On June 13, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy of the Republic of North Macedonia hosted the First National Workshop on Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture in Skopje. Held under the theme “Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into Agricultural Policy: Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Contribution”, the workshop marked a significant step in North Macedonia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of its agricultural sector in the face of climate change.
Organized within the framework of the regional initiative “Green Agenda Western Balkans – Supporting the Western Balkan Countries in Adapting to Climate Change,” the workshop brought together 41 participants from across North Macedonia’s institutional landscape. This included representatives from public authorities, research and academic institutions, civil society organizations, and international development partners.
The program featured expert presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions focused on assessing climate risks in agriculture, exploring policy mechanisms for adaptation, and identifying practical solutions to improve the sector’s long-term resilience. Participants examined North Macedonia’s current capacities, regulatory frameworks, and potential entry points for mainstreaming climate adaptation into national agricultural strategies.
Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of inter-institutional collaboration, evidence-based planning, and inclusive policymaking to ensure that farmers and rural communities are equipped to adapt to changing climate conditions. The workshop also facilitated the exchange of regional experiences and best practices among Western Balkan countries, reinforcing the importance of coordinated action and knowledge-sharing at both national and cross-border levels.
This important event was organized with the support of GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), in partnership with the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD), and on behalf of the German Government, within the framework of the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans.
By fostering a comprehensive dialogue among key actors, the workshop laid critical groundwork for the development of climate-resilient agricultural policies in North Macedonia and contributed to advancing regional cooperation under the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.
