Environmental questions in North Macedonia usually involve two connected areas. Nature includes landscapes, forests, alpine grasslands, rivers, lakes, wetlands, caves and wildlife. Protection rules can affect recreation, collecting, research, forestry, fishing, construction and water use. North Macedonia has 70 reported protected areas, including four national parks, and internationally recognized sites around Ohrid, Prespa and Dojran. Surroundings concern the conditions people encounter in daily life, including public spaces, infrastructure, air quality, water quality, green areas, safety and ways to influence local decisions. These conditions differ substantially between the 80 municipalities, the eight planning regions, urban and rural settlements, and the 17 municipalities in the Skopje Region. Local services, environmental measurements and emergency information therefore need to be checked for the specific municipality, settlement, provider and date. An activity can involve both areas: construction, tourism, fishing or water use may affect a natural site while also depending on local infrastructure and public services.
Environment in Macedonia
The environment in North Macedonia includes natural systems and the conditions of everyday surroundings. Nature covers mountains, forests, waters, protected areas and wildlife, while surroundings include public space, infrastructure, air, water, green areas and safety. Conditions vary by municipality, settlement and date, so environmental information must be checked locally.
Tip
Match your checks to the activity and exact place in North Macedonia. Give priority to nature protection rules when an activity affects a protected site, and use local information for air, water, infrastructure, services and safety when the concern involves everyday surroundings. Record the source date because conditions and available information can change.