Bern Convention

Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats

This complaint was submitted in 2013 by the association “Eko-svest - Center for environmental research and information” on the construction of hydropower plants in Mavrovo National Park.

According to the complainant, this activity could result in the destruction of forests, disturbance of water sources as well as in the fragmentation of wildlife habitats. Mavrovo National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Europe, one of the richest and best-preserved mountain protected areas in South-Eastern Europe, and a Candidate Emerald Network site.

The on-the-spot appraisal (OSA) of 2015 identified eight habitat types of Resolution No. 4 (1996) of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention (1996) and 49 species listed in Resolution No. 6 (1998), including the critically endangered Balkan Lynx (Lynx lynx ssp. Balcanicus). The OSA further highlighted that the zoning is not appropriate to secure the protection of species, landscapes, and biodiversity as most activities are allowed within the area which is labeled as “sustainable” and which covers around 50% of the area.

In 2015 the Standing Committee recommended suspending the implementation of all government projects, in particular the hydropower plants foreseen and related infrastructure, within the territory of the Mavrovo National Park, until a Strategic Environmental Assessment will be completed. It emphasised the need to specifically address the conservation needs of those species of fauna and flora for the conservation of which the Mavrovo National Park bears special responsibility.

In 2021, a further online advisory mission was carried out, resulting in Recommendation no. 211 (2021) on conservation measures within national parks in North Macedonia, including in relation to Mavrovo National Park and Lake Ohrid and Galichica National Park. The Recommendation, as well as following up on the previous recommendations on hydropower plants, also urged the authorities to better manage other conservation aspects of the national park, and in particular to target better conservation measures for the Balkan Lynx. 

 Key Timeline

• 2013 - Case registration
• 2014 - Opening of Case
• 2015 - OSA and Recommendations No. 184
• 2021 - Online advisory mission and Recommendations No. 211

 Other countries possibly concerned

• Kosovo*
• Albania

 Other international organisations involved

• European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
• IUCN
• Macedonian Ecological Society
• World Bank

 Documents

OSA reports and recommendations

Regular reports to the Bureau and/or Standing Committee

Please note that all reports received by a Party during one calendar year are included in one single report for that year. Some older reports are not available in digital form.

Other information / documents

*All references to Kosovo, whether the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.