balanced distribution among regions.
26
Nights spent by tourists by statistical region in 2013
Total
TOTAL
2157175
Vardar region
30840
East region
42222
Southwest region
1152651
Southeast region
327279
Pelagonia region
162752
Polog region
61652
Northeast region
8244
Skopje region
371535
Domestic
TOTAL
1275800
Vardar region
6194
East region
24987
Southwest region
763788
Southeast region
231870
Pelagonia region
112637
Polog region
30806
Northeast region
2553
Skopje region
102965
Foreign
TOTAL
Vardar region
881375
24646
27
East region
17235
Southwest region
388863
Southeast region
95409
Pelagonia region
50115
Polog region
30846
Northeast region
5691
Skopje region
268570
Source: State Statistical Office
Percentage share of nights spent by visitors in the regions (2013)
In the diagram and the table above presenting the different percentage share of
the regions in terms of nights spent, similarities may be noticed just as in the
visual overview of the share according to the number of tourists. These indicators
refer to 2013 when the Northeast Planning Region had a share of only 0.38% in
the total number of nights spent in the Republic of Macedonia. What causes
28
concern is the fact that in only one region (Southwest Planning Region), more
than a half of the total number of nights spent was achieved, whereas the rest is
distributed among the remaining seven regions. The share of the Northeast
Planning Region is extremely low and is ranked last. It is understandable that in
the forthcoming period it should be worked on eliminating the causes of this
negative state.
Based on the previous indicators on the number of visitors and nights spent in
the various regions, the average number of nights spent by tourists in the
Northeast Planning Region may be analysed. This analysis refers to the last 5year period, and the results are provided in the following table.
Average stay of tourists in the Northeast Planning Region by days
Average stay of domestic
Average stay of foreign
Average stay of the total
tourists
tourists
number
2009
1,94
1,63
1,75
2010
1,56
1,96
1,82
2011
1,43
1,99
1,79
2012
1,56
1,86
1,78
2013
1,38
1,60
1,48
Year
Source: State Statistical Office, own calculations
In the previous table, what can be noticed is fluctuation in the values regarding
the average stay of tourists in the Northeast Planning Region over the last 5-year
period. The average stay of domestic tourists marked an almost continuous
decline from 1,94 days in 2009 to 1,38 days in 2013. There was a slight increase
only in the year of 2012 (1,56 days) compared to the previous year (2011, with
an average stay of 1,43 days), but that is insignificant.
Foreign tourists in the region mark almost the same values in terms of their
average stay as domestic tourists. In spite of the growing tendency of the stay up
to 2011 (1,99 days), in the last two years there was a fall in the stay, so in 2013 it
29
amounted to 1,6 days, which is less even compared to the first analysed year
(1,63 days).
As a consequence of the average values regarding the stay of domestic and
foreign tourists, the total number of tourists shows similar indicators. So, values
show a descending pattern, by which the value of the average stay in 2013 is
lower than the first analysed year and amounts to less than 1,5 days.
It is quite simple to notice the disadvantages in the values of the average stay of
domestic, foreign and total number of tourists. Namely, the stay is too short and it
amounts to less than 1,5 days. In the forthcoming period, rigorous measures
should be adopted immediately in order to eliminate this negative and
unfavourable situation.
Accommodation establishments in the Northeast Planning Region
Apart from the dynamics of tourists’ visits and stay (domestic and foreign) on the
territory of the Northeast Planning Region, tourism development may be also
monitored through the changes and movements relating to tourist capacities.
However, this capacity cannot be analysed individually, but this needs to be done
in comparison with other regions, in a certain time frame. The table and diagram
below give an overview of how tourist establishments are presented in the
various planning regions for the already mentioned 5-year analysed period.
Accommodation establishments by statistical region
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Number of rooms
TOTAL
26390
26189
26448
26877
26887
Vardar region
508
554
589
689
690
East region
598
533
544
599
620
16369
16013
16033
16035
16050
Southwest region
30
Southeast region
2152
2105
2277
2298
2346
Pelagonia region
3102
3390
3330
3497
3322
Polog region
1080
1011
1018
1014
1072
Northeast region
297
292
302
306
300
Skopje region
2284
2291
2355
2439
2487
Number of beds
ВКУПНО
69561
69102
69737
70287
70297
Vardar region
1360
1496
1701
1829
1819
East region
1718
1591
1606
1721
1826
Southwest region
42103
41458
41454
41458
41411
Southeast region
5750
5724
6069
6088
6298
Pelagonia region
8999
10229
10165
10310
10001
Polog region
3182
3057
3058
3059
3153
Northeast region
805
633
645
653
647
Skopje region
5644
4914
5039
5169
5142
Dynamics of accommodation establishments in the Northeast Planning Region
by year
31
Discussing the diagram above, as well as the table presented afore, the
dynamics of accommodation establishments may be determined for the analysed
period. This analysis shows stagnation features. Namely, the increasing and
decreasing values in the number of rooms are insignificant and the medium value
amounts to approximately 300. More alarming are the values relating to available
beds in accommodation establishments in the analysed period. Thus, after 2009,
when the highest number of beds (805) was noticed in the region, their number
started sinking rapidly in the following year (633 beds), and afterwards it
remained almost at the same low level.
The Northeast Planning Region shows exceedingly negative values both in terms
of available beds and rooms in other regions. It has the least accommodation
establishments in the Republic of Macedonia, and that applies to all analysed
years.
Adequate measures and activities need to be adopted urgently in the field of
tourist offer provision, i.e. the available tourist facilities need to be increased in
the forthcoming period.
Accommodation establishments by type in the Northeast Planning Region in
2010
Type of
Number of
Number of
establishments
apartments
Total
14
2
641
Hotels in total
4
/
137
Hotels ***
1
/
78
Hotels **
2
/
47
Hotels *
1
/
12
Guesthouses
1
/
10
Motels
2
1
105
Inns
1
1
13
establishment
Number of beds
32
Uncategorised
6
/
368
establishments
In the tabular overview provided, data refer to the year of 2010, since this is the
last official data of the State Statistical Office of the Republic of Macedonia. It
may be noticed that most represented are uncategorised accommodation
establishments per number of establishments with a total of 6, as well as hotels
with a total of 4 establishments. What is characteristic is representation of hotels
of lower category, as well as 2 motels and 1 inn, which only have per 1
apartment. The
largest
number of
beds is present
in
uncategorised
establishments (368), followed by hotels (137) and motels (105) with a total of
625 beds.
In the following period, efforts should be invested in increasing the number of the
remaining accommodation establishments of higher category.
Tourism consumption
Tourism consumption can be presented by the achieved turnover in catering
establishments. Achieved turnover on the territory of the Republic of Macedonia,
as well as on the territory of the Northeast Planning Region is given in the table
below.
33
Tourism turnover in catering establishments in RM and in the Northeast Planning Region
2011
Food and
2012
Leisure
accommodation
Tourism turnover in catering establishments
in RM, in thousands of Denars
Food and
2013
Leisure
accommodation
Food and
Leisure
accommodation
7428958
387385
7782534
383730
6389528
398687
327572
9785
353575
2239
311084
2208
4,41 %
2,53 %
4,54 %
0,58 %
4,87 %
0.55 %
Tourism turnover in catering establishments
in the Northeast Planning Region, in
thousands of Denars
Percentage share of the tourism turnover of
the Northeast Planning Region in the total
turnover of RM
34
In the table presented above, a difference can be noticed between the food and
accommodation consumption and the leisure consumption within the last 3-year
period, which is logical. The amount of the total consumption compared to the
turnover of catering establishments in the Republic of Macedonia marks an
extremely low percentage share. Food and accommodation consumption of the
region has an average share of somewhat more than 4% and it increases in the
analysed period with insignificant values. In 2013, food and accommodation
consumption amounted to 4.87%, whereas leisure consumption was in decline in
the analysed period and had an insignificant share of 0.55% in the last year.
It goes without saying that the Northeast Planning Region should unambiguously
adopt strict and urgent measures and activities also with regard to the achieved
turnover of catering establishments in order to alleviate this unfavourable
condition.
Agriculture
The Northeast region is one of the smallest regions by area and it covers 9.3% of
the total territory of the Republic of Macedonia. Natural conditions and resources
of the Northeast region offer a potential for development and enhancement of
livestock husbandry and development of the dairy and meat industry.
There is a total of 172 225 hectares agricultural land, 45.7% of which or 78 828
hectares are arable areas, whereas 54.3% or 93 391 hectares are pastures.
Of the arable areas in this region, plough lands and gardens predominate
covering 64 551 hа, orchards 857 hа, vineyards 1 570 hа and meadows 11 850
hа. The percentage representation of agricultural lands is depicted in the
following diagram.
35
Source: State Statistical Office
Over the last few years, from 2008 to 2011, the total agricultural production in
tonnes in Northeast region was relatively stable, but in 2012 it decreased by
33.51% compared to 2008. The following diagram gives an account of the annual
agricultural production in tonnes and of the trend of agricultural production.
Northeast region – total agricultural
production in tonnes
Northeast region – total
agricultural production in
tonnes
Source: State Statistical Office
The share of the region in the total agricultural production of the country has
decreased insignificantly, from 7.27% in 2008, to 5.09% in 2012.
36
A total of 16 agricultural holdings cultivate 4 475 ha, whereas 20 448 individual
agricultural producers cultivate 51 133 hectares. According to this, the average
size of cultivated lands by agricultural holdings is approximately 279 ha.
Individual agricultural producers cultivate on average 2.5 ha, which indicates a
high average size compared to the national average (1,84 ha).
Production of some farming and garden crops
2011
Wheat
Maize
Tobacco
Potatoes
Onion
Tomatoes
Pepper
Cucumbers
Republic of
Macedonia
256103
126096
26537
192675
44540
165642
153842
49879
Northeast region
40 809
5 932
75
15 876
2 687
3 044
3 157
164
% of R. Macedonia
15,93%
4,7%
0,2%
8,23%
6,03%
1,83%
2,05%
0,32%
2012
Wheat
Maize
Tobacco
Potatoes
Onion
Tomatoes
Pepper
Cucumbers
Republic of
Macedonia
214963
115928
27333
168859
43732
145818
166247
50093
Northeast region
27 056
3 137
33
11 878
2 050
2 832
2 609
138
% of R. Macedonia
12,58%
2,7%
0,12%
7,03%
4,68%
1,94%
1,56%
0,27%
2013
Wheat
Maize
Tobacco
Potatoes
Onion
Tomatoes
Pepper
Cucumbers
Republic of
Macedonia
258960
131043
27859
189590
50787
130960
152153
36834
Northeast region
43 693
8 381
58
15 222
2 177
2 806
3 147
123
% of R. Macedonia
16,87%
6,39%
0,2%
8,02%
4,28%
2,14%
2,06%
0,33%
Source: State Statistical Office
The poor image regarding the overall production in 2012 improved in 2013, by
which some crops, such as wheat and maize, did not only return to previous
levels, but they also surpassed 2011 quantities. In 2013, wheat had a share of
16.87%, maize 6.39%, and also it is worth mentioning potatoes which had a
share of 8.02% of the total production in the country. All other listed garden crops
37
in the region, as well as tobacco, have a very insignificant share in the overall
production.
Production of fruit and grapes
2011
Cherries
Sour
cherries
Apricots
Apples
Pears
Plums
Peaches
Walnuts
Grapes
Republic of
Macedonia
6019
6514
3747
124552
7460
35448
9039
5480
235104
Northeast region
231
96
191
2 153
1 102
5 765
148
524
21 446
3,83%
1,47%
5,09%
1,72%
14,77%
16,26%
1,63%
9,56%
9,12%
% of R. Macedonia
2012
Cherries
Sour
cherries
Apricots
Apples
Pears
Plums
Peaches
Walnuts
Grapes
Republic of
Macedonia
5539
8127
4503
127171
6937
35444
8987
4952
240461
Northeast region
237
91
160
1 890
984
4 975
107
364
11 515
4,27%
1,11%
3,55%
1,48%
14,1%
14,03%
1,19%
7,35%
4,78%
% of R. Macedonia
2013
Cherries
Sour
cherries
Apricots
Apples
Pears
Plums
Peaches
Walnuts
Grapes
Republic of
Macedonia
6037
8867
3968
112929
7265
38902
11034
5467
292075
Northeast region
253
129
161
2 232
1 145
4 955
158
466
17 258
4,19%
1,45%
4,05%
1,97%
15,76%
12,73%
1,43%
8,52%
5,9%
% of R. Macedonia
Source: State Statistical Office
Of the fruits listed in the table above, it can be easily seen that apart from pears,
plums and walnuts, the others are in insignificant quantities of the overall
production. The following table gives an overview of some of the more
represented fruit crops, which had a large share in the total production in 2013.
Republic of Macedonia
Almonds
Hazelnuts
Raspberries
Blackberries
132872
138656
24230
3797
38
Northeast region
6563
47283
14384
691
% of R. Macedonia
4,9%
34,1%
59,4%
18,2%
Source: State Statistical Office
In the table above it is clearly seen that almost 60% of the total production of
raspberries in the Republic of Macedonia comes from this region. In addition, the
share that hazelnuts take is also large, being 34.1%, as well as blackberries with
18.2%. These crops are on the rise and it is expected to have an even higher
production.
Following is an account of crops cultivated on areas falling under plough lands
and gardens, as well as figures on livestock in the region.
Areas under plough lands and gardens
Plough
lands and
gardens
Cereals
Industrial
crops
Fodder
crops
Leguminous
crops
Vegetable total
Potatoes
Flowers and
ornamental
plants
Seed
and
seedlings
Fallow
lands
236 291
158314
24 717
23 561
2 283
12 722
5 053
34
26
9 581
Northeast
region
37 877
32 225
814
1 947
293
862
564
2
1
1 170
% of R.
Macedonia
16%
20,35%
3,29%
8,26%
12,83%
6,49%
11,16
%
5,88%
3,84%
12,21
%
hectares/ha
Republic of
Macedonia
Source: State Statistical Office
From the analysis of the representation of crops, it may be stated that cereal
crops have a high representation in the total production (20.35%) and most of
them are concentrated in the Municipality of Kumanovo. Having large areas
under barley 9 513 ha or 25% of the total areas under barley in Macedonia
indicates developed livestock husbandry. This fact is also supported by having
clover (1234 ha) and forage pea (376 ha) planted the most in terms of fodder
crops, and these are some of the largest areas in the Republic of Macedonia
under these crops.
Total number of livestock, poultry and bee families 2013
Republic of Macedonia
Northeast region
Horses
Cattle
Swine
Sheep
Goats
Poultry
Bee
families
20 682
238 333
167 492
731 828
75 028
2 201 550
68 294
905
28 516
25 699
74 215
19 774
322 054
12 653
39
% of R. Macedonia
4,37%
11,96%
15,34%
10,14%
26,35%
14,62%
18,52%
Source: State Statistical Office
Swine husbandry has a long-lasting tradition in this region and it has a share of
15.34% in the total number of swine in the country. There are 19 774 head of
goats or 26.35% of the total number representing the largest share of all types of
farming animals of this region in the total number in Macedonia. Furthermore,
bee families in the region, numbering 12 653 or taking 18.52% of the total
number in the country are an important factor in the overall agricultural
production. Having 2,21 livestock units per agricultural holding, this region is
ranked fourth right after Pelagonia (2,7), Skopje (2,3) and Polog region (2,27).
In this region, far the most individual holdings have been registered providing
services by way of mechanisation, more precisely 28.7% of the total number of
such registered services in Macedonia. This indicates an effective utilisation of
available mechanisation and a large-scale cooperation among farmers.
This region also numbers most of the agricultural holdings processing animal and
plant products as an additional activity. Their share in all such holdings in
Macedonia is 21.6% for animal processed products and 38.8% for plant
processed products. This mostly applies to meat and dairy products, as well as
pickle and spices, which are in fact activities for generation of additional income
among smaller farmers.
The high number of cattle, sheep, goats and poultry, as well as the available
arable lands suitable for cultivation of cereal and fodder crops is a good basis for
an even stronger development of livestock husbandry, that is to say meat and
dairy farming, as well as egg industry. Most of the dairies in Macedonia are
concentrated in this region, which apart from supplying the region itself, also
supply Skopje region. The proximity of Skopje and the sound transport
communication provide for extraordinary benefits in placing the products on the
biggest market in a fresh condition.
40
Infrastructure
Transport infrastructure
Road infrastructure
The road infrastructure in the Northeast region consists of local, regional and A road network. The European corridors VII and X pass through the region.
SERBIA
Road network in the Northeast Planning Region
The existing road infrastructure in the Northeast Planning Region comprises 888
km local roads, 99 km state A – motorways and 370 km regional roads.
Structure of road network
Regional
A-motorways
7%
Local
41
Major road routes connecting this region to other regions are the state A1
motorway (Skopje - Kumanovo – border with Macedonia) and the state А2
motorway (Kumanovo – Kriva Palanka – border with Bulgaria).
The road network in this region is well-developed.
The present condition of a part of the A2 motorway (Kumanovo – Kriva Palanka –
border with Bulgaria) is in a relatively poor condition, above all due to damaged
roadway surfaces and inappropriate technical elements present in these
sections.
This especially applies to the motorway section between Stracin and the border
with Bulgaria, where the road itself does not correspond to the A – motorway
criteria, since it has a small roadway width, and the horizontal elements fail to
correspond to the technical conditions for such a road.
Certain sections of the regional road network R 1104 (Arachinovo - Kumanovo),
R 1107 (border with Serbia – Kumanovo), R 1204 (Kumanovo – Sveti Nikole), R
1205 (Kratovo - Probishtip – junction to A3), R 1207 (junction to А2 - Pelince –
border with Serbia), as well as certain sections of regional roads of second
category R 2244 (junction to R1207 - Arbanashko), R 2133 (Nikushtak - Lipkovo
- Kumanovo), R 2248 (junction to А2 - German), R 2245 ( Kriva Palanka - Ogut),
R 2250 ( junction to А2 - Luke) and R 2247 (junction to R1205 - Tatomir) are also
in a relatively poor condition.
In the region, parts of the following regional roads have a dirt roadway or have
not been built:

R 1210 Kriva Palanka - Toranica – Makedonska Kamenica (Sasa)

R 2244 (Arbanashko - Ramno – border with Serbia)

R 2248 (German - Nerav)

R 2245 (Ogut – border with Serbia)

R 2250 (Luke – border with Serbia)

R 2247 (Tatomir – junction to R 1205)
42
The state A1 motorway being the only exception, the condition of the remaining A
– motorways and of a large part of the regional roads is not in compliance not
only with the requirements for economic growth, but also with traffic safety
standards. Due to lack of investments and insufficient maintenance of the road
network, the access to the main road corridor is made difficult for some of the
region’s municipalities (Kriva Palanka and Kratovo).
The local road network in the Northeast Planning Region is in a poor condition,
and in certain sections the quality of the local road network is on such a low level
that it poses a potential threat for normal regulation of the traffic.
It is essential that we emphasise that even the funds available are not used for
maintenance of local roads, but construction of new sections is forced and mainly
streets in urban centres are maintained.
Only some of the municipalities have a sound database on the condition of the
road network, and the necessary resources, on the basis of which maintenance
and development of the local road network could be planned in a proper manner.
Over the past few years, by using own resources, as well as resources of the
Ministry of Transport and Communication, some of the local roads have been
reconstructed and upgraded (6%).
Condition of the local road network by municipality
Kumanovo
Lipkovo
Rankovce
Staro Nagorichane
Kratovo
Kriva Palanka
Asphalt
77
125
23
64
61
89
Cobbled
-
-
-
-
1
1
Macadam
17
-
8
74
-
1
Dirt
34
80
35
80
83
71
-
14
11
-
17
8
128
219
77
218
162
170
Project truck
Total
43
Types of local roads
Project truck
Asphalt
Dirt roads
Cobbled 0%
Macadam 10%
The road network density in the Northeast Planning Region amounts to 0.59 and
is higher by 7.3% than the road network density on the level of the Republic of
Macedonia (0.55).
Road infrastructure in the Northeast Planning Region compared to the road
infrastructure in the Republic of Macedonia
Republic of Macedonia
Northeast region
%
А – motorway
network
1153
99
8,59%
Regional roads
3771
370
9,81%
Local roads
9258
888
9,59%
Total
14182
1357
9,57%
There are three border crossings in the Northeast Planning Region. Two border
crossings with the Republic of Serbia (Tabanovce and Pelince) and one with
Bulgaria (Kriva Palanka).
The average daily traffic on the state A – motorway network in the year of 2013 in
the Northeast region is shown in the following table.
44
Motor
way
Average annual daily traffic
Motorway section
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6
Total
А1
border with Serbia - Kumanovo
4514
673
101
95
60
331
5774
А1
Kumanovo – Miladinovci
6244
685
204
64
89
476
7762
А2
junction vil. Konjare – Stracin
1539
468
54
99
23
68
2251
А2
Stracin – Kriva Palanka
2564
422
24
77
19
41
3147
А2
Kriva Palanka – border with Bulgaria
1458
181
26
58
12
71
1806
The average annual daily traffic on the regional road network in the Northeast
region in the year of 2013 is presented in the table below.
Average annual daily traffic
Road
Road section
K1
K2
K3
K4
K5
K6
Total
R 1104
Skopje – Arachinovo – Umin Dol
3614
804
89
414
424
201
5546
R 1104
Umin Dol – Kumanovo
3402
789
83
301
307
174
5056
R 1204
Kumanovo-Pavleshenci-Sv. Nikole
842
301
15
62
46
48
1314
R 1207
Staro Nagorichane – Pelince
816
98
22
57
48
27
1068
R 1205
Stracin - Kratovo
1148
102
38
89
71
78
1526
R 1205
Kratovo – Crn Vrv – Probishtip
1102
97
40
96
75
69
1479
Railway infrastructure
Apart from the roads within transport corridors, there are railway lines as well.
There are two railway lines located in the Northeast region, as follows: in Corridor
VIII there is the railway line from Kumanovo connecting it to the railway line from
Corridor X, continuing via Kriva Palanka to the Republic of Bulgaria.
This railway line has not been completed yet (it has been built only to
Beljakovce). In Corridor X there is the railway line starting from the border with
Serbia – Kumanovo – Skopje – border with Greece.
45
This railway connection is especially important for the economy, both of the
country and the region. Over the last few years measures have been undertaken
to reconstruct this rail track. The total length of this railway line located in the
region is 31 km. On the other hand, the railway track Kumanovo – Beljakovce
has a total length of 33 km, but it is not functional.
Railway network in the Northeast Planning Region
The railway network in this region has a density of 13.27 km’ per 1000 km2 (27
km’ on average in Macedonia), and the length of the rail tracks per 100 thousand
inhabitants is 17.94 km’ (33,9 km’ on average in Macedonia).
The railway network in the Northeast region features low density and it does not
provide for appropriate level of services to the region’s municipalities. Only the
municipalities of Kumanovo and Lipkovo are well-provided with rail services. The
quality of rail services offered is on a very low level which in fact is a feature of
rail transport in the Republic of Macedonia. One more important railway station is
located in the region, in Kumanovo.
Number of passengers carried
Number of passengers carried
Year
Goods carried (tonnes)
Kumanovo
Republic of
Macedonia
%
Kumanovo
Republic of
Macedonia
%
2010
12.541
1.489.000
0,84%
59194
2198206
2,69%
2011
10.258
1.408.000
0,73%
60184
1902581
3,16%
46
2012
6.125
1.000.000
0,61%
74670
1875974
3,98%
The number of passengers carried by means of the railway has significantly
decreased over the period 2010 – 2012. The decrease in the number of
passengers carried amounts to 48.83% (a decrease of 32.84% on the level of the
Republic of Macedonia), whereas in terms of transportation of goods we have an
increase of 26.15% (2012 – 14.65% decrease on the level of the Republic of
Macedonia).
The main problem of not having an efficient rail transport is the incomplete
railway network in the Northeast Planning Region. It is necessary to finalise the
construction of the railway line in the direction of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The relatively poor state of the road network in the Northeast Planning Region
and the low railway network coverage are factors that limit the opportunities for a
more intensive development of the region.
Air traffic
The airport “Alexander the Great” is located in close proximity to Kumanovo. The
proximity of this airport ensures that some of the municipalities in the Northeast
region are served. These are above all those municipalities which are located
close to Kumanovo.
Near Kumanovo, close to the village of Rezhanovce, there is also a class 2B
sports airport with a grass landing strip (850 х 100) and an area of 51,37 ha, as
well as a commercial aviation airfield “Klechovce” covering an area of 6 ha.
Energy infrastructure
Following the construction of the hydro power system Zletovica, conditions have
been created for production of electricity by way of the planned small hydro
47
power plants of the system Zletovica. Furthermore, locations have been identified
for the construction of small hydro power plants.
Springs
Water supply system
Regional water economy
system
Water storages
Natural lakes
Irrigated areas
Sewage system
Refinery
Oil pipeline
Industrial thermal power plants
Coal mine
Pellet plant
Gas pipeline
Regulation stations
Thermal power plants
Hydro power plants
Power transmission lines Transformer stations
Energy infrastructure in the Northeast Planning Region
The gas pipeline system in the Republic of Macedonia is a part of the Russian
transit natural gas pipeline which passes through Ukraine, Romania and
Bulgaria. The connection point of the system of the Republic of Macedonia with
the Bulgarian one of the pipeline is in the border area of Deve Bair. The gas
pipeline stretches across the Northeast region, more precisely in the areas of
Kriva Palanka, Kratovo and Kumanovo. From the perspective of regional
development, capacity building for enhanced use of the gas pipeline system may
contribute
towards
stimulating
development
of
the
regions.
Existing
infrastructure: main transmission gas pipeline Deve Bair – Skopje having a length
of 98 km, transmission gas pipeline network having a length of 26 km (for Kriva
Palanka, Kratovo, Kumanovo and Skopje) and a city network with a length of
31.5 km (for Kriva Palanka, Kratovo, Kumanovo and Skopje). The total capacity
of the natural gas transmission system amounts to 800 million m 3/year. Taking
into account the fact that there are no developed distributional networks for use
of natural gas by households and small and medium enterprises, a small number
of consumers, exclusively industrial consumers (tariff consumers) are connected
48
to the natural gas transmission system, which results in use of the natural gas
transmission system capacity of approximately 9% to 15%.
City gas network
Length (km)
Kratovo
5.902
Kumanovo
5.026
Gas pipeline system facilities
Facility
Length
(km)
Pipe diameter (mm)
Main transmission gas pipeline
98.197
530
Transmission gas pipeline to Kriva Palanka
1.521
108
Transmission gas pipeline to Ginovci
1.692
108
Transmission gas pipeline to Kratovo
4.592
108
Transmission gas pipeline to Kumanovo
6.972
219
Installed electricity production capacity in the Northeast Planning Region
MW
Republic of Macedonia
Northeast region
%
2011
1849
0
0%
2012
1913
0
0%
2013
1938
1
0,05%
In this region there is almost no electricity production capacity installed.
According to the data for the period 2011-2013, the total average annual
electricity consumption in industry in the Northeast Planning Region amounted to
36 GWh, that is to say, approximately 1.5% of the total consumption in industry in
the Republic of Macedonia.
GWh
Republic of
Macedonia
Northeast
region
%
2011
2194
38
1,73%
49
2012
2693
39
1,45%
2013
2369
36
1,52%
Potential has been identified in the region for the use of renewable energy
sources.
Solar energy can be exploited across the geographic width of the region
throughout most of the year.
According to the findings up to now, the region features modest wind energy
potential. The mountain areas of Kozjak, Bilino and Osogovo Mountains have
higher potential (with a mid-flame wind speed of over 4-6 m/s). Flat terrains are
marked by a mid-flame wind speed of 2-3 m/s.
The well-known hydrothermal resources in the Northeast Planning Region are
marked by relatively low temperature and energy potential. Certain research has
indicated the existence of geothermal waters that would be suitable for energy
generation. With a view to intensifying and promoting the use of geo-thermal
energy in the region, it is necessary to undertake the following activities:

Search for new hydrothermal resources according to indications of mineral
and thermal water springs;

Develop litho heat exploitation systems from the surface layer up to 200250 m depth;

Search for resources with high geothermal potential in the subsurface
layer up to depth of over 2.0 km.
Environment
Environment protection is an exceptionally important segment of regional
development policy. The environment quality situation in the Northeast Planning
Region is similar to the one in the other regions of the Republic of Macedonia.
50
Solid waste
Solid waste management in the Northeast Planning Region is brought down to its
collection, transport and depositing. Municipal public enterprises are responsible
for solid waste management.
Quantities of collected and generated waste
Quantity of generated waste
(tonnes)
Quantity of collected waste
2011
2012
2013
2011
2012
2013
2011
2012
2013
735 250
786.909
793.000
543 954
550.760
555.250
73,98
69,99
70,02
Northeast region
57182
72365
84214
47058
53.495
61222
82,30
73,92
72,70
%
11,05%
10,53%
9,14%
12,79%
12,80%
11,18%
+8,32
+3,93
+2,68
Republic of
Macedonia
% of collected waste
There are 4 landfills in this region which, in line with the National Waste
Management Plan, and according to the environmental pollution risk have been
classified as follows: high-risk landfill “Konopnica” in the Municipality of Kriva
Palanka, medium-risk landfill “Krasta” in the Municipality of Kumanovo, and lowrisk landfills site “Zheleznica” in the Municipality of Kratovo and site “Bel Kamen”
in the Municipality of Lipkovo. On the territory of the Northeast Planning Region,
there are many so called illegal dump sites, especially in the rural part which is
not encompassed by the service of collecting and depositing garbage.
Landfills
Landfill sites
In accordance with the National Waste Management Strategy, problems in solid
waste management can be overcome by introducing regional integrated solid
waste management, in line with EU directives. It is planned for the Northeast
51
region to establish integrated municipal waste management by using EU funds
through the IPA Programme.
Kumanovo
Kratovo
Rankovce
Lipkovo
Staro
Nagorichane
Kriva
Palanka
TOTAL
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
TOTAL
27.06
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Daily
average
69.14
7.31
2.27
7.65
0.91
84.38
8.19
0.00
8.75
2.76
98.80
8.40
0.00
5.96
0.00
111.16
9.46
0.00
12.43
0.00
79.62
8.46
9.14
8.97
0.00
53.90
8.38
6.77
14.15
0.00
29.06
8.29
0.00
3.26
3.60
15.40
15.40
15.40
15.40
15.40
1.05
0.00
11.15
78.5
119.48
128.56
148.45
121.59
98.6
45.26
27.07
98.43
689.00
483.98
51.18
15.91
53.52
6.36
Measured waste quantities
Recycling, that is, selection of recyclable fractions of the municipal solid waste is
performed to a very small part of the waste, by selecting waste in waste
containers set in several municipalities. The informal sector collects waste
plastics and metal directly from waste collection containers.
There is organised waste collection in place only in terms of packaging waste.
A Regional Waste Management Plan has been developed and a regional solid
waste management enterprise has been established.
Other types of waste, such as waste rubber, batteries and accumulators, waste
fats and oils, used vehicles and waste of electrical and electronic equipment are
not selected and end up in municipal waste landfills.
52
Water
The territory of the Northeast region covers the drainage sub-basins of Pchinja
River and Kriva River and most of it is covered by Vardar River drainage basin
and a very small part by the international drainage basin of South Morava.
Vardar River drainage basin
Drainage basin of Morava
(Danube)
Drainage basins in the Northeast region
In its hydrographical structure, the region features various types of water springs
and two artificial storage lakes (Lipkovsko Lake and Glazhnja). The water
potential is due to the relatively high above sea level altitude that a part of the
region is situated at, as well as the geological soil composition. The region is
abundant in numerous rivers and small drainage basins belonging to Kriva River
and Durachka River. On the territory of the Municipality of Kriva Palanka, two
water storages have been built: Bazjachko Brdo with a capacity of 14.100 m3 of
water and the water storage Vlashki Kolibi on the site Kalin Kamen with a
capacity of 6.200 m3 of water at an above sea level altitude of 1.590 m.
One of the main symbols in this region’s area are the quite attractive artificial
water storage lakes – Lipkovsko Lake and Glazhnja – in the Municipality of
Lipkovo. The former was accumulated on Lipkovska River, in the immediate
vicinity of village Lipkovo. It was built in 1958, covering an area of 0,40 km2,
53
whereby 2.250.000 m3 water is stored in the lake; located upstream is the larger
Glazhnja Lake (built in 1973), which is situated on the north-eastern slopes of
Skopska Crna Gora Mountain and accumulates approximately 22.000.000 m3
water. Zletovska River, on the other hand, is a typical example of an open and
highly positioned mountain water entity, characterised by cold and swift waters in
the upper flow, flowing in the mountain area and having a sound water potential
with a medium annual flow of 1,98 m3/s. By help of the newly constructed
multipurpose hydro system Zletovica, water will be provided for over 200.000
inhabitants, above all for the needs of the municipalities in the Northeast
Planning Region.
Two water storages have been built on the territory of the Municipality of Kriva
Palanka: Bazhjachko Brdo, with a capacity of 14.100 m3 water and the water
storage Vlashki Kolibi in the site Kalin Kamen, with a capacity of 6200 m3 water,
at above sea level altitude of 1590 m.
When it comes to the water potential in the region, there is a possibility for
construction of storages or dams on several locations: dam on Staneshka River
for water supply and other needs, dam on Moshtenichka River (site Prosechnik),
dam on Upranichka River, dam on Dubrovnichka River, dam on Matejchanska
River, dam on Otljanska River, dam on Slupchanska River and dam on Lojanska
River.
Water economy areas
Springs
Water supply systems– present condition
Water supply systems – 2020
Sewage systems – present condition
Sewage systems – 2020
Regional water economy systems
Treska
Treska – after 2020
Gjavato
Water storages
Water storages – 2020
Water storages after 2020
Irrigated areas
Irrigated areas – 2020
Irrigated areas after 2020
Water economy infrastructure (Spatial Plan of the Republic of Macedonia)
54
Water supply
Water supply and drainage of municipal wastewater in all the municipalities is
performed
through
enterprises
established
for
those
purposes.
In
5
municipalities, these services are provided by municipal public enterprises (MPE)
which have been established by municipalities and are owned by them, whereas
only in the Municipality of Kratovo the provision of services has been entrusted
upon a private company by means of concession. In the Municipality of Lipkovo,
the enterprise exists only formally and legally (with only one employee) and is not
involved at all in the provision of services, and services on the level of the
Municipality of Lipkovo in general are on a much lower level than in other
municipalities in the region.
Some of the populated areas face shortage in drinking water, including the
Municipality of Kumanovo as the largest urban area, but at the same time the
largest municipality in RM. The connection of population to central water supply
systems is present only in urban centres. In rural areas, the water supply issue in
each populated area is resolved individually, partially and gradually.
Water supply and drainage of wastewater
Number of
populated
areas
Population
Apartments
%
Population
%
Apartments
%
Populated
areas
Water supply
and sewage
21
119910
37519
69,4
63,1
10,9
Only water
supply
59
35382
13261
20,5
22,3
30,6
Only sewage
1
1996
476
1,1
0,8
0,5
Without water
supply and
sewage
90
14120
6751
8,2
11,3
46,6
No data
22
1379
1481
0,8
2,5
11,4
Total
193
172787
59488
100
100
100
55
No water supply and
sewage
No data
Only sewage
Water supply
and sewage
Only water
supply 22%
Supply of apartments with water supply and sewage
Shortage in drinking water occurring in certain periods of the year, in almost
every municipality of this region, can be alleviated, and in some municipalities it
can be even fully eliminated by repairing and reconstructing existing networks,
thereby also reducing technical water loss in distribution networks. The
construction of new containers is indispensable, as is the connection of rural
settlements to water supply systems.
Water supply, use and protection against pollution in industry and mining
Republic of Macedonia
Northeast region
%
(in thousands of m3)
2010
2011
2012
2010
2011
2012
2010
2011
2012
Water supply
6.368.589
5.869.979
5.006.246
1.890
3.098
1.313
0,03%
0,05%
0,03%
Water used for
technological purposes
6.251.678
4.953.364
4.923.165
1.766
2.650
1.160
0,03%
0,05%
0,02%
Discharge of untreated
water
6.224.267
5.062.710
4.808.627
1.758
3.021
890
0,03%
0,06%
0,02%
20.131
77.573
92.492
11
6
14
0,05%
0,01%
0,02%
1.435.562
820.679
1.045.121
867
3.091
277
0,06%
0,38%
0,03%
Discharge of treated
water
Discharge of wastewater
in industry and mining
56
Wastewater
The collection and urban network is predominantly located in municipalities’
urban centres. When it comes to population sewage network coverage in urban
areas, it is in the range between 80% and 100%, whereas in rural areas it is in
the range from 0% (septic tanks) to 100%. Some of the rural populated areas do
not have wastewater systems or appropriate wastewater septic tanks at their
disposal. In general, the state of wastewater drainage systems is relatively poor,
except for Kumanovo, since these systems are characterised by discharging a
part of the wastewater during transport, which increases the risk of pollution of
soil and groundwater.
In the Municipality of Lipkovo, wastewater drainage is on a critical level.
According to the percentage of population coverage with wastewater treatment
plants of 60%, the Northeast Planning Region is far beyond the national average
(12.7% on the level of the Republic of Macedonia). In the region, there is only
one wastewater treatment plant located in Kumanovo and has a capacity of
100.000 ERU. The remaining five municipalities do not treat wastewater at all
and it is discharged untreated into the recipients, which negatively affects the
environment in the region.
With a view to improving the situation in terms of water supply and sewage, it is
necessary to achieve: increase in the investments necessary for extension of
sewage networks in urban areas, completion of collection systems and
construction of new sewage networks in larger rural areas, construction of storm
water drainage networks in urban areas, construction of municipal wastewater
treatment plants in the towns Kriva Palanka and Kratovo.
57
Water quality
Springs are an important water resource for water supply and a source of highquality drinking water. The Municipality of Kumanovo has a large number of
registered springs, a total of 311, but the total amount of water is small, since
most of them have a capacity of 1 l/s, whereas wealthier springs (over 10 l/s) are
rare.
In the Municipality of Kriva Palanka, there are 100 springs registered, 55 of which
have a capacity of 1 l/s, 18 have a capacity of 1-3 l/s and the rest over 3 l/s. In
the Municipality of Kratovo, there are 74 springs registered, 32 of which have a
capacity of 0,1 l/s, 29 have a capacity of 0,1-1 l/s, and 13 have a capacity of 1-2
l/s. Most of the springs are located in mountain terrains, under the high summits
and sides of valleys.
Mountain springs are mildly mineral, cold and of excellent quality. Some of them
are used for bottling purposes. Apart from these, on various sites there have
been registered thermo mineral springs, especially near the village Proevce –
Kumanovo, the village Strnovac – Staro Nagorichane and near the village
Topolovik – Kratovo vicinity.
Categorisation of river flows in the Northeast Planning Region according to water
quality
River
Toranica
Kiselichka River
Kratovska River
Konjarska River
Slupchanska River
Category
III
III
III
III
II
58
Irrigation
The current condition of almost all hydro-ameliorative systems in the Republic of
Macedonia features weak technical condition of their facilities, stations and
equipment, high losses of water, low efficiency of use, insufficient capacity for
changes of the flow through channels, no regulation of flow in transmission
structures (channels and pipelines), etc. The situation is similar in the systems
located in the Northeast Planning Region. According to the Ministry of
Environment and Physical Planning, the reasons for having such a poor condition
of the systems are as follows: insufficient maintenance of channels, poor quality
of the original construction, incomplete construction according to the design,
inappropriate solutions and design, insufficient and low quality of the hydro
mechanical equipment, large number of water consumers, small size of plots,
poor financial condition of water management organisations and emigration from
rural areas.
There is only one irrigation system in the region:
1. Pchinja area – rivers Lipkovska, Pchinja River and Kriva River, covers an area
of 8.002 ha and has a quantity of water of 52.277.000 m3.
Situation of protection against floods and other features of channels in the
Northeast region:

Settlements exposed to floods: Kumanovo and settlements that are less
exposed Kriva Palanka and settlements on Slavichko Pole plain;

Rivers degraded due to excavation of gravel in the settlements Gorno
Konjare and Dolno Konjare;

Banks naturally encroached with vegetation and

Settlements that are also exposed to floods: Proevci, Dobroshane,
Klechovce and Dovezenche.
59
Soil
The impairment of soil quality in the region is a result of:
 Open mines and depositing of ore residues across a large space;
 Inappropriate processing in agricultural areas, cultivating crops with
intensive artificial fertilisers and pesticides;
 Increased and uncontrolled use of pesticides;
 Destruction of soil layers, erosion, deforestation and excessive grazing;
 Changes in the physical and chemical structure of soil under the influence
of existing industrial facilities, as well as depositing of sediments from
polluted air;
 Use of polluted water for irrigation purposes;

Inappropriate waste and wastewater management, etc.
Airports
Watercourses
Bodies of water
Land mainly covered by agricultural
crops, with significant areas with
natural vegetation
Annual crops linked to permanent
crops
Bare rocks
Landfills
Green urban areas
Permanently irrigated land
Industrial and commercial units
Internal swamps
Vineyards
Mixed forests
Complex of cultivated areas
Swamps and grasslands
Mines
Discontinued urban areas
Rarely vegetating areas
Non-irrigated arable land
Forest trees and nuts
plantations
Rice fields
Pastures
Roads and railway network
and associated land
Beaches, dunes, sands
Continued urban areas
Natural grasslands
Sclerophyll vegetation
Sports and recreation
facilities
Transiting forests/ bushes
Coniferous forests
Temperate deciduous forest
Land use in the Northeast region
60
Industrial contamination
Industrially contaminated area
Industrial area
Factories
Industrial contamination in the Northeast region
In тхе Northeast region, one industrially contaminated site – hotbed – has been
identified:
1. Lojane chromium/ antimony mine – Municipality of Lipkovo, with a total of
1.000.000 m3 deposited waste and stretching across 95.000 m2.
Erosion
In the Republic of Macedonia, the greatest quantity of eroded sediments is
present in the Pchinja River water economy area. On annual basis, the total
quantity of eroded sediments amounts to 2.285.278 (m3/year), whereas the
quantity of intercepted sediments amounts to 845.553 37,0 (m3/year). The
percentage of intercepted sediments is 37%.
Active landslide
Unstable slope
Rockslide
Torrential stream
Forests under threat of fire
Zones potential of:
Liquefaction
Slides
Landslides
Falling rocks
Zones of inverse fogs
Areas under threat of floods
Zones with rains up to 700 mm
Erosion and natural hazards - Spatial plan of the Republic of Macedonia
61
The erosion intensity of the water economy area in the Northeast Planning
Region is as follows:
Area
Area category
I-III (km2)
Area category
IV-V (км2)
General category and
coefficient
Pchinja
1.410,08
(59,45 %)
962,99
(40,55 %)
III
z=0,58
Air
Air quality in the Northeast Planning Region is monitored by a static monitoring
station and a device taking a large sample, located in the town hospital of
Kumanovo, as part of the National Air Quality Monitoring Network organised by
the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (MEPP). The static monitoring
station in Kumanovo monitors the environmental and meteorological parameters:
carbon monoxide CO (mg/m3), sulphur dioxide SO2 (μg/m3), ozone O3 (μg/m3),
suspended particles sized to particles of 10 microns (μg/m3), wind speed and
direction, temperature, humidity and other parameters.
Air quality in the Northeast Planning Region is relatively good with the exception
of certain urban areas, where during the winter season there is a certain increase
in the concentration of pollutants, and this predominantly applies to PM particles
and a low exceeding of О3 concentration. The table below gives an overview of
air quality data:
Highest average mid-day
concentration of PM10
(μg/m3)
Average annual concentration
of NO2 (μg/m3)
Border-value
2009
2010
2011
50 μg/ m3 which should not be
exceeded for more than 35 days
in one calendar year
144
104
88
40 μg/m3 medium annual
border-value
17,95
13
15
120 μg/m3
142
125
126
125 μg/m3
61
72
74
th
26 highest maximum eighthour medium concentration of
О3 (μg/m3)
th
4 highest average mid-day
concentration of SO2 (μg/m3)
62
The main source of pollution in Kumanovo is industry, which emits gases, steam,
smoke, fog, dust and aerosols in the ecosystem. Air pollution happens most often
as a result of processing of sulphide concentrates of coloured metals, as well as
burning of coke and other fuels in industry and households. Based on the
available data on defining air quality in the region in terms of waste incineration
installation, it may be concluded that the main sources of air pollution at the
moment in the region are stationary sources (industrial capacities and SMEs
pursuing production activities), mobile sources (vehicles using fuels) and
emissions in the air from households in settlements where firewood is used for
heating.
Nature
Nature in the Northeast Planning Region is characterised by protected natural
areas and ecological corridors of the national ecological network to connect
protected areas and ecologically important areas (including the future NATURA
2000 sites as well).
There have been several sites defined as representative areas, such as for
instance Kumanovo Kozjak, which has been proposed as a Nature Park, and
apart from the rocky outcrops significant for nesting of several species of birds of
prey, the area presents a northernmost area of distribution of some
Mediterranean species (Greek tortoise, Eurasian blackcap, Western rock
nuthatch, etc.). In the remaining oak and beech forests in the northern slopes,
there are also other important species of birds present (semi-collared flycatcher,
Ficedula semitorquata).
The site Kokino, apart from its enormous cultural significance, also has an
immense geo-morphological value. It is a geological occurrence, outflow
(excretion) of pyroxene andesites and andesites aged 32-33 million years.
Petroshnica River has a considerable ornithological and botanical value. The
area is especially important in the context of nesting of several species of birds of
63
prey and is the core area of the significant ornithological site Pchinja –
Petroshnica – Kriva River.
The site Kuklica, as a natural monument, presents a rare geo-morphological
shape.
Northeast Planning Region – representative network
Map
Representative protected areas
Areas proposed for protection in line
with SP
Newly identified areas for protection
Bislimska Gorge is a short gorge with expressed sub-Mediterranean influence,
rich in underground and surface rocky shapes. In the caves, there are significant
colonies of bats and presence has been registered of troglophiles. It is of utmost
importance for nesting of some Mediterranean bird species and birds of prey:
Egyptian vulture, peregrine falcon, golden eagle, long-legged buzzard, black
stork, etc. There is hasmophite vegetation developing on rocks and this site has
an abundance of biological and geo-morphological diversity.
Kiselica River gorge is of great zoological significance, even though this small
gorge has been still insufficiently researched in terms of its natural values. It is
significant due to the presence of otter, but presence is also possible of some
additional important species of vertebrates.
In addition, on the territory of the Northeast Planning Region, Osogovo
Mountains spread out partially, and these are mountains of significant biological
value.
A large number of internationally and nationally important species of flora and
fauna have been identified, a significant part of which are endangered, endemic
or rare species. Furthermore, Osogovo has been identified as: Important Plant
64
Area (IPA), Important Bird Area (IBA), Important Wildlife Movement Corridor
within the Pan-European Ecological Network in South East Europe (PEEN SEE)
and Emerald area.
There are 18 habitats registered according to the EUNIS habitat classification
system, five of which are important in view of preservation according to the
Habitat Directive. There are 1007 species and sub-species of plants registered,
18 of which are registered only in Osogovo, among which: Viola biflora,
Anemone narcissiflora, Myriophyllum verticillatum, Pulsatilla montana ssp.
Slaviankae, etc. The summit Carev Vrv is the only site for Genista fukarekiana
(endemic plant, found only on Osogovo Mountains), Hypericum maculatum ssp.
Мaculatum and Viola biflora. There are 258 species of macromycetes registered
on Osogovo. Presence of 24 mammals has been determined. 133 species of
birds have been registered, 36 of them important species. Especially important is
the ornithological site “Ratkova skala”. There are 10 species of amphibian
identified, as well as 21 species of reptiles. 11 species of fish are known, eight of
which have been included in the IUCN Red List. 16 Balkan endemites of the
group of snails have been identified on Osogovo, a total of 243 types of spiders
(14 endemic), 37 types of grasshoppers (5 Balkan endemites), 15 types of
dragonflies, 99 types of butterflies (Erebia aethiops and Minois dryas are found
only on Osogovo), and 203 types of ground beetles – Carabidae. Osogovo is
characterised by interaction among people and nature, and the biological
diversity and human heritage, preserved within natural landscapes, has
contributed to the development of characteristic lands.
65
Northeast Planning Region – newly proposed areas
On the territory of the Northeast Planning Region, other important natural values
are also distributed, which are defined as sites:

Vaksince – botanical values

Mramor – geo-morphological value
Planning the development of the Northeast Planning Region
Vision
The vision of the Northeast region is a clear concept of the desired and
realistically achievable progress in the region. The vision is defined on the basis
of the results of the analysis of current situation, especially of development
trends in various segments of the region, as well as development opportunities
or, more precisely, financial possibilities for programme implementation.
The Northeast Planning Region is a socio-economically developed region,
which has a more dynamic pace of development, with a higher economic
growth rate, more developed infrastructure, clean environment and a
higher quality of life.
66
Mid-term goal 1
Enhanced
utilisation
of
competitive
advantages,
small
business
development and forms of organised attraction of investors in the region
Economic growth acceleration in the region is an imperative if the region aims at
gradual mitigation of development disparity measured by the economic and
social index.
Situation on the field should be carefully observed and improved local conditions
should be provided for investors, but also a team should be set up which will
systematically deal with promotion and utilisation of the investment potential. This
mid-term goal is directed towards identifying competitive advantages of the
region and their adequate promotion. However, active support to regional
development also means organised support to small businesses; there is a
considerable potential among emigrants and temporarily employed people
abroad. The achievement of this mid-term goal will be monitored by the following
indicators:
Base year
Indicator
2019
Share of the region in national GDP
5.5%
8.5%
Rate of GDP per capita with regard to the average
67.7%
80%
Share of the region in the newly created value of the country
5.76%
8.7%
Volume of gross fixed capital formation
2.3%
6.0%
Share of industry in the total gross fixed capital formation
11%
25%
Indicator
The following priorities are set for the forthcoming period in the field of economy
and development:
Priority 1.1
Utilisation of competitive advantages and available resources for region’s
promotion and attraction of investors
67
Outputs
Competitive advantage activities identified
Indicators
Number of potential and active investors having used
some of the studies
Number of new investments in the region
Preliminary designs for potential investments
elaborated
Number of potential and active investors having used
some of the studies
Number of new investments in the region
The region and its potentials, symbols and advantages
presented to the target audience
Region’s profile in the business community raised in the
country and abroad
Number of new investments
Recognisable products from the region mapped
Number of products and concepts for which the region is
widely known
Number of events
Human capacities strengthened in terms of attracting
investments in the region
Participants involved
Number of new potential meetings
Number and value of new investments
Under the priority of utilisation of competitive advantages and available resources
for region’s promotion and attraction of investors, the following measures have
been identified:
Measure 1.1.1
Studies of competitive advantage activities, preliminary studies on utilising
the identified competitive advantages of the region
In order to utilise competitive advantages, it is necessary for them to be first of all
identified and appropriately mapped. Namely, it is known that the region has ore
deposits of copper, lead, chromium, arsenic, antimony, zinc, bentonite clay,
quartzite and opalite. Ore explorations performed in the region have shown that
apart from lead and zinc, there are also precious metals, gold and silver. Near
Kratovo there are approximately 5 million tonnes of quartzite and toph, but there
is also granite and other non-metals. There is uranium near Lukovo, and arsenic,
antimony and chromium on the territory of Lipkovo. In the proximity of Matejche
and Nikushtak, there are sites of marble and granite. If there is a will to put these
natural and economic potentials of the region into service of economic
development, they should be systematically explored and mapped, and the same
68
applies to natural potentials and cultural and historical heritage, which can also
be a source of comparative advantage of the region.
Indicative activities
 Mapping mineral sites
 Mapping products for which the region is widely known
 Mapping sites for which the region is widely known and they can serve as a source of comparative
advantage
 Conducting studies on investment potentials in the region
Measure 1.1.2
Organised presentation of the region and its potentials
Successful mapping is a precondition for the implementation of this measure and
for utilisation of its capacity. The presentation should assist in making the region
known on a broader scale, in informing about its advantages in the sense of
being the crossroad of the two biggest regional European corridors, as well as
about the investment potentials of the region all for the benefit of utilising these
competitive advantages. Nevertheless, in order for the presentation to be
successful, it needs to be conducted according to a previously designed scenario
and it needs to be professionally elaborated.
Indicative activities
 Development of professional materials (printed, video, Internet)
 Dissemination of materials to embassies and to economic promoters
 Visiting and appearing on respective regional investment forums and conferences, etc.
 Production of TV broadcasts
 Development of Internet portals and sites
 Development of brochures in several languages and their dissemination to target addresses
69
Measure 1.1.3
Recognisability of the region, its specific features, symbols and
advantages
Should the campaign for raising the region’s profile be successful and last long
enough, in time the region will become recognisable for its leading resources,
products and business locations. However, in order to achieve this, the indicative
activities will involve:
Indicative activities
 Identification of region’s specific products, concepts, traditions and business locations
 Nurturing the recognisability in media in an organised way
 Controlling the quality of those very same products and locations in order not to disrupt the hardly
obtained recognisability
 Production of TV broadcasts for their promotion
 Development of Internet portals and sites
 Development of brochures in several languages and their dissemination to target addresses
Measure 1.1.4
Human capacity building of all stakeholders in the process of attracting
investments in the region
With a view to meeting the first priority, it is of critical importance to have skilled
staff on time, ready to handle the task of raising the level of recognisability of the
region and attracting investments therein. In that sense, the following indicative
activities have been identified:
Indicative activities
 Cooperation with more developed regions in joint trainings
 Study visits and exchange of staff
 Scholarships for Master’s and PhD studies in regional development
 Volunteers from EBRD, USAID, EU, experienced in regional development and clusters
70
Priority 1.2
Development of entrepreneurship and small businesses in the region
Outputs
Indicators
Entrepreneurship and small businesses are
Number of new small business enterprises
successfully promoted in the region
Increase in employment
Number of established regional and local
cluster associations, small business
Number of new regional clusters, business associations, chambers,
chambers of commerce and counselling
links to similar ones in the world
services
Having the Diaspora regularly animated and
Events aimed at animating emigrated workers
invited to invest in the homeland
Increase in investments by emigrated workers in their homeland
This priority will be met by means of the following measures and indicative
activities:
Measure 1.2.1
Promotion of entrepreneurship and small businesses in the region
Small businesses are exceptionally important for the region, since almost 99% of
all economic entities therein are small enterprises. Small businesses are also a
generator of new ideas and innovation, and they are the post of first employment
for many graduated students. However, small businesses are also very sensitive
to surrounding influences, so practically all countries and regions, including the
most developed ones, regularly implement programmes for promotion of small
business advantages. The following indicative activities have been identified for
the implementation of this measure:
71
Indicative activities
 Cooperation with the Agency for Promotion of Entrepreneurship of the Republic of Macedonia and with
other players for small business promotion on national level
 Support to the Government’s active labour market measures for promotion of small business employment
 Support to training centres in terms of potential and active small business entrepreneurs
Measure 1.2.2
Support to the establishment of clusters, chambers of commerce and other
similar small business associations
For the purpose of achieving its role of a driving force of development, small
businesses and entrepreneurship need to associate in various formal and
informal associations, clusters or clubs with a business mission. Success of small
businesses today is impossible without cooperation and associating, thereby
having maintained business independence of enterprises and their owners. This
measure involves the following indicative activities:
Indicative activities
 Support to small businesses by assisting the establishment and operation of various business associations
and small business chambers, and local and regional clusters
 Support to networking of regional clusters and associations with other similar ones in the country and
abroad.
Measure 1.2.3
Involvement of the Diaspora in stimulating regional economic development
The Diaspora has an immense investment capacity. It also knows the region and
it is much easier when foreign investors are animated by its help. They prefer to
associate with a partner from the region by descent, than to enter alone. In that
sense, the region will adopt activities specifically intended for the economic
72
emigration entities when they are present in their homeland, for the purpose of
annual leave, holidays, etc.
Indicative activities
 Activities to promote the region as an investment location among our emigrants
 Assistance in the development of their business plans and feasibility studies
 Drawing up concrete business proposals, independent or by PPP for utilisation of the region’s competitive
advantages
Priority 1.3
Retaining young labour force and expert staff in the region
Outputs
Indicators
Stopping or slowing down youth migration from the region
Reduced migration index, especially among youth
Business – science cooperation, by which young people
New employments in sophisticated and highly
would be stimulated to remain in the region
profitable work posts and businesses
With the purpose of retaining the young, highly qualified labour force in the
region, it is necessary to ensure more than just a mere employment. Youth
require employment in dynamic industries, where they will gain more and have
possibilities for career development. In order to meet this priority, the following
measures have been identified:
Measure 1.3.1
Stopping youth migration
It is practically impossible to stop migration completely, neither would that be
rational. Still, slowing it down to a larger extent is possible, and that depends on
the opportunities offered in the region. Nevertheless, youth do not want
employment in traditional industries, where they see no personal prospects.
73
Youth require modern enterprises, based on innovation and patents, and they
want to develop themselves together with those enterprises.
Indicative activities
 Activities on retaining skilled young labour force, or seriously slowing down the pace of brain drain from the
region
 Promotion of employment benefits of the region by offering facilities for youth businesses in industrial
parks, incubators, free-of-charge locations, business premises, etc.
Measure 1.3.2
Business – science cooperation, by which skilled young people would be
stimulated to remain in the region
At this moment, the region does not have a single scientific research institution,
and without such institutions it is very difficult to have an agile and sophisticated
business sector, as desired by skilled young people. Under such conditions, it is
understandable that many of them decide to leave the region, to Skopje in the
first line, but some even further. If they had the offer of sufficiently attractive jobs
in the region, as well as possibilities to start up their own business, it is realistic
that many of them would decide to stay.
Indicative activities
 Founding various development centres in enterprises having the required potential
 Cooperation with educational institutions and offering various benefits if they locate their research centres
in the region
 Advantages for locating sophisticated and highly profitable businesses of domestic and foreign investors
74
Priority 1.4
Transport infrastructure and information society
Outputs
Indicators
Length of “A” sections and regional roads reconstructed;
Average annual daily traffic
Length of local roads reconstructed;
Number of passengers in road transport;
Number of railway stations reconstructed;
Number of passengers carried in rail transport;
Length of reconstructed and built local roads;
A total of goods carried in rail transport;
Length of railway and railway stations reconstructed
Gas consumption;
Length of gas pipeline network constructed
Number of gas consumers;
Regional spatial plan elaborated
Number of activities implemented from the regional
spatial plan
GIS established on the level of the region
Number of GIS layers;
E-services introduced
Number of applications filed via e-services
Trainings in improving e-skills
Number of users of adapted applications
Internet access established
Internet access coverage of populated areas
Number of applications adapted for use by persons with
special needs
In order to meet this priority, the following measures have been identified:
Measure 1.4.1
Improvement of the road infrastructure
The Northeast region is characterised by a road network which is far below the
desired level. Even though the two European corridors VIII and X pass through
the region, still the road network quality is perhaps on the lowest level compared
to the other regions. The main state A - route leading from Kumanovo to the
Bulgarian border is in a poor condition, just as most of the regional routes are.
The present level of development and quality of the road infrastructure limits the
possibilities for a more intensive economic development of the region. Road
transport of goods and passengers is the only means of transport used in the
region. Only a small share of the region is served by the railway (Kumanovo and
Lipkovo). As a consequence, it is foremost necessary to modernise existing
75
roads of various categories, but also to invest in further development of the road
infrastructure. Under the measure, the following activities will be implemented:

Modernisation of “A” motorways and construction of new sections

Modernisation of the existing and construction of new regional roads

Modernisation of the existing and construction of new local roads
Indicative activities
Modernisation of the existing network of “A” motorways and construction of new sections

Reconstruction of „А1“ section: Kumanovo – Miladinovci

Construction of „А2“ section: Rankovci – Kriva Palanka
Construction of new regional roads

R 1210 Toranica - Sasa (Kriva Palanka – Makedonska Kamenica)

R 29217 Konjuh – Beljakovce (Northeast region)

R 29272 Opae - Stanchikj – border with Kosovo
Modernisation of the existing and construction of new local roads
Measure 1.4.2
Reconstruction of the railway infrastructure
The railway line of Corridor 10 passes through the region in the area of the
municipalities Lipkovo and Kumanovo. As a result of the lack of investments in
the railway for years now and of the low quality of services, data on passengers
and goods carried show an immense decrease in transportation. With a view to
overcoming the present situation, it is essential that a reconstruction of the
railway infrastructure is done:

Reconstruction of the existing infrastructure

Increase in the safety of level crossings - railway lines crossing
roads
76
Indicative activities

Reconstruction of sections of Corridor 10

Reconstruction of the railway station in Kumanovo

Vertical signalisation and signalitics on level crossings

Start of the construction of the rail track Beljakovce – Bulgarian border
Measure 1.4.3
Gasification
The gas pipeline system stretches across the Northeast region, more precisely in
the areas of Kriva Palanka, Kratovo and Kumanovo. Today’s use of gas is on a
very low level, above all as a result of the incomplete distribution network in the
towns of Kumanovo, Kriva Palanka and Kratovo. From the perspective of
regional development, capacity building for improved utilisation of the gas
pipeline system may contribute to stimulation of regional development. Natural
gas, as one the most cost-effective fuels, increases competitiveness of industry
and of the economy as a whole, but it also enables low-cost and environmentally
friendly household heating.
The finalisation of the distribution network construction in the aforementioned
towns is a development imperative for the Northeast Planning Region.
Indicative activities

Preparation of feasibility studies

Preparation of technical documentation

Construction of a secondary network
Measure 1.4.4
Urban plans for populated areas and outside of populated areas, and
spatial planning
Regional spatial planning is a basis for the spatial development of a region. It
defines the spatial distribution of the various types of human activity and it
contributes to having harmonised spatial development and defining the main
elements of how to achieve an optimum distribution of population in the region.
77
At the same time, it is indispensable to update the current and to develop new
general and detailed urban documentation. A large part of rural populated areas
is not covered by the spatial planning documentation, which is one of the main
obstacles in developing these areas.
Indicative activities

Development of a regional spatial plan;

Update and development of General Urban Plans (GUP);

Update and development of Detailed Urban Plans (DUP);

Preparation of planning documentation for rural populated areas;
Measure 1.4.5
Information society
Information and communications technologies are used in everyday work and
life. Modern way of working and functioning means using this technology in all
fields of the economy, by which competitiveness of enterprises is increased.
Ensuring access to these technologies for all citizens regardless of their level of
education, their age, place of residence, whether these are persons with special
needs or persons from marginalised groups, etc. is a precondition for sustainable
development of the region as a whole. E-governance, by introducing e-services
by local self-governments is a process requiring relatively high financial
resources and skilled staff. E-governance, according to the European Council,
encompasses the use of IT in the following three areas of public operation:
relations between public institutions and the civil sector, functioning of public
institutions in all stages of the democratic process of a country and offer of public
services. At the same time, the electronic operation of the public sector is also a
part of modern-day functioning of one public institution. This measure will be
implemented by:

Enhancing e-accessibility and digital literacy

Introduction of e-services and development of e-governance
78
Indicative activities

Installing Internet hotspots in rural populated areas;

Opening free-of-charge Internet clubs in rural populated areas;

Procurement and distribution of assistive appliances for persons with disabilities;

Provision of broadband Internet in rural areas;

Support to projects enhancing e-accessibility;

Implementation of trainings in basic IT skills for marginalised persons, persons with special needs, elderly
people, unemployed people, etc.

Development of educational and promotional materials and holding educational seminars and workshops;

Software procurement;

Improvement of infrastructure;

Public administration trainings;

Projects on introduction of e-services on regional level (PPP, cloud-computing service providers) and
promotion of e-services

Development of web portals where citizens will be able to participate in decision making on local level;

E-government training and projects on development of e-governance;

Introduction of IT operations of local self-governments;
Priority 1.5
Areas with special development needs
Outputs
Indicators
Length of constructed water supply systems in populated
areas with special development needs
Number of inhabitants in areas with special
development needs
Length of constructed local roads towards populated areas
with special development needs
Number of populated areas with special development
needs that have a sewage system
Number of populated areas with special development
needs that have a water supply system
The following key measures have been identified in order to meet this priority:
Measure 1.5.1
Provision of traffic connection between areas with special development
needs and municipal centres, and construction of a basic municipal
infrastructure
79
Access infrastructure, that is to say, road infrastructure in areas categorised as
areas with special development needs is in principle inadequate for securing safe
and modern conditions of traffic regulation. Apart from the lack of adequate road
infrastructure, most of these areas are also in shortage of basic municipal
infrastructure, thus these areas today do not have clean drinking water and
adequate municipal wastewater collection and drainage systems. The lack of
infrastructure is one of the main reasons for low quality of life and inappropriate
working conditions in these populated areas. By implementing this measure, it
will be contributed towards fighting the causes of developmental difficulties in
these areas falling behind in terms of their development.
Measure 1.5.2
Creating conditions for new investments
Apart from the infrastructural problems that these areas face, their shortage of
vacant posts and low level of social development also contribute to the present
situation of areas with special development needs. Improvement of living and
working conditions, i.e. creating conditions for boosting investments in these
areas will contribute towards reducing the causes of emigration and dying out of
populated areas in these areas. Apart from the measures for stimulating growth
in these areas noted down under this priority, all populated areas defined as
areas with special development needs will also be encompassed by the
remaining measures for stimulating regional development, which relate to
planning regions as units of development. The measure will be implemented by:

Planning documentation for areas with special development needs;

Stimulating cross-border cooperation of border areas for economic,
cultural, social and other purposes;

Revitalisation of these areas.
80
Mid-term goal 2
Improvement of the quality of educational, labour, social and health care
conditions in the region
With the purpose of raising the quality of life in the region, apart from increase in
investments, it is also necessary to appropriately raise the standard of social
affairs. In order to achieve this purpose, in parallel to the increase in investments,
it is essential to accordingly invest in the development of social, educational and
health care facilities in the region. Solid child care protection must be ensured, as
well as solid and standardised education on all levels, care for the elderly and for
those in need of professional expert assistance.
Indicator
Unemployment rate
Children in kindergartens
Families – recipients of child care allowance
Households – recipients of social financial assistance
Base year
Indicator 2019
44,9%
38%
69% of the average
80% of the average
118% of the average
100% of the average
3,46% (164% of the average)
2.5%
(120% of the average)
Recipients of social financial assistance per 1000
inhabitants
103,6% of the average
90% of the average
1
1.5
Primary schools
123
123
Secondary schools
12
12
High schools
1
1
Students
18.000
18.000
Persons with health insurance
135.000
135.000
Kindergartens / 10.000 inhabitants
Priorities set in order to reach this mid-term goal:
81
Priority 2.1
Building labour force profiles in line with the needs of economy
Outputs
Indicators
Studies on the needs for training of certain vocational
Number of such studies, number of initiated changes,
profiles in line with the labour market
number of students involved
Establishment of an inter-municipal centre for informal
Centre established, informal education activities,
education
participants involved
Projects on promotion of technical vocations in education
Number of such projects, students involved
Projects on re-qualification, further training and adult
education
Number of such projects, number of students
involved in trainings, number of students having
successfully made a change in career
The following measures have been identified under this priority:
Measure 2.1.1
Surveys on the need of vocational profiles and staff, and development of
informal education in the region
Building appropriate profiles in accordance with the labour market needs is a
precondition for economic development. Therefore, the importance of informal
education and of trainings in re-qualification and further qualification is immense.
In developed countries, it is quite normal for people to change their profession
several times throughout their working life, and this is considered a positive
change. In our case, change of career is seen as something unfavourable and
unwanted. Even though figures show that employment in the region has
increased and that unemployment is in decline, compared to the national
average these indicators are insufficient for the assessment of the situation on
the labour force market in the planning region to be fully positive.
82
Indicative activities
 Municipal and inter-municipal surveys and analysing the economy in terms of current and especially in
terms of future labour needs (per vocational profile)
 Promotion of informal education in the region through forms of PPP and cooperation with a view to
obtaining staff with expertise in accordance with the requirements of employers in the region
Measure 2.1.2
Promotion of technical vocations in education
As a rule, economy demands various types of technical vocations and
professions which, on the other hand, are not very popular among youth. That is
why it is necessary to approach this issue by popularisation of these professions
and to use successful businesspeople of those professions who would serve as
models among youth. Young people would get to love their technical professions
as well, especially when it is explained to them that these professions are much
more paid than general profiles, such as high school profiles.
Indicative activities
 Roundtables and meetings with businesspeople of technical vocations
 Open days in technical schools
 Job fairs in technical schools
 Youth career guidance and similar activities
Measure 2.1.3
Promotion of lifelong learning and change of career
In developed countries, change of career is a normal occurrence. In ours, it is
considered not as a possibility for progress in life, but as a hardship. The views
are similar with regard to the forms of lifelong learning. On the other hand, the
state organises many activities for promotion of lifelong learning through the
Employment Service Agency and the Agency for Promotion of Entrepreneurship,
which also offer many activities for enhancement of employees’ skills and change
83
of career. However, in order to achieve complete success with these activities, it
is necessary for regions and local units themselves to appropriately support them
in their areas.
Indicative activities
 Establishment of lifelong learning centres by help of the local self-government and the private sector
 Stimulation of employers to send their employees to trainings in an organised way
 Offering free-of-charge trainings through active programmes of the Government
 Promotion of change of career as a positive event in life
Priority 2.2
Improvement of spatial conditions and equipment of schools
Outputs
Spatial conditions and equipment of schools in
the region improved
Indicators
Number of renovated schools, value of purchased equipment
Equipment utilisation in the educational process
Under the priority “Improvement of spatial conditions and equipment of schools”
in the region, the following measure has been identified:
Measure 2.2.1
Equipment of schools with cabinets, laboratories and sports halls
Even though schools and their development are under the scope of the
respective ministry and local self-governments themselves, the need arises on
the level of the region to harmonise and coordinate these activities and to
balance the interventions with the purpose of not having a single of the regions
neglected in terms of these activities.
84
Indicative activities

Activities to identify the needs for improvement of conditions and equipment in line with schools’ mid-term
plans

Preparation of projects on equipping the schools with modern equipment, laboratories and sports halls

Stimulating mayors and municipalities’ councils to take greater care of the condition of schools in their
region

Forming teams of trained persons for appearance before international organisations with the mission for
them to financially support education development, and regularly applying on their calls
Priority 2.3
Improvement of multiethnic and multicultural integration
Outputs
Multiethnic and multicultural integration of
students and teachers in the educational
process in the region improved
Multiethnic tolerance and multiculturalism
recognised as values of contemporary
societies
Indicators
Multiethnic climate in education improved
Students acquainted with the culture of their neighbours across
the border
Number of such projects in education in the region
Cooperation established with educational institutions of
neighbouring countries
The following measures have been identified under this priority:
Measure 2.3.1
Promotion of joint multiethnic activities in and out of class
Improved multiethnic climate in education will also positively reflect on society.
Tolerance of differences of any kind will develop and they will be seen as an
advantage, not as a problem in the region. The number of joint enterprises and
other activities between members of various ethnic communities will increase,
85
etc. This will play a very positive role in creating the desired socio-cultural image
of the region.
Indicative activities
 Diverse multiethnic projects and activities in lessons
 Joint multiethnic activities in and out of the educational process
 Promotion of good co-existence as a condition both for economic and social development of the region and
stopping youth migration
 Joint activities for securing funds for such activities before domestic and foreign donors
Measure 2.3.2
Promoting cross-border cooperation in the field of education
Cross-border cooperation in the field of education is exceptionally important for
raising the awareness and recognising multiculturalism as a value of
contemporary societies. Having cooperation established with educational
institutions in neighbouring countries in time will result in staff that will see the
broader picture when seeking alternatives for more complex projects, and
internationalism promoted in such a way will also positively affect the desired
multiethnic cooperation inside the region.
Indicative activities
 Participation of educational institutions in the region in calls for international cooperation with Bulgaria,
Serbia and Kosovo
 Joint activities in and out of the educational process with partners from neighbouring countries
 Joint activities in education with partners from the neighbourhood for identifying broader Euro regions
 Joint teams for organised appearance before the respective EU funds for those purposes
86
Priority 2.4
Improvement of the conditions in primary and secondary health care in the
region
Outputs
Indicators
Number of renovated and equipped health care units
Number of new hospital beds
Spatial conditions in health care on the level of the
region improved
Institutions are adequately equipped with modern
equipment in accordance with the needs of population
Number of equipment purchased
Number of newly opened field hospitals in rural and
mountain areas in the region
Brain drain among doctors and medical staff in search of
better conditions and standards prevented or visibly
reduced
Number of doctors and medical staff in the region,
especially in rural areas
Population coverage with field hospitals
The following measures have been identified under this priority:
Measure 2.4.1
Improvement of infrastructural conditions in health care units
Activities on determining the current state of health care in the region should start
and be performed from the perspective of recipients of primary and secondary
health care services. Only in this way will the needs of highest priority be
identified for which the region should lobby with the respective ministry, but also
local self-governments themselves should offer their participation, not only
financial, but also in the form of premises and other advantages of their field.
Indicative activities
 Activities on determining the current state of health care in the region
 Lobbying for the need for intervention with the respective ministry
 Participation of the local self-government both financially and logistically
 Securing funds from other sources (donations, etc.) for modernisation of health care in the region
87
 Joint activities with partners from neighbouring countries in this field within the respective calls for using
EU funds
Measure 2.4.2
Improvement of the staff situation in health care and prevention of brain
drain of medical staff from the region
In spite of the generally limited spatial and financial conditions, the private
initiative thrives excellently in certain parts of health care, as for instance in
modern diagnostics, dental prosthetics, baths, etc. In these activities, private
investors, especially emigrant workers, could decide very easily to invest money,
and then there are the EU funds and the funds of international organisations. The
region should organize itself systematically to gain access to these funds.
Indicative activities
 Activities to animate young experts, especially doctors, to pursue a career in their own region
 Involvement of local self-governments in determining certain benefits for doctors who would decide to stay
in the region, such as scholarships, locations and place to work, exemption from duties in the field of local
self-government
 Animating private investors, especially emigrant workers, to invest in health care in areas where there is
sufficient demand for paid services
 Joint activities with partners from neighbouring countries in this field within the respective calls for using
EU funds (regional health care tourism)
88
Priority 2.5
Institutional child protection and protection of other vulnerable categories
in society
Outputs
Indicators
Children from the region are better covered with
Number of new kindergartens, day-care centres and
kindergartens, day-care centres and other
other appropriate child care and protection facilities
appropriate care facilities
Number of children covered by this type of protection
Professional protection of the emotional and mental
Number of counselling services and day-care centres for
health of youth and other vulnerable categories of
protection of the emotional and mental health of youth
population organised
and other vulnerable categories of population
Number of events and activities for promotion of
Events and activities for promotion of inclusion of
inclusion of people with special needs and educating the
people with special needs and educating the
community to accept them
community to accept them
Number of participants trained
The following measures have been identified under the priority “Institutional child
protection and protection of groups with special needs”:
Measure 2.5.1
Opening kindergartens, day-care centres and other appropriate child care
and protection facilities
When designing the activities under this measure, the region will need to start
from the changing needs of families and parents. Traditionally speaking, our
families are bigger, and the need for child care in a day-care facility is not as
present as in the pre-transition period. However, children taken care of at home
now need flexible and inventive forms of child care which will promote socialising,
multiculturalism and creativity. Such forms, on the other hand, may be organised
using the private initiative and in partnership with local self-governments, and
89
these can of course serve an additional purpose of retaining skilled youth in the
region.
Indicative activities
 Screening activities on the field in terms of child protection
 Coordination of activities and initiatives of the region with the ones of the respective ministry
 Animating skilled youth for a career in this field of child protection
 Stimulating the opening of other types of child care and protection facilities, more corresponding to the
needs of children in the region (Montessori centres, math centres, creative workshops, etc.)
 Involvement of local self-governments in determining special advantages for such centres
 Joint activities with partners from neighbouring countries in this field within the respective calls for using
EU funds (regional health care tourism)
Measure 2.5.2
Opening counselling services and day-care centres for youth protection
and protection of other vulnerable categories of population
Transition and modern times, as well as social alienation, have an impact of
increasing the number of persons in society requiring expert assistance with
regard to their emotional or mental condition, which is not pathological. Most
appropriate for them are the counselling services, day-care centres or similar
institutions offering help when such help is most needed, and in such cases
people themselves still remain with their families and within their social circles.
These are European and world standards and they are the best ones that could
only contribute to perceiving the region as a good place to live and work in.
Indicative activities
 Screening activities on the field
 Coordination of activities and initiatives of the region with the ones of the respective ministry
 Animating skilled youth for a career in this field
 Stimulating the opening of day-care centres, etc.
 Involvement of local self-governments in determining special advantages for such centres
 Joint activities with partners from neighbouring countries in this field within the respective calls for using
EU funds (regional health care tourism)
90
Measure 2.5.3
Promotion of inclusion of persons with special needs and educating the
community to accept them
Inclusion of these people in social flows is a condition for their rehabilitation.
Unfortunately, unprepared social groups and societies often see them with some
kind of stigma. This is especially expressed among children, who, if not
appropriately taught, can be even cruel. Involvement of the region in developing
and promoting activities in this regard will help these persons, but it will also raise
the perception about the overall quality of social life in the region.
Indicative activities
 Screening activities on the field in terms of adapting the urban infrastructure for the needs of these
persons
 Coordination of activities and initiatives of the region with the ones of the respective ministry
 Involvement of local self-governments in determining special advantages for the construction of such
facilities (access ramps for instance)
 Involvement of local media in raising the awareness within the local community, especially with a view to
eliminating the stigma and raising the awareness about the needs of these categories of people
 Joint activities with partners from neighbouring countries in this field within the respective calls for using
EU funds (regional health care tourism)
Mid-term goal 3
Healthy environment and proper natural resource use and management
The Northeast Planning Region can boast with a relatively healthy and clean
environment. The main reason for this is the fact that the region has no heavy
industry, and populated areas (towns and villages) are evenly distributed across
the whole territory of the region and are surrounded by forests and fields. Unlike
other planning regions, the Northeast Planning Region is characterised by a
lower number of natural wealth and protected areas.
The region is characterised by protected natural areas and ecological corridors of
the national ecological network to connect protected areas and ecologically
important areas (including the future NATURA 2000 sites).
91
Natural resources in the region are in a good shape taking into account that they
had not been affected by infrastructural urbanisation, the number of visitors is low
and local population has preserved the authenticity of these areas.
Natural resources as a potential ensure population economic development, but to
a very low extent, by using natural resources, developing tourism, etc.
Sustainable development is a priority for the region, which has a great potential,
but the region needs to strive towards sustainable use of natural resources and
their proper management.
Indicators
Indicator
Indicator
Base year
2019
Percentage of collected waste out of a total of generated waste
72,70%
88 %
Percentage of treated water discharged in industry and mining
0,63%
25%
Population coverage with municipal wastewater treatment plants
68 %
80 %
70.187 ha
+15%
Forest area
Achieving the purposes of sustainable development, as well as developing all
branches of economy is not possible without securing environmental protection.
The strategic goal is planned to be achieved by meeting the following priorities:
92
Priority 3.1
Regional access to the waste management process
Outputs
Indicators
Number of trainings;
Functional regional public enterprise;
Number of functions performed by the regional
enterprise;
Construction of a regional landfill (1 or 2) launched
depending on the feasibility study;
Number of staff trained;
Implementation of regional waste management initiated;
Equipment purchased;
Percentage of recycled waste;
Study conducted;
Percentage of collected waste;
Application prepared;
Quantities of organic waste ending up in landfills;
Technical documentation prepared;
Population coverage with a waste collection system;
Number of analyses and surveys;
Number of re-loading stations;
Number of implemented activities on introducing waste
selection and recycling;
Number of installed urban equipment for municipal
waste separation.
Number of projects implemented;
The following measure has been identified in order to meet this priority:
Measure 3.1.1
Establishment of regional waste management and improvement of the
existing waste management system
Waste management in the Northeast Planning Region is the responsibility of
every municipality. In every municipality, the local public municipal enterprise
performs municipal solid waste collection and depositing. In the past two years, a
regional waste management plan has been developed and efforts have been
made to implement the plan and to construct a regional landfill.
Priority is given to strengthening the capacities of the regional public waste
management enterprise. The process of introducing regional solid waste
management is complex and within the programme period it will focus on:

Strengthening capacities

Introduction of primary waste selection and recycling

Feasibility study on regional landfill/s sites

Improvement of the existing waste management system
93

Raising the awareness about waste management
Indicative activities
Human resource education;
Institutional strengthening;
Procurement of equipment;
Association and education of individual waste collectors;
Setting up urban equipment and waste collection containers;
Preparation of a feasibility study;
Conducting accompanying studies (socio-economic analysis, payment opportunity study, etc.);
Preparation of technical documentation for (a) regional landfill/s and inert waste landfills;
Construction works contract award procedures;
Activities to reduce waste generation;
Activities for remediation of existing landfills;
Activities for introduction of waste selection and recycling;
Extension of waste collection services in rural areas;
Campaign to raise the awareness about waste reduction and conscientious use of resources;
Activities for separation of hazardous waste from municipal waste (batteries);
Priority 3.2 – Biodiversity protection
Outputs
Number of projects implemented;
Forested areas;
Areas with autochthonous tree species;
Number of projects implemented;
Regional climate change plan developed - green
agenda;
Indicators
Number of protected areas in the Northeast Planning
Region;
Surfaces of newly declared protected areas;
Number of various game species;
Number of fish species;
Areas covered by forests;
Number of projects prepared;
Number of fish species;
Number of projects implemented with other
financing sources;
Number of autochthonous or rare plant and animal
species
Protection of biological diversity means implementation of the Biodiversity
Strategy of the Republic of Macedonia, implementation of the Law on Nature and
declaration of protected areas, as well as development of protected area
management plans. Natural resource management is a complex process
requiring financial resources and institutional support from the region. The
following key nature protection measures have been defined:
94
Measure 3.2.1
Valorisation, declaration of protected areas, development of management
plans and institutional management plans
Nature and biodiversity protection is most efficient by declaration of protected
areas. These areas ensure continuous development and survival of the various
animal and plant species. However, in order to reach optimum nature and
biodiversity protection, it is indispensable to elaborate plans on sustainable
management of protected areas, but also to strengthen the capacities for their
institutional management. The implementation of the measure will create
conditions for declaration of new protected areas and will improve the process of
management of these protected areas. The measure will be implemented by:

Valorisation

Declaration of protected areas

Management plans

Strengthening the capacities
Indicative activities
 Mapping and valorisation of endemic species
 Initiatives for declaration of new protected areas
 Development of protected area management plans
 Organisation of educational events and trainings
 Trainings of protected area rangers or guides
Measure 3.2.2
Development of a marketing plan for promotion of natural resources in the
region
Natural resources in one region are a resource which undoubtedly also belongs
to future generations. Sustainable use of these resources will ensure their
preservation. Using natural resources for achieving economic gain is normal for
95
human survival. Their optimum sustainable use is an imperative for all regions.
Today, natural wealth present in the Northeast region is benefited from to a very
low extent. Thus, it is necessary to adopt activities for promotion of natural
resources in the region and their sustainable economic use.
Indicative activities
 Development of marketing plans
 Promotional and educational activities
 Construction of access infrastructure and other types of infrastructure
 Informative points, boards, roadmaps and other type of signalisation and signalitics
Measure 3.2.3
Setting up regional forest fire protection points
The greatest damage to forests is caused by fires. Due to the inaccessibility of
certain forest areas, the only possibility for their extinguishing is by using
appropriate auto-mechanisation. Fires are small at the beginning when they
break out and, if timely intervened, they can be prevented. However, if it is not
intervened on time, fires assume big proportions and the consequences of that
might be detrimental. As a result, it is essential that a forest fire protection system
is put into place which will react on time and every time a fire breaks out.
Indicative activities
 Needs analysis
 Fire protection plan
 Setting up regional points
 Organisation of educational events and trainings
 Conducting educational campaigns on biodiversity protection and the significance of protected areas
96
Measure 3.2.4
Regional mapping of fruits of the forest and healing herbs, licensing fruit
collectors and education
Fruits of the forest and healing herbs that the Northeast region has at its disposal
are a source of additional income for a large number of families. With the aim of
ensuring sustainability in collection of these fruits and herbs, it is necessary to
control the quantities collected, as well as to educate collectors on how to
properly collect fruits and herbs. Improper collection of these fruits and herbs is
one of the reasons for their damaging and destruction.
Indicative activities
 Regional mapping of fruits of the forest and healing
 Licensing collectors of fruits of the forest and plants
 Setting up info boards and development of educational materials
 Organisation of educational events and trainings
3.3 Environmental protection
Outputs
Indicators
Number of projects implemented;
Number of measuring stations (water, air, soil);
Regional plan on media pollution reduction
developed;
Number of measurements annually;
Analysis of data from measuring locations;
Measures adopted in accordance with the
data analyses;
Monthly measurements of soil, air and water pollution;
Number of public campaigns organised;
Implemented measures envisaged by the river basin
management plan;
Length of newly constructed water supply
systems;
Population coverage with treatment plants;
Water management plan developed;
Monthly reports of the operational plan of industries on
integrated pollution prevention and control;
Number of measuring locations;
Number of treatment plants;
Length of newly constructed wastewater
systems;
Number of public campaigns organised;
Category of water resources;
Concentration of SOx, NOx, and PM10 particles in the air;
Number of implemented projects on reducing the effects of
climate change;
Mapping of areas susceptible to erosion;
Analysis of the effects of climate change in agriculture and
biodiversity in the last 5 years;
Climate change strategy;
Number of new landslides;
Financial resources for handling the effects
of climate change.
Financial analysis of the effects of climate change in the
region.
97
In order to adopt any measures aimed at environmental protection, data is
necessary with a view to identifying appropriate measures that will have an
influence directed towards reducing environmental pollution. Macedonia in
general faces a lack of data on the environmental situation, due to the low
number of analytical data that expert services have.
In general, environmental protection means measures addressing air, water and
soil pollution, climate protection, protection against noise and ionising radiation,
integrated pollution prevention and control, etc.
With regard to all these topics, the region should develop a plan on
environmental pollution management in all media.
Measure 3.3.1 Analytical data
The shortage in adequate data on the environmental quality is a limiting factor
which disables proper and realistic planning of environmental protection.
Environmental quality monitoring systems are still not sufficiently developed and
water and air quality monitoring is brought down to one or two monitoring
stations. For a region which has 3 larger urban areas and a large number of
rivers, the number of monitoring stations is small. If taking into account the fact
that several mines are also located in the region, for which there are no
measurements whatsoever as regards to what they discharge into the surface
water, then it may be stated that the environmental quality monitoring system in
the region is inappropriate and insufficient.
98
Indicative activities
 Procurement of mobile regional stations
 Increase in the number of monitoring stations
 Conducting an analysis on sources of pollution and level of pollution
 Designing a strategy on management measures for sources of pollution
 Establishment of a regional cadastre of polluters
Measure 3.3.2
Protection of water, air and soil against pollution
Protection of water resources is an obligation not only of present-day
generations, but also an obligation for future generations. Groundwater pollution
causes consequences that will be felt even by generations not born yet. Surface
water and groundwater is under continuous pressure, both from municipal
wastewater and wastewater from industry and agriculture. There is no other
alternative for the air we breathe. That is why protection of air against pollution
needs to be a priority in the field of environmental protection. Even though there
are no more significant industrial plants in the region and the air quality is
relatively good, still climate change as a global occurrence obliges us to take
actions to fight the causes of this change, but also to take actions for adaptation
towards the already emerged climate change. Soil in the region is under pressure
of erosion. The implementation of this measure will contribute towards reducing
pollution in surface water and groundwater, higher air protection and reducing
and recovering from the consequences of erosion, and it will be implemented by:

Introduction of contemporary river management

Wastewater

Preservation of fish stocks

Adaptation to climate change and fight against the causes of climate
change

Energy savings and renewable sources
99

Erosion
Indicative activities

Projects on reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Mobile regional stations for all media

Enlarging urban green spaces

Construction of urban and regional bike lanes

Construction of storm and sanitary sewer

Implementation of measures for EE in public buildings

Gasification of industry and public buildings

Strengthening the capacities in municipalities for environmental protection

Energy efficiency in street lighting

Preparation of project documentation on wastewater management

Organisation of public campaigns

Founding a regional environmental inspectorate

Educating population about the effects of climate change

Securing financial resources to handle climate change

Organisation of public campaigns, educational workshops

Regulation of water flows and flood protection measures

Forestation

Drawing up a regional strategy on climate change

Protection against erosion by identifying potential landslides

Implementation of measures on reducing the effects of erosion by forestation and other measures
Measure 3.3.3
Protection against noise
High levels of noise may cause serious hearing impairments, increased blood
pressure, fatigue, disruption of home tranquillity and people’s sleep, decreased
working capacity and disruption of the human nervous system. All this shows that
noise is a dangerous polluter to the environment and to humans. The level of
noise in an area has a large influence over the quality of life in that area. Quality
of life in large urban areas is often disrupted by high levels of noise. Houses and
other buildings located immediately next to roads also have a disrupted quality of
life, above all due to the level of noise.
100
Indicative activities

Development of a noise map in urban areas

Development of an action plan on protection against noise

Setting up noise barriers throughout urban areas where the main road passes
Mid-term goal 4
Sustainable rural development by designing a competitive regional tourist
offer, revitalising rural areas and creating conditions for an enhanced
agriculture development
Rural areas in the Northeast Planning Region are abandoned by the population
ever more. Nowadays, there is a great difference in the level of development in
the region when it comes to urban populated areas and rural areas. Sustainable
rural development will be achieved by developing tourism and agriculture. The
region has an abundance of natural conditions for development of agriculture,
where plant production, livestock husbandry and gardening have an advantage.
The proximity of Skopje as the largest market in the country, but also of Kosovo,
Serbia and Bulgaria bordering this region, gives possibilities for placement of
much larger quantities than the ones being produced at the moment. This
advantage is at the same time a threat for facilitated emigration of youth and
leaving the lands and rural areas which has been much more expressed in the
last decade, and that has also been reflected in reduced production.
The placement of agricultural products and processed products from this region
has rarely been an issue, so the challenge is how to expand it and to
continuously supply markets with standardised products. Not only does this
advantage apply to agricultural products, but also to various tourist offers related
to rural development in general. Possibilities for development of selective types
of tourism are above all defined by determining trends in tourism. At the same
time, such trends are indispensable for creation of development tourism plans.
Tourism as an industry generates many jobs. Possibilities for development of
101
tourism in the Northeast region predominantly provide for development of
mountain, rural and spa tourism. These types of tourism are located to a large
degree in the region’s rural areas. By developing tourism, sustainable rural
development will also be achieved.
No.
Indicator
Indicator
Base year
2019
Indicators
1
Total number of tourists in the region
5584
7000
2
Average number of nights spent in the region
1,48
2
3
Total agricultural production in tonnes
70.056
90.000
4
Value of the production of agricultural business branch in millions
of Denars
4.368
6.000
Priorities set in order to reach this mid-term goal:
Priority 4.1
Development of alternative types of tourism
The Northeast Planning Region has attractive cultural and natural heritage which
enables the development of cultural, mountain, rural, hunting and spa tourism.
The development of selective types of tourism will ensure attracting tourists who
will get acquainted with the region’s rare natural and cultural heritage, interesting
cultural landscapes, as well as rich ethnographic values and traditional food. The
region is rich in game which offers the possibility for development of hunting
tourism.
Outputs
Number of urban architectural plans adopted
Number of reconstructed and paved roads
Number of constructed and adapted accommodation establishments
Number of information centres and info points
Tourism programmes developed
Number of tourist arrangements sold
Participation in specialised tourism fairs
Cooperation of the region with other regions in the neighbourhood
Indicators
Accommodation establishments
put into service
Info points and info centres put
into service
Amount of funds invested in
reconstructed infrastructure
Number and length of paved roads
in km
Number of tourists
Tourism consumption
102
established
Tourist stay
Number of promotional materials printed
Number of tourists having
purchased thematic tours
Number of info boards set
Number of thematic tours defined
Number of meetings held between the business sector and other tourism
stakeholders
The following measures have been identified in order to meet this priority:
Measure 4.1.1
Valorisation and mapping of natural and cultural heritage
The Northeast Planning Region has an abundance of cultural and natural
heritage, but this does not mean that the overall heritage has a certain tourism
value as well. For that purpose, it is necessary, by conducting studies, to identify
which heritage is attractive for the purposes of tourism. The measure would be
implemented by:

Conducting studies and mapping tourism potentials of cultural and natural
character

Activities for promotion of tourist attractions of cultural and natural heritage

Thematic and programming linkage of attractions
Indicative activities

Tourism valorisation of values of tourism and plans for their sustainable use

Development of interactive maps with new programming packages

Development of promotional materials on tourist attractions

GIS localisation of the most significant attractions

Research and conservation of more significant sites
Measure 4.1.2
Creating and promotion of regional tourist products
The Northeast Planning Region has various possibilities for development of
several selective types of tourism. The region, as a separate regional entity,
103
should gradually develop into a recognisable tourist destination. This could be
achieved by combining attractive motive resources that the region has at its
disposal into tourist arrangements and their promotion to the tourist clientele.
This measure would be implemented by:

Selection and prioritisation of cultural and natural resources in the region
for their inclusion in alternative types of tourism

Organisation of meetings between travel agencies and other tourism
service providers in the whole region

Selection of the best proposed ideas of tourist programmes and promotion

Setting up tourist arrangements which involve selective types of tourism

Selection of means and methods of promotion intended for defined market
segments
Indicative activities

Organisation and participation in specialised fairs on alternative forms of tourism

Support to travel agencies for promotion of regional tourism programmes

Support to cultural and sports events

Promotion of gastronomy as a part of the region’s culture

Promotion of a monastery tour and connection with monasteries from the East Planning Region

Promotion of a cultural landscape tour – Kokino, Kuklica, Cocev Kamen

Promotion of a rock art tour

Development of promotional materials in the field of tourism

Development and printing of an event calendar

Revitalisation of rural areas rich in ethnographic features

Linking the administrative structure with the tourism business sector

Updating the regional website

Marking and mapping of tourist attractions in global mapping systems
104
Priority 4.2
Improvement of tourist infrastructure
Accommodation establishments, access to and marking of tourist sites, and
information dissemination are the basis that the region needs to have, if it wants
to become an attractive tourist destination.
Outputs
Indicators
Number of urban architectural plans adopted
Accommodation establishments put into service
Length of paved roads in km
Info points and info centres put into service
Number of parking lots in the region
Amount of funds invested in reconstructed infrastructure
Number of info centres and info points constructed
Number of constructed and reconstructed facilities
Number of information boards set
The following measures have been identified in order to meet this priority:
Measure 4.2.1
Preparation of urban planning documentation
In order to ensure conditions for tourism development, first of all it is necessary to
undertake activities to overcome the issue of urban planning documentation in
the region. The measure would be implemented by:

Preparation of elaborates of the most significant tourist sites

Conducting an appropriate categorisation of tourist facilities
Indicative activities

Development of urban architectural plans, documents

Implementation of a process of categorisation of tourist facilities

Outlining proposals on regulating the degree of protection of natural and cultural values

Preparation of an elaborate on the capacity of the space surrounding the tourist site

Adoption of spatial planning documentation on info points and info centres

Preparation of architectural draft projects on revitalisation of old houses into accommodation and catering
establishments
105
Measure 4.2.2
Provision of infrastructure to tourist sites
In order for a tourist destination to be able to welcome tourists, it needs to have
modern tourist infrastructure, that is to say, to ensure accommodation
establishments and adequate infrastructure to tourist sites (access roads, parking
lots, restrooms, souvenir shops, etc.).
The measure would be implemented by:

Conducting studies regarding tourist sites

Reconstruction of roads to tourist attractions

Equipping the site with tourist equipment
Indicative activities

Improvement of the infrastructure in monasteries in the region (Staro Nagorichane, Lipkovo, Kriva Palanka,
Kumanovo)

Improvement of the infrastructure in Kokino and Kuklica

Tracing and marking rock art

Tracing and marking mountain tracks and bike lanes, Kriva Palanka, Staro Nagorichane

Setting up hiking routes, bike and motor lanes, Bislimska Gorge

Construction and assembly of fishing platforms and installing solar street lights, Bislimska Gorge

Parter development, Kumanovo Bath
Мeasure 4.2.3
Provision of favourable conditions for construction of accommodation
establishments and their categorisation
The purpose of increasing the number of visits to a certain destination can be
achieved by increasing the accommodation establishments and improving their
quality. In order to achieve this, favourable conditions should be ensured for
construction of accommodation establishments for tourism purposes. This
measure would be implemented by:

Consistent implementation of categorisation

Investment facilitation
106

Use of funds for the purposes of building/ adapting old houses into
accommodation establishments
Indicative activities
-
Finalisation of the construction of hunting houses in Pklishte – Rankovce, Bilijno, Kratovo and Glabochina,
Staro Nagorichane
-
Projects on support from private investors
-
Trainings and education in using funds and other methods of financing
-
Categorisation
-
Construction of accommodation establishments and camps
Measure 4.2.4
Improvement of the signalisation and visualisation of tourist attractions
Natural and cultural tourist attractions would remain unknown if their precise
location is not known. For that purpose, it is essential to secure simple access for
tourists, that is, it is necessary to mark them and to set up a multilingual
signalisation. At the same time, tourist sites should have general information
available on site, i.e. info boards, where basic data would be presented regarding
the tourist attraction.
On the other hand, opening of info points and info centres would also ensure
provision of information and promotion of both tourist potentials and individual
service providers represented in the region. The informative contents would refer
to natural and cultural tourist potentials, their location, working hours, how to
reach them, possibilities on additional and accompanying tourist activities. All this
would contribute towards promotion of the image of the Northeast Planning
Region as a tourist destination, as well as to the experiencing quality of tourists
themselves. This especially applies to individual tourists.
The measure would be implemented by:

Plan for construction and equipment of info points and info centres

Setting up informative boards
107

Mapping and setting priorities of tourism resources which will be
signalised, as well as determining locations where boards will be set up

Signalisation plan of important tourist attractions on the main roads

Selection of activities for which a visualisation software will be developed
Indicative activities

Opening of a regional tourist bureau

Plan development and opening of info points, centres in the region

Improvement of the existing and setting up new roads and signalisation

Electronic informative boards throughout the region

Integration of software inside the info points with information on tourist attractions in the whole region

Preparation of applications (programmes) for presentation of more significant cultural attractions in the region

Visualisation of Kokino

Rock art signalitics
Measure 4.2.5
Use of e-booking systems
Modern way of life enables provision of information regarding tourist destinations
from home, as well as booking using electronic media, i.e. by e-booking. That is
why the Northeast Planning Region should adapt to these modern conditions by
implementing diverse electronic systems which enable that. This measure would
be implemented by:

Presentation of the benefits of e-booking to accommodation service
providers

Linking institutions collecting data with all stakeholders in tourism
Indicative activities

Creation of appropriate web portals

Procurement of software

Trainings in booking systems

Initiative to amend legislation which will be in line with the current situation on the tourism market
108
Measure 4.2.6
Support for using domestic and foreign funds
There are various domestic and foreign funds in the country (IPA, IPARD, World
Bank, etc.) which fully or partially finance projects on rural areas, on protection of
cultural and natural heritage, construction of accommodation establishments,
trainings, etc., which would help in the intention of the Northeast region to
develop itself into an attractive tourist destination.
This measure will be implemented by:

Trainings for the local population, the administrative structure and the
business community in funding opportunities

Creation of a funding database, public calls for project proposals
Indicative activities

Trainings in applying and use of domestic and foreign funds

Establishing application teams with draft projects

Making a subsidy policy for investment in rural areas
Measure 4.2.7
Creating a climate for public-private partnership
Public-private partnership is one of the most significant models for successful
implementation of projects in terms of tourism, where cooperation is needed
between different participants in the region, and by which the interests of the
public and private sector are aligned. This measure will be implemented by:

Information dissemination and trainings in applying for public-private
partnership

Promotion of the benefits of public-private partnership
109
Indicative activities

Drafting public-private partnership and concession procedures

Holding trainings for parties interested in PPP

Conclusion of PPP agreements

Establishment of joint tourist attraction management bodies by a PPP model
Priority 4.3
Strengthening the capacities with the purpose of tourism development
Tourism development in the Northeast Planning Region is not possible without
having high-quality human resources. Well-skilled staff and its continuous
upgrade, in line with trends, is the main element of the development of any
activity, including tourism. Apart from upgrading the skills of employees in the
sector of tourism (administration, business sector, catering industry), it is also
necessary to raise public awareness and education of local population about
hospitality and accepting tourists. Joining all these participants in the field of
tourism in a joint body – cluster will ensure improvement of the service of tourist
service providers.
Outputs
Indicators
Number of employees – persons responsible for tourism
development in municipalities
Number of tourist information bureaus
Number of organised meetings and gatherings of all stakeholders
related to tourism
Number of concluded agreements in tourism
Informal educational centres established
Number of workshops and trainings held
Number of campaigns implemented
Tourism sectors/ departments put into service
Tourist information bureaus put into service
Number of trained candidates in training
centres and certificates issued
Centres of tourism put into service
Functional website
Leaflets and brochures disseminated
Services standardisation and quality certificates
110
Measure 4.3.1
Strengthening human resources in tourism, raising public awareness,
capacity building and strengthening on local level
Tourism development depends to a large extent on the abilities, knowledge and
competences of people involved in tourism. For this purpose, education and
continuous upgrade of involved parties in tourism is necessary, as well as
education and strengthening the capacities of local population – service
providers. At the same time, it is necessary to hire qualified persons in the field of
tourism in municipalities and to potentially form tourism departments.
When arriving at the tourist destination, tourists have the need for information
about the values of tourism, service providers and tourist activities offered in that
place. For that purpose, it is essential that tourist information bureaus or centres
are established. This measure would be implemented by:

Appointing persons in the local administration in charge of tourism

Implementing lifelong learning programmes for the already employed
persons

Exchange of experiences and positive practices from abroad (for the
executive management)

Education of local population

Establishing municipal tourist bureaus
Indicative activities

Training for service providers in rural areas

Establishing informal education training centres

Organising study visits abroad

Functional municipal bureaus

Networking of tourist bureaus in the region

Organisation of meetings for all stakeholders involved in tourism in the region on cyclic intervals
111
Measure 4.3.2
Establishment of a tourism cluster in the Northeast Planning Region
In order to become an attractive tourist destination, the Northeast Planning
Region needs to achieve linkage and cooperation of all direct and indirect
tourism stakeholders in a common tourism cluster. Thus, the services of tourism
service providers would improve, i.e. their products and services would be
specialised. This measure would be implemented by:

Promotion of cluster benefits

Holding cyclic meetings
Indicative activities

Establishment of a tourism cluster

Establishment of an organisation structure of the cluster

Strengthening the capacities of the cluster

Linking with travel agencies and the business sector

Promotion of the operation of the cluster

Networking of all participants
Measure 4.3.3
Introducing a complex tourist record system
In the Northeast Planning Region there is no tourist record system, and for that
purpose, it is necessary to introduce a record system, where apart from the
number and structure of guests, also their needs would be taken into
consideration, as well as the reasons why they visited the region, their
satisfaction with the visit, whether they would return again, etc. This measure
would be implemented by:

Selection of methodologies and methods of keeping records of tourists on
various grounds

Cooperation
between
the
tourism
business
sector,
municipal
administrations, experts on developing survey tools and methods
112

Linking institutions that collect data with all tourism stakeholders
Indicative activities
-
Introduction of a tourist record system
-
Processing and presentation of data by municipal tourism sectors/ departments
-
Development and dissemination of standardised survey questionnaires
Priority 4.4
DEVELOPMENT OF COMPETITIVE AGRICULTURE
Outputs
Number of mapping analyses
Indicators
Total amount of investments for processing and use of
alternative energy sources
Production and quality increased
Number of trainings
Production expenses decreased
Local irrigation projects
Number of households using irrigation increased
Regional cooperation body established
Regular meetings of the regional cooperation body (number
of meetings)
Events for promotion of local products
Value of agricultural production
The following measures have been identified in order to meet this priority:
Measure 4.4.1
Mapping the agricultural potential
With the aim of completely using the potential of the region for production of
primary agricultural products, final stage products and end-products, as well the
potential of reducing production expenses, the following indicative activities are
proposed:
113
Indicative activities

Study on the potential of competitive agricultural products from the region

Study on the irrigation potential

Study on the need for capacities for added value of agricultural products

Regional study on the potential for using alternative energy sources
Measure 4.4.2
Strengthening the capacities for profitable agriculture by education
Target group of proposed trainings as indicative activities for the forthcoming
period of 5 years is young population from urban and rural areas working in or
willing to work in agriculture. One of the informal education capacities is also the
school centre “Kiro Burnaz” from Kumanovo, which has been registered as an
adult education institution by the Ministry of Education and Science.
Indicative activities

Education in GAP and organic production

Preparation of local projects on using the irrigation potential

Organisation of trainings in modern irrigation systems and other technologies

Education in use of organic waste

Organisation of trainings in using alternative energy sources in agriculture and rural development

Events for promotion of public-private partnership for purchasing centres and other agriculture and rural
development facilities

Trainings in agro-technical measures for silage, milk hygiene, wild fruits, processing of nuts…

Promotion of the National Credit Guarantee Fund

Promotion of fisheries and aquaculture
114
Financing the implementation of the Programme for Development of the
Northeast Planning Region
The Northeast Planning Region has been classified as the most underdeveloped
region in the Republic of Macedonia compared to other regions, in accordance
with the Decision on classification of planning regions according to their level of
development for the period 2013-20172, by which planning regions have been
classified on the basis of the Decision on defined criteria and indicators for
assessing the level of development of planning regions3.
According to this Decision, there is 17.4% foreseen for the Northeast Planning
Region from the funds distributed within the Regional Development Programme
of the Republic of Macedonia.
The Law on Balanced Regional Development states the following sources as
regional development financing sources:

Budget of the Republic of Macedonia,

Budgets of the units of local self-government,

EU funds intended for the Republic of Macedonia,

Other international sources,

Donations and sponsorships from physical persons and legal entities and

Other funds regulated by law.
The Law on Balanced Regional Development prescribes that at least 1% of GDP
should be annually alloted from the Budget of the Republic of Macedonia towards
stimulating balanced regional development. Funds are necessary to stimulate
development of planning regions and to ensure reduction of disparities existing
between planning regions. The Strategy for Regional Development of the
Republic of Macedonia states that the practice used until now in alloting funds for
2
3
Official Gazette of RM No. 88/14
Official Gazette of RM No. 88/14
115
stimulating development of underdeveloped areas in the Republic of Macedonia
had shown that there had been funds alloted in a much lower quantity than the
foreseen ones. The continuation of the same practice would disable achieving
the planned objectives of regional development policy and, therefore, a main
precondition for regional development is securing funds in the amount as
prescribed (or more) by the state.
The Law on Balanced Regional Development defines the following instruments
on stimulating regional development: capital investments; irretrievable grants;
financing and co-financing of elaboration of analyses, studies, planning
documents and action plans; financing of institional capacity building for regional
development of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as state aid in the form of
loans under favourable conditions, loan guarantees, credit insurance, tax reliefs,
subsidies and other instruments, as pursuant to law.
The financing of foreseen measures requires relatively large financial resources
and the main challenge in achieving economic growth as regards other planning
regions will depend to a large extent on the amount of secured financial
resources. The necessary financial resources will not be able to be secured
either from the budgets of municipalities, or only from the resources aimed at
supporting balanced regional development. Thus, it is of utmost importance that
sector programmes of ministries are put into service of regional development of
the region. When defining mid-term goals, priorities and key measures within the
Programme, the corresponding sector documents have been taken into
consideration with a view to linking planned development with the relevant sector
documents. The linkage has been done in order to ensure more efficient
implementation of measures foreseen. The functional linkage of policies and
programmes will ensure stimulation of the development of the Northeast
Planning Region and by help of other ministries, accelerated achievement of the
objectives set will be ensured.
Apart from national financing sources, it is essential that various donor
programmes in the country are used, which are significant financial sources for
116
stimulation of regional development. Of course, EU IPA assistance is the most
important one, since a large part of the prioirity lines of IPA components focus on
support and promotion of areas of importance for regional development.
Therefore, securing conditions for using these funds should be of priority to
regional development policy makers. The use of IPA funds could also serve to
build the capacities of the region in applying for projects, which will be
exceptionally important from the perspective of the future EU membership of the
Republic of Macedonia and its access to the various EU funds. Of course, the
existing programmes of GIZ, SDC, USAID, UNDP, the World Bank and other
donor programmes are significant funding sources in the areas of importance for
regional development as well.
117