On July 15, 2024, in Skopje, North Macedonia, an event was held at the CNVP premises where grantees (local NGOs) signed agreements with CNVP to implement various local projects focused on environmental and biodiversity protection, sustainable use of natural resources, non-timber forest products, and nature-based tourism. The grants are awarded as part of the "Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in Shara, Korab-Koritnik, and the Albanian Alps" project, implemented by CNVP and financially supported by PONT.

CNVP’s management in North Macedonia, during the signing ceremony with subgrantees, expressed their willingness to work together with the local organisation to protect biodiversity and boost local sustainable development in harmony with nature. Subgrantees, during this meeting, have undergone a short introduction to the main values and expectations of CNVP and the project itself. The main financial guidelines to be followed for beneficiaries were presented, and subgrantees were engaged in an interactive discussion about the specifics of implementation.

Beneficiaries had chances to present their project and get to know each other better, which helped strengthen the network of local actors to be active in the protected areas of Shar and Mavrovo. The network of local organisations (sub-grantees) is continuously increasing, and with the second call, it reached fifteen organisations in total. 

The sub-granting scheme is one of the project components to join efforts with local organisations to achieve the above-mentioned project goals. Sub-granting beneficiaries are local NGOs with roots in the protected areas of the National Park Shar Mountains and the National Park Mavrovo. Sub-grantees have undergone a highly competitive selection process, during the open call for applications launched on April 19, 2024.

From today, the commitment of CNVP North Macedonia to environmental protection, sustainable use of natural resources, and nature-based tourism will be strengthened with the additional two organisations (sub-granting beneficiaries), who will jointly work towards the goals of the project.

About the project: 

The project "Sustainable use of natural resources in Korab Koritnik, Shara and the Albanian Alps" is being implemented by the offices of CNVP North Macedonia and Albania and financially supported by PONT. The regional project started its implementation on September 1, 2022, and will last until August 31, 2025. The main goal of the project is the promotion of sustainable use of natural resources by providing and supporting local communities to create a better socio-economic life in harmony with nature, and the project aims to provide direct support to local non-governmental organisations, protected areas, municipalities, small and medium-sized enterprises, and other local communities operating in the Polog and Mavrovo regions (North Macedonia). 

More information about the project is available at the following link: http://www.cnvp-eu.org/eng/project.php?mv=10&id=1426