The territory of Macedonia is brimming with hidden “precious stones,” this was the conclusion of the final event of the “Green Commune Belica.” The residents of this village in Kichevo, during the past year, renovated the old school building and held a series of workshops on topics such as energy sustainability, biodiversity, and climate change. Swedish Ambassador Ami Larsson Jaim, who attended the event, was impressed by the initiative for sustainability in rural communities. Yesterday, she visited the Kichevo village of Belica, where the “Green Commune Belica” event concluded.
“I thank you for inviting me to inaugurate this eco-center in Belica together. The richness of these regions and their culture offer many opportunities to attract visitors seeking a different experience from mass tourism on beaches and five-star hotels.
Unfortunately, the population of many rural communities is decreasing, facing increased unemployment and limited infrastructure. That’s why I am pleased that I can draw attention to initiatives like this, where the local population joins forces with civil society to breathe new life into the community, creating a concept that combines education, climate resilience, and ecotourism,” said Swedish Ambassador Ami Larsson Jaim.
The Executive Director of the Macedonian Ecological Society addressed the attendees with a welcome speech.
“MES, in cooperation with the Belica Development Association, aimed to start working on establishing a green commune, an ethno-village that will be sustainable, use natural resources in a sustainable manner, and use renewable sources of energy. An initiative that will promote the development of ecotourism and attract people to return to their hearths and provide opportunities for additional income,” said Robertina Brajanoska of MES.
The final event of the “Green Commune Belica” was part of the grant scheme “Civil Society Organizations in Action for Climate Change,” led by the Environmental Research and Information Center Eco-sense, in cooperation with the Macedonian Young Lawyers Association and the Connecting Natural Values and People Organization CNVP, financially supported by the Government of Sweden.
