Inclusive Governance in Institutional Management of the Water Sector in North Macedonia

This paper examines the legislative and institutional framework for water management in North Macedonia, emphasizing gender and social inclusion. The Law on Waters establishes the legislative basis, with the Government defining river basin districts and adopting the National Strategy and Water Master Plan. The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (MoEPP) oversees water management activities, including granting concessions, adopting river basin management plans, and setting water quality standards. However, the MoEPP’s capacity is insufficient to meet all obligations in line with the principles of Leave No One Behind (LNOB) and Gender Equality (GE).

The Ministry of Health (MH) is responsible for identifying water bodies suitable for human consumption and bathing, ensuring the safety and health of drinking and bathing waters, and protecting the population from water-borne diseases.

The paper also discusses principles of good governance in groundwater management (GWM) from a gender and social inclusion perspective. Good governance involves inclusive, transparent, and accountable decision-making processes at both central and local levels. Key principles include treating water as an economic, social, and environmental good, managing water resources at the lowest appropriate level, and recognizing the central role of women in water management.

A survey of 20 institutions responsible for GWM revealed that 50% operate at the central level and 50% at the local level, highlighting the importance of broad-based participation and negotiation among various stakeholders.