Open Dialogue with Civil Society Organizations Regarding the RWMS
With an open and dynamic conversation, an exchange of views, and a clear message that sustainable solutions are possible only through cooperation, an informative and consultative meeting with civil society organizations (CSOs) from the Pelagonia and Southwestern regions was held yesterday (January 29, 2026) at the Officers' House in Bitola, dedicated to topics related to the establishment of the Regional Waste Management System (RWMS).
The meeting was organized within the framework of the project "Sustainable Waste Management at the Local Level," funded by Sweden and implemented by SALAR International. The focus was specifically on the phase the process is now entering—operationalization and fulfillment of the regional waste management system's obligations—which requires dialogue, trust, and the active involvement of all stakeholders.
The concept of the RWMS and planned activities were presented to the attendees, including the closure of existing municipal and illegal landfills, the construction of transfer stations and collection centers, and the introduction of primary waste selection to significantly reduce the amount of waste ending up in the new regional landfill. It was emphasized that this is a complex system that can only function if there is support and coordination between institutions, citizens, and the civil sector.
The Mayor of the Municipality of Novaci and Chairman of the Inter-Municipal Waste Management Board (IMWMB), Stevche Stevanovski, joined the discussion, noting that waste management is a sensitive issue for both institutions and citizens, but that the IMWMB represents an important step toward a more organized and responsible approach. He issued an open call to CSOs to actively engage and contribute to the process, emphasizing that without dialogue and cooperation, success is not possible.
Civil society organizations showed great interest and actively participated in the conversation, raising questions and exchanging different perspectives on waste selection, infrastructure solutions, and the role of local communities. Some attendees noted that this approach provides a clearer picture of the process and creates a foundation for building trust and collaborative work.
A draft plan for involving CSOs in key processes related to the RWMS was also presented, specifically regarding the development of regional and local waste management action plans, as well as communication activities related to the system. Special attention was paid to the municipalities of Bitola and Novaci, where a need for deeper and more direct dialogue with citizens was recognized.
The meeting confirmed the shared commitment to continue the dialogue with civil society organizations, with a clear intention to expand and strengthen this open approach by involving a wider circle of stakeholders from civil society.