Sustainable Solid Waste Management In The Former Yougoslav Republic Of Macedonia: A Nato Initiative

Abstract

A sustainable solid waste management project, which is being implemented in the Fonner Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) under an initiative of the Scientific & Environmental Affairs Division of the North Atlantic Treaty Organi sation (NATO), is described in this paper.

Discussion begins with the genesis of the project and a review of the current status of solid waste management in the FYROM with regard to policies, practices and legislation. It then moves on to how the project configuration was developed in terms of two specific activities — Activity I concerned with the construction of a regulated landfill site, and Activity 2 with teaching/training of the methods and practices of sustainable solid waste management — to realise the stated project objectives. In developing the project, particular attention was given to ensuring that it satisfied real local needs as faithfully as possible. A comprehensive ‘ needs analysis’ was undertaken to identify real local needs in the area of solid waste management. Discussion then moves on to the practical implementation of the two specific activities mentioned above.

The project is essentially one of technology and know-how transfer, and, accordingly, the methodology adopted for implementation focused on both ‘ hardware’ and ‘ software’ components that are characteristic of a classical technology-transfer project.

Judging by objective comments received, the project is said to have been very successful. It is advanced as a useful ‘ blue print’ for the development and implementation of projects that are essentially concerned with tile transfer of environmental technology and know-how.