Today, the 5 th of April, marks World Environment Day—the largest global platform for environmental public outreach—a time for reflection and action on some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet.

In observance of World Environment Day, North Macedonia is also highlighting its pressing environmental concerns: lessening flood dangers, boosting climate resilience, and shielding at-risk communities. These endeavours are particularly noticeable in the Kriva Reka area, where forward-thinking tactics are transforming local reactions to the growing number of river floods.

This year's focus is on “Ending Plastic Pollution,” a theme that resonates deeply with the goals of the URBANFLOODS- project, especially in regions like Kriva Palanka (Kriva Reka), where the environmental impact of pollution and extreme weather events is acutely felt. Even though the international emphasis this year is on cutting down plastic waste—a problem central to the global crisis—it connects strongly with wider resilience and sustainability objectives.

Plastic pollution doesn't just damage biodiversity and ecosystems, it also blocks waterways, worsens flooding, and hits the most susceptible populations the hardest. Plastic pollution is not an isolated environmental issue. It is a critical component of the triple planetary crisis:
- The climate crisis,
- The crisis of nature and biodiversity loss, and
- The crisis of pollution and waste.

These interconnected threats exacerbate the vulnerability of urban areas, especially flood-prone regions like Kriva Reka, where unmanaged waste and poor drainage increase the risk and severity of flash floods.

Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals

North Macedonia’s efforts directly contribute to two critical Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 13: Climate Action
• Target 13.1: Strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
Through early warning systems, community training, and climate-adaptive infrastructure, URBANFLOODS enhances Kriva Reka's ability to withstand extreme weather.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Target 11.5: Reducing the adverse effects of natural disasters, especially on the poor and vulnerable.
With a focus on inclusive planning and risk reduction, the project helps ensure that no one is left behind when floods strike.

A Call to Action

This World Environment Day, let's remember that cutting down on plastic waste isn't just good for the planet's vital for keeping our communities safe from floods and other climate change-related floods and other climate-related hazards.

Kriva Reka’s journey under the URBANFLOODS project is a powerful example of how integrated, sustainable action can protect lives, preserve ecosystems, and build climate-resilient cities.
We encourage all national and local stakeholders—citizens, local authorities, and international partners—to continue their commitment to climate action and environmental sustainability.

Curious to learn more?

Check your local municipality’s website for information on flood zones and emergency procedures. You can also follow updates from the Hydrometeorological Institute of the Republic of North Macedonia, the Crisis Management Center of the Republic of North Macedonia, and EU-funded programs like URBANFLOODS or the latest news and innovations in flood risk management.