North Macedonia - Kicevo CLEAR
Kichevo
Photos: Kicevo CLEAR
Site description
The municipality of Kicevo is located in the western part of the Republic of North Macedonia. The Kicevo valley is a distinct natural basin, surrounded by high mountains on all sides and is part of the upper catchment area of the Treska River, main right tributary to river Vardar, the largest river in the country that flows into the Aegean Sea. Within the municipality, the rivers Belicka, Zajashka, and Sušica flow, along with some smaller rivers like Studenčica and Rbetin.
Ecosystem
The Belicka river holds significant natural value as it flows through the proposed protected landscape of Ilinska and Plakenska Mountain. This large area is recognized for its high landscape values and is considered a core area and ecological corridor for large mammal species (e.g brown bear and Balkan lynx). Many nationally and internationally important species and habitats can be found here, as the priority EU habitat 91E0 *Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) and species of EU importance such as Cordulagaster heros and Bambina variegata, Rana dalmatian etc. Belica river valley is also identified as High Nature Value Forest Area and Important Plant Area (IPA).
Facts & Figures
1 ЕU priority habitat
91E0* – Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior
4 species of EU conservation concern
Cordulegaster heros, Bombina variegata, Rana dalmatina
2 flagship mammals
Brown bear and the critically endangered Balkan lynx using the area as an ecological corridor
4–5 karst springs
Forming the protected Popolzani Spring natural monument
1 High Nature Value Forest Area
Belica River Valley is recognised as a High Nature Value Forest Area
12
12 villages will benefit directly or indirectly as a result of the project implementation
Location
Republic of North Macedonia, Southwest planning region and Coordinates: 41°31′04″N 20°57′56″E
Size
The Belicka River is a right tributary of the Treska River and is 15 km long. It originates from Belicki Izvori on the eastern slopes of Ilinska Planina at an altitude of 1,580 m. The river flows through the village of Belica and joins the Treska River near the village of Dolno Popolzani. The springs of Belicka river are located in the core area of the Macedonian Ecological Network.
Existing projects
No other projects cover the area.
DALIA Implementation Plan
- Installation of litter traps at strategic locations in rivers in Kichevo Municipality
- Activities for raising awareness and education for proper waste management and protection of rivers
Involvement of the Community
Around 5 lines on how will the community around the area will benefit or will be involved in the restoration plan)
- Promote Waste Reduction - Encourage local communities to adopt sustainable waste disposal methods, such as reducing single-use plastics and increasing recycling efforts, to minimize pollution of rivers.
- Foster Community-Led River Clean-Up Initiatives - Promote the idea of organizing regular community clean-up events, empowering local volunteers to take active roles in removing waste from rivers and surrounding areas.
- Raise Awareness on River Pollution - Educate local communities about the causes and consequences of river pollution, emphasizing the importance of proper waste management to protect aquatic ecosystems and human health.
- Monitor and Evaluate River Health - Implementing monitoring systems to regularly assess the biological and chemical status of rivers and riparian belt and using the data to update and improve strategies for waste reduction
Expected Impact
The project's general objective is to enhance the environmental condition of the Belica River within the Kicevo municipality by reducing waste and through applying a community-based approach.
Funded by the European Union
