(28.11.2016):In the frames of the established cooperation between French and Macedonian ministries responsible for the environment, Macedonian Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning in cooperation with the Secretariat for European Affairs, French Embassy and French Institute in Skopje, organized workshop on “Exchange of experience between France and Macedonia on Natura 2000 and implementation of Habitat and Bird Directives”.
Expressing appreciation to the French Government for the good bilateral cooperation in the area of environment implemented through exchange of experiences, the Minister of Environment and Physical PlanningBashkim Ameti in his opening address pointed out: “The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planningas competent authority has recognized that one of the most important EU policies and instruments in the area of nature conservation are the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, which are at the same time the basic legal mechanisms for establishment of the European ecological network Natura 2000.For this reason, Natura 2000 has been identified as the key segment in the functioning of ecosystem, conservation of natural resources, plant and animal species and their natural habitats, which are under special regime and interest in EU”.
Two French experts participated in the workshop – Ms. Laurence Pujo, Deputy Regional Director for Environment, Planning and Housing of Occitania and Ms. Paula Fernandes, Deputy Director of Ecology in Occitania.
Official address on the importance of this cooperation was also made by the Ambassador of France in Macedonia His Excellency Christian Timonie.
