Building Up Local Conservation Action Groups and Engaging Local Youth

 

Local Organization: Association for development, education and ecological ethics POLYMATH 13
Mentor Organization: Macedonian Ecological Society (MES)
Award Amount: €10 000
Project Type: PROZHUM Mentorship Project
Duration: July 2025 – December 2026
Project Contact: Nadica Madjirova, nadicamadzirova@gmail.com
Keywords: Environmental Awereness; Education;

 

Summary

Despite being one of North Macedonia’s most ecologically significant wetlands, Dojran Lake lacks organized local engagement in the conservation of the area. A civil society organization in the neighboring town of Bogdanci, POLYMATH 13, has formed an informal community to enhance engagement focusing on the Astragalus physocalyx plant. This project builds on POLYMATH 13’s experience to increase local awareness and commitment to wetland conservation. With support form MES, the project team will conduct participatory mapping to better understand local knowledge and perception about wetland protection and responsibilities. The project will also build local capacities for nature protection through the establishment of a Local Conservation Community Group and Youth Nature Clubs as well as field training, environmental education, and creative expression.

 

Objectives

• Establish a local community group focused on Dojran Lake conservation action
• Engaging the local youth by organizing at least two Youth Nature Clubs with 20+ trained youth members

Resources

• Learn more about the PROZHUM project

Funding

Agence Française de Développement (AFD) implements France’s policy on international development and solidarity. Through its financing of NGOs and the public sector, as well as its research and publications, AFD supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world. It also provides training in sustainable development (at AFD Campus) and other awareness-raising activities in France.