REPORT FROM REGIONAL MEETING IN MANASTIR BETWEEN THE AMBASSADORS OF THE ENVIRONMENT NETWORK FOR KOSOVO AND MACEDONIA

Organized by the Ambassadors of the Environment Network for Macedonia and the Ambassadors of the Environment Network for Kosovo, as part of the Balkan Movement Bells, dated November 7 Manastir, Macedonia was organized the first regional conference on "European Standards and related Regional power plants burning solid".

The main purpose of the conference was to create bridges of communication between the Municipality of Manastir and the Municipality of Obilic, exchange of experiences and duplication of good practices and positive implemented in the respective states, when we consider the fact that even in the Municipality of Manastir and that of Obiliq are built and functional solid combustion plants.

The Kosovo delegation, composed by Mayor of Obilic, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Environment, Member of the Assembly of Kosovo, chief of the Environmental Protection Agency, senior Environment Department at the Ministry of Energy, journalists, members of Ambassadors of the Environment Network for Kosovo, ATRC, etc., were received at a special meeting by the mayor of Novaci (new municipality created after decentralization, in which the municipality is now  power plant REC-Manastir). The two delegations reviewed in detail the environmental situation in the two respective municipalities, environmental pollution and measures taken by municipalities and state for eliminating consequences of pollution.

In the second part of the agenda, in a work meeting, the two delegations together in the same composition: deputies, representatives of the Ministries of Environment, civil society, media, etc., discussed the overall environmental situation in Obilic and Bitola, focusing on more in finding solutions to reduce dust levels and improving the lives of citizens living in two municipalities mentioned above.

The recommendations discussed in the conference:
1. Countries of the region to work more closely with citizens in the creation of new energy policies based on European standards.
2. Increasing energy production capacity is exploring other alternative energy production with wind, water, gas, etc.,
3. Respective governments to increase funding for initiatives and proposals of civil society oriented to improving the environmental situation,
4. Investments in the environmental field to be transmitted with a transparent and inclusive process, ensuring participation of interest parties and ordinary citizens participate in decision making.
5. To strengthen cooperation and partnership between the Ministry of Environment and NGOs etc..