Transforming of urban sites with Green infrastructures
Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria North MacedoniaDescription
Jointly developed Green Infrastructure Strategy (2025-2035), Action plan (2025-2030) and Joint Green cities concept for Stip and Gotse Delcehev (EN)
Constructed green infrastructure in Shtip(EN)
Impoved green infrastructure in the town of Gotse Delchev(EN)
Thematic information
Priority: (VI-A_BG-NM_1) Priority1: Greener border region
Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution
Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility
Type of intervention: 046 Support to entities that provide services contributing to the low carbon economy and to resilience to climate change, including awareness-raising measures
Partners (3)
Lead Partner: Община Гоце Делчев
Partner’s ID if not PIC: 000024745
Address: Tsaritsa Yoanna str., 2900 Gotse Delchev, Bulgaria
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Local public authority
Website: https://www.gotsedelchev.bg/
Total budget: EUR 494 498.47
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 420 323.69
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 74 174.78
Contractors:
-
Name: Design Group Studio LTD
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG175385689 -
Name: Astra Consult LTD
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG101753016 -
Name: Center for Natural Research
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG176978500
- Центар за развој на Источен плански регион
-
Name: Центар за развој на Источен плански регион
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 892622519
Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4029008502164
Address: Vancho Prke , 2000 Stip, North Macedonia
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Regional public authority
Website: http://www.eastregion.mk
Total budget: EUR 89 812.50
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 76 340.62
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 13 471.88
- Општина Штип
-
Name: Општина Штип
Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4029005130584
Address: Vasil Glavinov, 2000 Stip, North Macedonia
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Local public authority
Website: http://www.stip.gov.mk
Total budget: EUR 283 342.87
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 240 841.43
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 42 501.44
Partners map

Lead partner

Project partner
Summary
Project acronym: EcoScape
Project ID: BGMK0300060
Project start date: 2024-07-02
Project end date: 2027-01-01
Project status: ongoing
Relevant linked projects:
- "Improving the street and park infrastructure in Gotse Delchev - rehabilitation of 25 streets and green areas". The project was financed by the Regional Development Operational Program in the period 2009 - 2012.
- The main activities are the complete rehabilitation of asphalt and pavement on 25 streets in Gotse Delchev; complete rehabilitation of the City Park - alleys, green areas, new lighting and a new irrigation system, new benches, water fountains, playgrounds, reconstruction of the fountain and park entrances, creation of bike lanes; Reconstruction of inter-block space and landscaping.
- (EN) | The realization of this large-scale project by the municipality of Gotse Delchev is a response to the management's policy of sustainable development for improvement and increase of the green infrastructure in those parts of the city that are the most visited and becoming the "lungs" of the area in response to the strengthening climate change, air pollution and increasing of carbon emissions.
- (EN), "Green and accessible environment of the city of Gotse Delchev". The project was financed by the Operational Program "Regional Development" 2007-2013 and was implemented in the period 2013-2015. The project includes the reconstruction of the street network in the town of Gotse Delchev, the complete renovation of Panorama Park, green areas in the inter-block space on Stip Street, and green areas on Slivnitsa Street. (EN) | The implementation of the project allowed the municipality to renovate the second-largest park in the city and create an environment for recreation and walks for citizens. The project has expanded and renovated extensive park space and created better landscaping in residential areas, which favors clean air, reduces pressure on climate change and creates conditions for bird and small mammal habitats, which favors biodiversity. (EN), "Reconstruction and rehabilitation of the street network in the western part of Gotse Delchev". The project is financed by the Operational Program "Regions in Growth" 2014-2020 with an implementation period of 2016 - 2019. It contains a combination of several complementary activities that contribute to the improvement of the physical and living environment of the urban territory. In addition to basic construction activities for the rehabilitation of the street network, the project includes the replacement of street lighting with energy-efficient ones, reconstruction, landscaping, and improvement of green areas, and the construction of an accessible architectural environment for people with disabilities. (EN) | The implementation of the project introduces energy-saving lighting, and increases the green areas in Gotse Delchev, which reduces pollution, reduces carbon dioxide emissions, and significantly improves the urban environment of its inhabitants. (EN), "Improving the conservation effectiveness of wetlands". the project was financed by the INTERREG Balkans - Mediterranean 2014-2020 Transnational Cooperation Program and was implemented in partnership with another 7 different organizations from Europe in the period 2017-2020. The project was related to the identification and mapping of wetlands from the entire territory of Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, and Macedonia and the assessment of their ecological connectivity; demonstration of pilot assessment, management, and conservation techniques for wetlands that are ecologically and functionally linked to Natura 2000 areas, the Emerald network, national protected areas, Ramsar sites; tourism development; review of available policies and action plans relating to wetlands in the Balkans-Mediterranean territory, as well as identification of links with other sectoral and territorial plans and joint identification of a set of regional planning measures; inclusion and engagement of stakeholders and key figures from the selected areas from each of the participating countries. (EN) | The implemented project included entirely "soft measures", and the results achieved at the international level are important for the municipality of Gotse Delchev from the point of view of compliance with the principles of biodiversity, environmental and water resources protection, non-damage to the environment, and green behavior. It defines the municipality's strategy for sustainable development, in which the individual elements of the environment and human activity are perceived as an interconnected whole, whose connections are increasingly vulnerable. (EN), “Climate-friendly healthcare institutions”. The project was financed by INTERREG –IPA CBC Bulgaria - Macedonia 2014-2020, Priority Axis 1 Environment, implemented in the period 2019 - 2021. The main goal of the project was to reduce the use of natural resources in the operation of the building through repair work at Ivan Skenderov Hospital, renewal of the plumbing installation with an emphasis on economical and environmentally friendly use of water resources; replacement of the electrical installation and introduction of lighting with reduced electricity consumption; renovation of sanitary premises; construction of a photovoltaic installation for autonomous power supply of buildings. (EN) | The implementation of this project was related to the desire of the municipality to carry out a policy of sustainable investments that protect the environment and introduce the use of alternative sources of energy. The project directly addressed one of the main challenges for humanity - climate change and the consequences of climate change in every area of human society. Through the construction of the photovoltaic system only for the period from January to September 2021, 47,882 MWh of energy were produced and 34 tons of CO2 were saved. (EN), Construction of three new parks in Stip with irrigation systems, alleys, green areas, solar lighting, smart benches, benches, educational garden, trees, playgrounds, and native cherry fruit trees (EN) | In these parts of the city of Stip, there is a kindergarten, elementary school, and high school and there are not any parks.
- One of the positive results of the construction of these parks is that abandoned areas are given meaning and they are transformed into new green zones that will grow into centers for education, recreation and relaxation. (EN), Promoting and preserving the biodiversity of Maleshevska Mountain - MALESH, the project was financed by the Programme Bulgaria - FYROM IPA CBC 2007-2013. Priority axis 2: Improvement the quality of life, area of intervention 2.1 Utilization of eco resources.
- The main goal of the project “MALESH” was to promote the preservation and restoration of the biodiversity on the territory of the border Malashevska Mountain to increase attractiveness and improve the quality of life in the common cross-border region.
- Whitin the framework of the project a Partnership Network was established of the existing environmental stakeholders of Bulgaria and FYROM, analysis for Maleshevska mountain was elaborated with register for species, flora ana founa, Discussion forum on the topic “Maleshevska mountain - past, present and future” was organized for institutions and organizations from the cbc region, series of school meetings were carried out in the target cbc region, Interactive Map of Species to promote Biodiversity of the Maleshevska Mountain was developed and promotional materials were prepared and distributed with aim to promote the preservation of rare and typical Maleshevia Species.
- Duration 18 months, total budget 99 953, 79 EUR. (EN) | The implementation of this project was in correlation with the strategic objective of the Programme for development of the East planning region SO 3 - Preserved and improved environment within the framework of the priority 3.4 Climate change and protection of biodiversity, measure 3.4.1 Preservation of biological diversity , Preservation of biological diversity, overall environmental changes significantly affect biological resources and functioning of ecosystems. The region was working on finding solutions for preventing the reduction of biological diversity, protecting various types of biological wealth, by taking measures at the regional and local level to reduce and mitigate the harmful effects on biological diversity. (EN), Green building for common green future - GREEN, the project was financed by the Programme Bulgaria - FYROM IPA CBC 2014-2020, under the specific objective- Environmental protection and sustainable use of the common natural resources of the CBC area, thematic priority: protection of environment and promotion of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, risk prevention and management through, inter alia: joint actions for environmental protection; promoting sustainable use of natural resources, resource efficiency, renewable energy sources and the shift towards a safe and sustainable low-carbon economy; promoting investment to address specific risks, ensuring disaster resilience and developing disaster management systems and emergency preparedness.
- Within the frame of the project the energy efficiency of the municipal building of the Municipality of Kochani was improved which lead to the reduced energy consumption and reduce GHG emissions. The energy efficiency rating of the building after implementation of measures has been improved from D to B class. Series of environmental related trainings and campaigns were organized such as promotional press conferences, trainings for Climate Change and Green Infrastructure, Campaign tour events were organized in three primary schools, thematic workshops and Regional Energy Strategy was prepared. Total budget of 225 729.78 EUR. (EN) | The implementation of this project was in terms of improving and protection of the environment. The region has implemented numerous projects to raise public awareness of energy efficiency and especially to improve the energy efficiency of public buildings that have a direct impact on the savings of municipals budgets and to pay more attention on determining measures for protection of climate change. The improvement of the energy class of a one public facility from the region from EE class D to EE class B was an excellent example for the rest of the municipalities in the region, expressed through figures of achieved savings in the area of electricity consumption and in the examination in terms of CO2 reduction. (EN), The Nature Conservation Programme in North Macedonia was a project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), intended to assist the Republic of North Macedonia in the conservation of its outstanding biodiversity and natural ecosystems through promotion of their sustainable use and management. The approach for realisation of the Programme activities is holistic, by including the stakeholders and simultaneous intervention at 3 levels: national, regional, and local. The Programme shall help the Republic of North Macedonia in meeting the NATURA 2000 requirements, one of the conditions for EU accession.
- The CDEPR was a strategic partner in the first 4 years programming period with direct investments through implementation of different investments and soft projects.
- Phase I of the Programme 2012 – 2016 were supported activities for securing strategic and planning documents which shall assist the sustainable use of land during planning and management with the development of the Bregalnica region, as well as ecological gap analysis and ecological sensitivity map for the Bregalnica river basin. These documents represent the basis for realisation of specific activities for nature conservation and sustainable management with natural resources. In addition, part of the activities was directed towards capacity strengthening of the key stakeholders at regional and local level, as well as towards public awareness raising regarding nature conservation.
- Phase II of the Programme 2017 - 2020 were proclaimed 2 protected arias in the region, small projects for supporting citizens and SMEs from the Bregalnica region were developed and implemented, a new regional offer for environment – friendly tourism activities/services was created. Parks and green areas were created and suitable nature equipment in the rural and urban areas. (EN) | The implemented 2 phase programme included "soft measures" and "investments" measures. The achieved results are not value and important for the region only they have national importance especiialy for the new two proclamed protected areas. The huge gap that the region had in the part of documentation and plans was filled with the elaboration of the Analysis of the eco database, strategy and study for tourism development, elaborates for valorization of nature rarities, market analisys and etc.
- From the point of view of compliance with the principles of biodiversity, environmental, protected areas, non-damage to the environment, and green behavior its defines the region as a region with the great potention for sustainable use of the nature resources for sustainable development. (EN), Arrangement of a quay on the Otinje
- In 2023, the UNDP provided funding for this initiative. The primary objective of this proposed solution is to enhance the lighting infrastructure along the Otinje River quay, aiming to facilitate access to the riverside promenade and enhance overall safety in the area. Through the execution of this project, we are actively contributing to a significant enhancement of the condition of the central urban zone within the Municipality of Shtip. The implementation of this endeavor has yielded positive outcomes, leading to an improved quality of life for the municipality's residents. Furthermore, it has the potential to positively influence the growth of visitor numbers to the municipality, consequently benefiting local businesses. (EN) | The realization of this project by the municipality
- of Shtip enable
- - Improvement of the overall quality of life of the
- citizens of the Municipality of Shtip;
- - Installation of lighting along the bed of the river
- Otinja in the following directions: (from the
- settlement of Novo Selo - the bridge near the
- Church of Saint Nicholas; from the bridge near the
- Church of Saint Nicholas - to the old (stone)
- bridge; from the old (stone) bridge - to the police
- station (SVR Shtip), to where the quay was built
- (formed);
- - Increasing the available pedestrian zones in the
- central city area (EN), “Green energy for better future”
- . In 2023, the Slovenian government provided funding for a significant project aimed at the revitalization and energy optimization of a local kindergarten. This transformative initiative encompasses a range of vital activities, with a primary focus on enhancing energy efficiency. The key components of the project involve the replacement of the kindergarten's roofing system and the installation of a cutting-edge photovoltaic plant.
- The endeavor seeks to address several important objectives, such as improving the structural integrity of the kindergarten's roof, which will not only ensure a safe environment for the children but also contribute to long-term sustainability. Additionally, the installation of the photovoltaic plant is set to have a dual impact. Firstly, it will harness renewable energy from the sun, thereby reducing the facility's energy consumption and environmental footprint. Secondly, it serves as a valuable educational tool, offering an opportunity for students to learn about sustainable energy sources. (EN) | The implementation of the project allowed the municipality to increase the quality of life; utilize the existing eco resources in an effective manner that could increase the energy efficiency and contribute to the local development; utilize the capacity of cooperation to create regional dynamic, design joint environmental educational program for the current and next generations, exchange of ideas, knowledge and practices and generate joint initiatives for enhanced development effect. Increased knowledge of energy efficiency and renewable energies for students, parents and teachers. Raising awareness of community members for energy efficiency and effective sustainable lifestyles. Acquiring knowledge of sustainable energies and energy efficiency at a young age. . (EN), Construction of a park in Babi neighborhood- The project is funded through the 2022 Operational Program of the Regional Development Bureau. Its primary aim was to enhance the visual appeal of the downtown district within the Municipality of Stip, transforming it into a desirable place for residents, with a specific focus on creating parks tailored for children and adolescents. This initiative encompasses an array of interconnected activities aimed at enhancing both the physical and overall living conditions within the urban area.
- (EN) | This project aims to enhance the aesthetics of downtown Stip by addressing the lack of children's parks within the municipality. It seeks to provide young residents with a more satisfying community environment. By doing so, it intends to encourage more children to spend their leisure time outdoors, engaging in activities that promote their well-being. These amusement parks for the youngest members of our community will not only foster stronger bonds but also cultivate new connections and friendships. The Municipality of Stip is dedicated to demonstrating its commitment to its citizens, particularly its youngest members, who play a fundamental role in shaping a thriving and harmonious society. (EN)
Total budget/expenditure: EUR 867 653.84
Total EU funding (amount): EUR 737 505.74
Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%
Co-financing sources:
- IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 737 505.74. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.
Investments, deliverables, policy contributions
(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)
Infrastructure investments:
- I2.1 - Increasing of green areas in Shtip - EUR 242 906.30 - country: North Macedonia, town: Shtip, street: JNA Bulevard and Mirche Acev and Leninova streets, n.n., postal_code: 2000, ,
- I3.1 - IMPROVEMENT GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN GOTSE DELCHEV - EUR 406 266.52 - country: Bulgaria (BG), town: Gotse Delchev, street: Alexander Stambolyiski str., postal_code: 2900, ,
Deliverables:
- LP/PP3-Joint Green Infrastructure Strategy (2025 – 2035) for East Planning Region and Gotse Delchev
- PP3- Conducted four one day workshop
- LP/PP3-Joint electronic database for green areas and street vegetation with digital map
- LP/PP3- Joint action plan (2025 – 2030) for green infrastructure for Shtip and Gotse Delchev
- PP3 -Orgnisation of 4 one-day workshop for 20 participants
- LP/PP3 - Developed Joint green cities concept for Shtip and Gotse Delchev
- LP/PP3 Conducted 4 trainings
- PP3-Prepared curricula, presentations and working materials
- PP3-Public campaign materials
- LP/PP3 Videos and audio spots
- PP3 -Implemented campaign
- PP3 -Organized promotion events
- PP3- Permanent educational and information boards
- PP2-Constructed green infrastructure on three location
- PP2-Final supervision report from the construction site under operation.
- PP3 -Organization of two press conferences in Shtip
- LP-Improved green infrastructure in the town of Gotse Delchev
- LP- Entered construction site into operation
- LP-Implemented construction according to the investment project
Contribution to wider strategies and policies:
- EuropeanGreenDeal The investment intentions of the partners in the EcoScape project is related to green infrastructure in the urban areas, which has a strong ecological effect, reduces all form of pollution including reducing carbon emissions through greener areas, favors biodiversity in the city, lowers micro temperatures and, in addition, has a social function for leisure and recreation. An important emphasis in this goal is the achievement of the goals of the "Green Deal" concluded at the European level and an aspiration of the EU, Bulgaria, and N Macedonia to be carbon neutral by 2050.
- The importance of green infrastructure application at the local level is underlined in the position of the European Committee, which states that the crucial responsibility for green infrastructure projects lies within the individual bodies responsible for regional and local planning. Green infrastructure is included in several important EU strategies and policies such as the EU biodiversity strategy, EU Strategy on green infrastructure, EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, the European Environment Action Programme to 2020, and more.
- The activities of the project are green infrastructure investments as well as a Joint green infrastructure strategy, Action plan for green infrastructure, Development of Joint green cities concept, capacity building training, and Green infrastructure raising awareness campaign. The activities were chosen because the partners aim at sustainable development, the issues of which are directly related to the objectives of the Green Deal, seeking to reduce the pressure on climate change and to fulfill the foreseen “green” measures. The Green Pact, which is an integral part of Europe's strategy to tackle climate change by 2030, includes a number of strategies in different areas such as biodiversity, cleaner air, pollution reduction, and better health of current and future generations. The aim of the green infrastructure project is fully in line with these principles.
Programme Common Output Indicator:
-
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
-
RCO 036 - Green infrastructure supported for other purposes than adaptation to climate change, Measurement unit:
-
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
Programme Output Indicator:
-
PSI-O1 - Habitats supported for better protection status to acquire, Measurement unit: number
-
PSO 1: Length of rail reconstructed or modernised - in the Romania-Bulgaria cross-border area, Measurement unit: Km
-
PSI1 BCCP facility constructed/upgraded, Measurement unit: Number
Programme Common Result Indicator:
-
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
-
RCR 095 - Population having access to new or improved green infrastructure, Measurement unit:
Programme Result Indicator:
-
RI_CP1 - New or networked or expanded offers for tourism and cultural sites, Measurement unit: Offers
-
OP1 (i) - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that introduce innovations in their products or processes, Measurement unit: number of SMEs
-
OP1 (i) - Organizations that cooperate across borders after the end of the project, Measurement unit: number of organizations
-
PSI-R1 - Endangered animal and plant species for which protective measures are supported, Measurement unit: number
-
PSR 1: Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across borders, Measurement unit: Organisations
-
PSR 1 - Organisations with increased institutional capacities due to their participation in cooperation activities across borders, Measurement unit: organisations
Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project
Financing programme
2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria North Macedonia
Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme
2025-04-02
No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)
10 / 10 (100%)
No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)
43 / 43 (100%)
Notes on the data