Climate change is already being felt around the world, but also here in North Macedonia. The latest report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), State of Global Water Resources 2024, shows that last year only a third of the world’s river basins were in “normal” conditions. The rest faced extremes: severe droughts or devastating floods.

North Macedonia is not isolated from these changes

In recent years, farmers in Pelagonia and Tikveš have suffered from dry spells. Their fields depend on irrigation, and water shortages increase the cost of production and reduce competitiveness.

In Macedonia, floods are further fuelled by the relief, as many cities and villages are located precisely in areas that naturally flood. Most often, the Vardar, Crna Reka and Strumica rivers with their tributaries cause the greatest problems and damage to infrastructure. In neighbouring countries, Serbia and Bulgaria, floods are becoming more frequent and severe.

The ecosystems of Lake Prespa and Lake Dojran, which have been shrinking for years, are in crisis, and climate change is further exacerbating this trend.

The consequences for agriculture, infrastructure and daily life are already being felt in the country. If we do not invest in water management, the risk of droughts and floods will continue to grow. It is time for action: by the state, local communities and citizens.