Sustainable management of transboundary water resources

The idea of ​​the AQUA-M II project was formulated with a common understanding of all partners, for the environmental problems faced by the Axios – Vardar River.
The Axios/Vardar River represents one of the main water resources of the cross-border area of ​​Greece – the Republic of Macedonia. Therefore, the protection and preservation of water quality is an issue of central importance within the framework of cross-border cooperation. The river’s water plays a vital role for all human activities taking place in the area, including those of great economic importance, such as agriculture, extractive activities and industry. As a result, the river’s aquatic environment is under increasing pressure while the water quality is threatened by the irresponsible use and disposal of agricultural, municipal and industrial waste. At the same time, efficient water resource management involves increased operational and functional costs for local authorities, while it is practically impossible to achieve without joint action between responsible stakeholders on both sides of the border.

Its main objective is the effective and continuous monitoring of the water quality management of the Axios River through the implementation of joint monitoring and management systems and the strengthening of cooperation between responsible stakeholders and authorities.

Specifically, the project aims to:

Improve the water quality of the river.

Establish a permanent technological network for 24/7 monitoring of specific water quality parameters

Establish an operational cooperation network for prevention, protection and emergency action in case of emergency and potential threats between local authorities of the cross-border area and scientific experts.

To improve cooperation between public and private stakeholders as well as society and local population of the cross-border area for the protection of the river.

Furthermore, the specific project has some equally important sub-objectives such as:

• To sensitize all stakeholders to the ecological dangers of the river
• To implement a fine system for regulating environmental pollution at institutional and individual levels.
• To take advantage of the official commitment of both countries to implement environmental actions for the benefit of the common cross-border area.
• To equip both sides with the necessary equipment to operate and maintain the network in the future.
• To develop joint plans and systems for liquid waste management, as well as coordination and joint training of mechanisms for responding to natural hazards.