WATER FOR LIFE: RESTORATION OF STRUMICA RIVER BASIN

The ecosystem of the Strumica river basin is vital to the lives of the people in the region it provides water for drinking and agriculture for 124.500 people and is a natural habitat for many plants and animals.

Strumica river basin is particularly vulnerable ecosystem and it is under threat from climate change, agriculture which affects the level and quality of water, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides and the use of water for irrigation.

Increased demand for water from industry and population in rural and urban areas as well as the forecast that in the next few decades there will be high temperatures and less rainfall that may lead to a huge lack of water makes the problem even more serious. Therefore the goal of this project is to identify key threats and to coordinate the efforts to protect the Strumica river basin and its inhabitants.

Objectives of the project:

• Coordination of all stakeholders, avoiding the threats and protection of the ecosystem of the Strumica river basin;
• Assessment of the threats in agriculture and planning an appropriate response;
• Formation of a body that will make decisions;
• Approaching of state standards to EU norms;
• Identifying the future activities and measures for restoration of the ecosystem of the Strumica river basin.