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COUNTRY PROFILE - DRAFT FORMAT VERSION 2.0 COUNTRY: REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA 1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Official Country Name: REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA 1.2 Geographical Information

Position, borders, area, relief, capital, total population, official languages, language for WMO correspondence, Map, and Flag (if possible)

Republic of Macedonia is an independent country situated in southern Europe, in the central part of the Balkan, at latitude of approximately 42o north and longitude of 22o east. Macedonia is a small country but is very diverse by relief and climate. From the aspect of relief, Macedonia is mountainous country. Mountains cover 79% of the total area, participation of plains is 19.1% and to the water surfaces belong 1,9%. Total geographic area of our country is 25713km2. The territorial borders are: 264 km in north with Serbia and Montenegro, 177,7km in east with Bulgaria, 262km in south with Greece and 192km in west with Albania.

The total country area is 25.713km2 (land surface 24.856 km2 and water surface 488 km2). The geographical map of the Republic of Macedonia is presented below.

Map of the Republic of Macedonia

REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

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Total number of population in Republic of Macedonia is 2.022.547 citizens. The capital city is Skopje with circa 467.000 citizens; other bigger cities are Bitola-

86.400, Kumanovo-103.200, Ohrid-54.400, Tetovo-70.800, Gostivar- 49.500, Prilep- 73.400, Strumica- 45.000, Stip- 45.100, Kavadarci- 47.800, Veles- 57.600 citizens.

Languages that are spoken: Macedonian 70%, Albanian 21%, Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 3%, other 3%. Language for WMO correspondence is English.

The flag of the Republic of Macedonia represents a golden sun on a red surface. The terrain is mostly hilly- mountain with average elevation of 829m. The hydrographic territory of the Republic of Macedonia belongs to the following

river basins: river Vardar basin gravitates towards Aegean Sea, river Crn Drim basin gravitates to Adriatic Sea, and river Strumica basin gravitates to Black Sea.

Macedonia has different climatic characteristics. In one part the climate is continental, in other part is Mediterranean, with diversity between this two types: changed continental, changed maritime, mountainous, as well as various subtypes depending of elevations. ( Source: Government of Macedonia)

1.3 Climate

General, mean rainfall, temperatures, seasons, water availability (Total Renewable Water Resources: Total, Total Renewable Water Resources: Per Capita, Water Withdrawals: Annual Total, Water Withdrawals: Per Capita Annual Total)

Republic of Macedonia with its geographical location and compound relief structure

is generally characterized by various local climatic characteristics caused by direct climatologically influences from north by moderate continental and from the south by Mediterranean, in the high mountain regions by mountain climatic influence.

The annual cycle of temperature regime shows two distinct separated seasons: warm and dry summer and relative cold winter connected with transitional spring and autumn. Mean summer temperature, according standard climatologically verticals is from 24.3°C to 20.6 °C, while absolute maximum temperature is 44.5°C to 40.0°C. Mean winter temperature vary from 4.9°C to 0.9°C, but absolute minimum reaches -29.4°C to -13.0°C.

Also, huge difference in the spatial and temporal distribution of types and quantities of precipitation can be noticed. Annual amount of precipitation is from 250mm to more than 1000mm, most of which occurs outside the months of the vegetation period. In most parts of the Republic the autumn is warmer than the spring and the greater part of the annual precipitation sum falls in the cold part of the year.

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According to the long-term measurements and observations of the basic climatologically parameters and certain climatic classifications, several relatively homogeneous climatic regions and sub-regions for the territory of Macedonia could be defined:

Region with sub-Mediterranean climate exist on the areas of Gevgelija-Valandovo

region at elevation (50-500) m. This is the hottest region in Macedonia. Average annual air temperature is (12-14)oC with the highest air temperature during July which is between 24oC and 25oC and the lowest air temperature which is above 3oC. Precipitations appear most frequently during autumn, especially in November with average monthly precipitation of 90mm. The driest period of the year is July/August, with multi annual average precipitation monthly sum of 30mm.

Region with moderate-continental-sub-Mediterranean climate is characterized by

combined continental and sub-Mediterranean climate covers the following parts of Macedonia: Central parts along the river Vardar and ravines along the inflow of rivers Pchinja, Bregalnica and Crna Reka in the river Vardar, that is Shtip, Veles, Kochani, Strumica and Radovish regions. This climatic region covers the area with elevation to 600m. The average air temperature in this region is between 12oC and 13oC with maximum values in July (between 22oC and 24oC). The lowest average air temperature appears in January (between 0oC and 2oC). The average annual precipitation in this region varies between (460-500)mm in the central part and between (500-600)mm in other parts.

Region with hot continental climate is located at elevation (600-900)m. In this

region hot continental climate dominates with defined combination of Mediterranean impact in the domain of pluviometric regime. Average annual air temperatures are between 10oC and 11oC, while annual temperature sums vary between 3700oC and 4100oC. Average annual sum of precipitation is in the limits between 530mm and about 900mm. The greatest quantities of precipitation appear at mountainous massifs in the western part of Macedonia from 600mm to 800mm, while in the eastern parts they are significantly less. In this climatic region number of summer days is between 70 to 110 days, while tropic days are between 10 and 35.

Region with cold continental climate covers the lowest parts of mountainous

regions at elevation (900-1100)m. It is characterized by transitional characteristics between continental and mountainous regions. In this region the climate is wetter from the previous ones, with average quantity of precipitation about 800mm. Average annual air temperature is about 9oC, in January is about 0.5oC, while the average monthly temperature in July is about 19oC. Annual maximum precipitation in the western part of Macedonia, similarly as in the region of Valandovo-Gevgelija, appears in November. In north-eastern part the maximum appears in May, which is characteristic of continental pluviometric regime.

Region with sub-forest-continental-mountainous climate spreads at elevation (1100-

1300)m. Here the influence of continental and maritime climate is combined and the

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average annual air temperature of 8°C is slightly lower than in previous region. The average annual sum of precipitation is about 900mm. In the western part of the Republic of Macedonia most precipitated period of the year is November, while at northeast the most precipitated period is May, as a characteristic of continental pluviometric regime. In this region there are sub-forest beech trees, as characteristic of climatic and pedologic conditions, which is a part of more wide beech region.

Region with forest-continental mountainous climate is at elevation (1300-1650)m.

Average annual air temperature in this region is about 6.5oC, while average annual sum of precipitation is about 1050mm and it is the wettest climatic zone in Macedonia. The greatest quantities of precipitation are registered in the areas located at the winded sides of mountainous massifs.

Region with sub-alpine mountainous climate is at elevation between (1650-2250)m.

Average annual air temperature is about 5oC, while the quantity of precipitation decreases with the elevation and its value is lower than the one corresponding to altitudes below 1000m. The type of precipitation varies with the increase of the altitude. The amount of precipitation increases with the the increase of the altitude. Annual average precipitation of 1200mm has been estimated according to the gradient trend lines (without use of the results from measurements performed at Solunska Glava at elevation of 2540m). In this region sub-alpine beech and coniferous trees forest exist most frequently, such as: spruce, pine tree, molika, and dwarf pine and grass communities.

Region with alpine mountainous climate is located at elevation higher than 2250m,

where average annual temperature is under 0oC. Average temperature of the hottest month is under 10oC (at Solunska Glava 8oC), average annual sum of precipitation is 867mm (Solunska Glava). The greatest quantities of precipitation appear in May with average sum of precipitation of 65mm. The lowest air temperature recorded in this climatic region is -29.7oC. Average number of frost days is about 225 days, while number of so-called very cold days that appear in this climatic region is less than the previous. The average annual temperature amplitude in this region is slightly less and it is about 16oC (comparing to low parts in Macedonia where it is more than 22oC), which is a characteristic of mountainous climate. (Source: Filipovski et al.1996”Climatological- pedological vegetation regions in Republic of Macedonia” - Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Art)

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Hydrographical characteristics of the main river basins in the Republic of Macedonia are shown in Table 1. The longest river is Vardar, and the rivers Treska, Pchinja, Bregalnica and Crna are effluents of the river Vardar.

River А

[km2] Hav [m]

Lr [km]

J [‰]

Qav [m3/s]

V [m3]106

Vardar 22 456.0 793.0 301.6 2.12 144.9 4 564.35 Treska 2 068.0 1 010.0 138.3 10.54 24.2 762.30 Pchinja 2 840.7 758.0 136.4 10.62 12.6 396.90 Bregalnica 4 306.8 722.0 225.0 6.90 14.1 444.15 Crna 5 890.0 863.0 228.0 4.56 37.4 1 178.10 Strumica 1 520.0 638.0 75.1 18.03 4.2 132.30 Crn Drim 4 348.2 1166.0 56.2 4.18 47.7 1 502.55

Hydrographical characteristics of the main river basins Three natural lakes have also a great significant for the hydro-geography of our

country, and the are: Ohrid Lake (elevation 695m) with total area of 358km2 (Macedonian part 229,9km2) and with maximum depth of 285m; Prespa Lake (elevation 853) with total area of 274,0km2 (Macedonian part 176,8km2) and with maximum depth of 54m and Dojran Lake with total area of 43,0km2 (Macedonian part 27,4km2) and with maximum depth of 10m. In order to utilize the hydrological potential of the rivers in Macedonia, 20 large and over 100 small reservoirs have been constructed, with total volume of 2400 millions m3 of water. The largest are Kozjak Lake on the river Treska with total volume of 550 millions m3, then Spilje Lake on the rivers Crn Drim and Radika with 520 millions m3, followed by Tikvesh Lake on the river Crna with 475 millions m3. In Macedonia 4414 springs with total yield of 991,9 millions m3/annum have been registered. Out of them only 58 have the yield over 100l/s, and out of them only three are located in the central part of the river Vardar basin and the others are in the west part of the country. The water treasure in Macedonia according to the Physical Plan of the Republic of Macedonia has been estimated as:18,8 billions m3 from precipitation, 6,22 billions m3 as discharging water from the watersheds, 0,52 billions m3 as groundwater and 0,42 billions m3 from the bigger springs.

According to the global specific indicators Macedonia is relatively poor with water. The concept of sustainable development has shown the quantity of 3000m3 of water annual per resident/inhabitant. Analyzing the average annual discharges, in the surface watercourses the available quantity is 3250m3 annual per resident. But, in dry seasons, which duration is longer and longer each year, the available quantity is only 950m3/s. Under the consideration that 16% of available waters are output water (coming from other countries, and can not be use with certain quantity and quality) then Macedonia can be been recognized as poor with water. (Source: National Self-Assessment on Climate Change Report)

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1.3 Main economic activities GDP per capita (US$), current US$; GDP: percent from industry, GDP: percent from agriculture, GDP: percent from manufacturing, GDP: percent from services

Socio-economic profile of Macedonia can be described with the following basic information. According to the population census from 1998 in Macedonia live 2.008 millions inhabitants. Population density is 80 inhabitants per km2. Macedonia is characterized with 59% of population that are living in urban areas, out of which 23% are living in the capital Skopje and other 36% are living in other 29 cities. The Republic of Macedonia is divided into 123 municipalities. They will have greater competence and greater financial potential according to the new law for local government.

The last decade the economy of the Republic of Macedonia was confronted by the shocks caused by the transformation of political and economic systems. The result of this is a fall of GDP, a fall in employment rate and investments. The last decade due the new political and economic situation in Europe, Macedonia has lost the traditional market in East-European countries. This was the reason for rapid fall of industry production, from 46% of GDP in 1990 to 22% of GDP in 2000. Since 1996 the economy in our country has begun to improve.

1.4 Transport Infrastructure Air transport, freight (million tons per km); Air transport, passengers carried; Aircraft departures (p.a.); Roads, total network (km); Roads, paved roads (% of total roads); Roads, goods transported (million tons per km); Rail lines total (km); Shipping, length of navigable waterway network (km); Shipping, goods transported (million tons per km)

There are two airports in Macedonia, one in Skopje and the other in Ohrid, with

several international connections. Also there are domestic and recreational centers for aviation in Logovardi, Ovcepole and Kumanovo. The airport in Skopje is used by 90% and in Ohrid by 10% of the passengers.

Having in mind geographical position of Republic Macedonia, the territory is crossroad of main roads of strategic importance for connection of West and Central Europe with Greece, Turkey and further with Middle East. Total length of the road network is 10.600 km (6.830 km or 64.5% are local roads, 2.820 km or 26.5% are regional roads and 950 km or 9% are highways). Most important road is the international E75 road beginning in Ostende-Belgium and passing Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Thessalonica ends in Athens- Greece. Length of this road in Macedonia is 201 km. It passes through the central part of the country and presents the main road in the road network in the Macedonia.

The length of the rail network in Macedonia is 920 km, with 168 rail stations. Rail connection with Greece and Serbia and Montenegro is good, while rail network with Bulgaria has to be completed with 46 km, well as the rail line to Albania 65 km. this will enable east-west rail connection with length of 295 km. (Source: Government of Macedonia)

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1.5 Name and address of UNDP Resident Representative (where possible) and other country-based UN and International Organizations (FAO, WFP, World Bank, EU etc)

In Republic of Macedonia following UN agencies are represented with their country

offices: the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The World Health Organisation (WHO) is represented with the WHO Humanitarian Affairs Office and WHO Liaison Office. Representatives of the United Nations Mine Action Office (UNMAO), United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (UN ICTY) and United Nations for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) are also working in the country. UN Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) and Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have ongoing projects in Macedonia and staff engaged to assist in their implementation. The World Bank has Resident Missions in Skopje.

Mr. Frode Mauring, UN Resident Coordinator / UNDP Resident Representative Tel: +389 2 3116 335 Fax: +389 2 3118 261 Address: Dimitrie Cupovski 8, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia e-mail: registry.mk@undp.org web site: www.undp.org.mk

World Bank Ms. Marie-Helene Bricknell, Resident Representative Tel: +389 2 3117 159 Fax: +389 2 3117 627 Address: Leninova 34, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia web site: www.worldbank.org.mk World Health Organisation, Humanitarian Assistance Office Mr. Jukka Pukila, Head of Office Tel: +389 2 3062-879 / 3064-299 / 3064-599 Fax: +389 2 3063-710 Address: Mirka Ginova 17, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia e-mail: office@who.org.mk World Health Organisation, Liaison Office Ms. Maria Kishman, Liaison Officer Tel: +389 2 3121-142 Fax: +389 2 3121-169 Address: Ministry of Health, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia e-mail: wholo@unet.com.mk

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Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Mr. Bernhard Schelhas, FAO Emergency Coordinator Tel: +389 2 3179-065; 3179-066 Fax: +389 2 3178-139 Address: Salvador Aljende 12, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia e-mail: faomk@mt.net.mk web site: www.fao.org United Nations Children's Fund Ms. Hongwei Gao, Head of Office Tel: +389 2 3231 150 Fax: +389 2 3231 151 Address: III Makedonska udarna brigada bb, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia e-mail: skopje@unicef.org web site: www.unicef.org/macedonia EBRD- FYR Macedonia Ms. Zsuzsanna Hargitai Head of Office Tel: +389 2 3297 800 Fax: +389 2 3231 238 Address: Dame Gruev 14, Business Centre Intex, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia e-mail: web site:

2. BRIEF INFORMATION OF SERVICE

2.1 Brief History When was service formed; first observations, progress to date, any transformation, changes, etc

The Hydrometeorological Service in Republic of Macedonia was officially

established in 1947 with the “Declaration of Foundation of Hydrometeorological Service of Peoples Republic of Macedonia”. In 1978 it becomes Republic Hydrometeorological Institute, a governmental organization of special importance for carrying out work in meteorology and hydrology. The Law on Hydrometeorological matters was delivered in 1992 (Official Gazette No.19/92). Since 1991 when Republic of Macedonia became an independent country, until now the Hydrometeorological Service represents a national authority for meteorology and hydrology. It becomes a member of the World Meteorological Organization in July 1991. In 2000 the Hydrometeorological Service continues the work as part of, and under the authority of the Ministry of agriculture, forestry and water economy.

The first meteorological measurements and observations on the territory of Macedonia were carried out in Skopje (from 1891 until 1899), and in Bitola (from 1986 until 1911). For the needs of the army during the First World War, meteorological measurements were carried out on 3 sites: Bitola, Prilep and Udovo, while precipitation was registered at Strumica, Kocani and Skopje. Beside measurements of the basic

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meteorological elements (temperature, precipitation, air pressure, wind speed and direction, humidity, insolation etc) at station in Prilep, Bitola and Udovo, certain upper air soundings were carried out as well.

Some organized and continuous meteorological and hydrological measurements as well, were established in 1923, and with interruption during the Second World War, lasted until 1947 when the Hydrometeorological Service and a network of meteorological stations were established.

2.2 Structure

2.2.1 National Meteorological Service

Name of National Meteorological Service: Hydrometeorological Service Parent Ministry/Body: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy

Name of Permanent Representative: Vlado Spiridonov, PhD Head of Service (if not PR): Vlado Spiridonov, PhD Title of Head of Service: Director Address: Skupi bb, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia Telephone: ++ 389 2 3097 105 Telefax: ++ 389 2 3097 118 E-mail: vspiridonov@meteo.gov.mk Homepage: www.meteo.gov.mk

Name of major divisions/organizational units: Sector for Meteorology and Weather Forecast, Sector for Hydrology, Sector for Hail Suppression and Weather Modification and Sector for Legal, Administrative and Financial Matters

Organization chart:

DIRECTOR

Sector for Meteorology and Weather Forecast Sector for Hydrology Sector for Hail suppression and

Weather ModificationSector for Legal,

Administrative and Financial matters

Meteorological Climatological

Division

Weather Analyze and Forecast division

Hydrological Division

EcologicalDivision

Hail Suppression Division

Telecommunication andRadar Technique

Division

Research and Weather Modification Development Division

Legal andAdministrative Matters

Division

Financial Division

Computer Division

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Contact details of International Office of the NMS (if applicable) Contact details of Information and Public Affairs focal point of the NMS (if

applicable) 2.2.2 National Hydrological Service Same as 2.2.1. 2.2.3 Other Services-Meteorological other than NMS, Hydrological other than

NHS, Oceanography, Geology, etc.

Civil Aviation Directorate (self-contained department of the Ministry of Transport and Communication)

Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning Administration for Water Economy (department of Ministry of Agriculture,

Forestry and Water Economy) Hydrobiological Institute Republic Institute for Civil Health

2.3 Legal Framework

2.3.1 Legal instruments (copy attached), plans (if instruments are not

available) Law on hydrometeorological matters- This law regulates hydrological and

meteorological matters and authorize (designate) the responsible institution – Hydrometeorlogical Service (macedonian: Uprava za hidrometeoroloski raboti) for fulfilling the tasks comprising: development and maintenance of hydrological and meteorological (weather) observation; research of atmosphere, soil and water resources; and application of hydrology and meteorology.

Some duties regarding the development and maintenance of the hydrological and meteorological (weather) observation (Article 4) are: establishment and maintenance of meteorological and hydrological station network; meteorological measurements and observations for weather forecasting, climatology, agrometeorology, aeronautical meteorology; measurements and observations of the air, water and soil quality; processing the registered data; provision of reports and forecasts of weather, hydrological condition and air, water and soil quality.

Research of the atmosphere, soil and water resources (Article 5), among other include: research of the physical basis of climate, monitoring the climate change and variability, development of methods for climate prediction; monitoring and research of air, water and soil quality parameters, transport of air pollutants; research and development of methods for forecasting air, water and soil pollution; research of the potential solar and wind power as renewable sources for energy production; development of instruments and methods of observation etc.

Hydrometeorological matters regarding the application of hydrology and meteorology, among other, comprise activities concerning: aeronautical meteorology; meteorological and hydrological observations for water management; agrometeorological forecasts and forest fire warnings; application of climate and water resources knowledge, analyze of the spatial and temporal distribution of climatologically parameters, as well as

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quantitative and qualitative characteristics of surface and underground water resources as basis for physical planning of capital investments etc.

Hydrometeorological Service represents a national Hydrometeorological informative center as part of national system for information distribution. It also carries out international exchange of meteorological and hydrological data and information. HMS of the Republic of Macedonia is responsible and coordinates international obligations of the country in the area of meteorology and hydrology.

Other legal instruments that also imply legal duties to the Hydrometeorological Service are: Law on waters, Law on protection of air pollution, Law on protection and advancement of environment and nature etc.

2.3.2 Status of NMHS in country • Part of a Ministerial Department • Self-contained Government Agency • Part of another Government Agency • Separate from Government (private) • Others (Specify)

At this moment the National Hydrometeorological Service of Republic of Macedonia is self-contained department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy.

2.4 Staff and Budget

2.4.1 Total staff: 208 • Meteorological personnel

Meteorologists (former Class I): 21 Meteorological Technicians: 45

• Hydrological personnel Hydrologists (former professional Hydrologist): 6 Hydrological Technician: 21

• Other specialists (professional): 85

• Administrative personnel: 33

2.4.2 Financial Resources

(a) Annual Budget: 1 384 000 Euros*

Expenditure distribution Expenditure on staff: 819 000 –//– Expenditure on materials: 559 000 –//– Investments: 6 000 –//– Appropriations/Subsidies: 90 000 –//–

--------------------------------------------------------------------- *(Data for 2004)

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(b) Sources of Funding

Direct Appropriation by Government 1 314 000 Euros* Contract to Government Trading Fund Operation Revenue from Services 70 000 Special projects 90 000 External Assistance Others (Specify) ---------------------------------------------------------------------

*(Data for 2004)

2.4.3 Constraints; future plans to overcome them. The NHMS faces serious problems regarding the recruiting young and professional

staff due to the current requests for the reforms of the public administration. Also, continuous reduce of the financial resources seriously affect the possibility for

fulfilling the basics operational tasks, but even more limits the necessary investments for improvement of its activities.

2.5 Cost Recovery

2.5.1 To which sectors do you offer business specific services? (Academic research, Agriculture, Building and Construction, Defence, Energy, Environment, Health, Insurance, Legal, Marine and offshore, Media, Public sector, Transportation, Retail and Manufacturing, Space, Sporting events, System solutions, Telecommunications, Training, Water, Weather forecasting companies, others (specify))

According Article 16 of the Law on Hydrometeorological matters, the Hydrometeorological Service provides services related to meteorology and hydrology to an interested party upon request and based on mutual agreement. At the moment such services are provided for the energy, environment, water management, insurance, building and construction, private sector etc.

2.5.2 From which of the services stated under 2.5.1 (public and/or private)

do you recover costs? In general most of the service provision to the private sector mentioned above is

subject to cost recovery.

2.5.3 Constraints; future plans to overcome them An activity has been taken in order to raise the status of the Hydrometeorological

Service of Republic of Macedonia, namely to become independent governmental institution referring directly to the Government. This will solve many of discrepancies and collisions in the law especially regarding cost recovery.

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3. TECHNICAL AND SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMMES 3.1 Observational network

3.1.1 Basic network stations Type No. of stations Remarks

Volume A¹ RBSN² RBCN³

3

1

1

1

Publication 47*

Synoptic

• Surface land stations - Manned - Automatic (AWS)

• Upper-air stations

• Sea stations

- Fixed (incl. sea platforms) - Mobile (VOS4) - Automatic (incl. drifting buoys)

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2

1

Digicora-RW 11

Aircraft meteorological stations

Aeronautical meteorological stations 2 Skopje-Airport, Ohrid-Airport

Agricultural meteorological stations 13 agrometeorological

24 phenological

Special stations

• Weather radar

• Radiation

• Wind profiler

• Atmospherics detection

• Meteorological reconnaissance aircraft

• Meteorological rocket

3

-

-

-

-

WSR-74 (3 and 10 cm), MRL5 (3 and 10 cm), 3MK7

Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) stations 1 Lazaropole

Greenhouse gases

Ozone

Aerosols

UV radiation

Precipitation chemistry 1 Lazaropole

Other stations

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List of surface and upper-air stations in operation, which are used for synoptic purposes (According Vol.A) in 6 EUROPE / REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA / 6218:

St.Id IndexNo StationName LatLon Hp HpFlag HhaHhaFlag PressureDefId SO(1-8) ObsHs UA(1-4)

8793 13492 0 POPOVA SAPKA 41 01N 20 53E 1750 850 HPA . . X X X X . . H06-15 . . . .

8794 13493 0 KRIVA PALANKA 42 12N 22 20E 696 691 X X X X X X X X H00-24 . . . .

12708 13571 0 TETOVO 42 00N 20 58E 462 . . X . X . . . . . . .

12709 13573 0 DEBAR 41 31N 20 32E 675 . . X . X . . . . . . .

8795 13575 0 POZARANE-PGC 41 51N 20 52E 885 X X X X X X X X H00-24 . . . .

12710 13576 0 MAVROVO 41 42N 20 45E 1240 850 HPA . . X X X X . . .

8796 13577 0 LAZAROPOLE 41 32N 20 42E 1321 1332 850 HPA . X X X X X X .

8797 13578 0 OHRID 41 07N 20 48E 761 760 850 HPA . X X X X X X . H03-21 . . . .

8798 13579 0 OHRID-AERDRM 41 06N 20 49E 700 705 X X X X X X X X H00-24 . . A

8799 13580 0 PRETOR-PGC 40 51N 21 04E 910 912 X X X X X X X X H00-24 . . . .

8800 13581 0 TOPOLCANI-PGC 41 13N 21 28E 850 HPA X X X X X X X X H00-24 . . . .

12711 13582 0 KRUSEVO 41 22N 21 15E 1230 850 HPA . . X . X . . . . . . .

8801 13583 0 BITOLA 41 03N 21 22E 589 586 X X X X X X X X H00-24 . . . .

8802 13584 0 SOLUNSKA GLAVA 41 44N 21 31E 2540 700 HPA . . X X X X X . H06-19 . . . .

8803 13585 0 PRILEP 41 20N 21 34E 674 673 X X X X X X X X H00-24 . . . .

8804 13586 0 SKOPJE- AIRPORT 41 58N 21 39E 239 238 X X X X X X X X H00-24 X...A

8805 13588 0 SKOPJE-Z. RID 42 01N 21 24E 301 302 X X X X X X X X H00-24 . . . .

12712 13589 0 KUMANOVO 42 08N 21 43E 338 . . X . X X . . . . . .

8806 13590 0 GURISTE-PGC 41 54N 21 51E 856 854 X X X X X X X X H00-24 . . . .

8807 13591 0 STIP 41 45N 22 11E 327 326 X X X X X X X X H00-24 . . . .

8808 13592 0 DEMIR KAPIJA 41 25N 22 15E 126 125 . X X X X X X . H03-19 . . . .

8809 13593 0 POZAR-PGC 41 18N 22 25E 1030 1031 X X X X X X X X H00-24 . . . .

8810 13594 0 VINICA-PGC 41 53N 22 30E 513 518 X X X X X X X X H00-24 . . . .

8811 13595 0 STRUMICA 41 26N 22 39E 224 . X X X X X . . H03-16 . . . .

8812 13597 0 GEVGELIJA 41 09N 22 30E 59 60 . X X X X X . . H03-16 . . . .

8813 13598 0 BEROVO 41 43N 22 51E 836 834 850 HPA X X X X X X X X H00-24 . . . .

12713 13599 0 KAVADARCI 41 26N 22 02E 260 . . X X X X X . . . . .

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METEOROLOGICAL STATION NETWORK OF HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL SERVICE

OF REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Main Climatological Agro/phonological Precipitation

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3.1.2 Satellite ground receiving stations. Which systems are used in the

service? • Primary Data User Station (PDUS) • Secondary Data User Station (SDUS) • Satellite Distribution System for Information relating to Air

Navigation (SADIS) • High Resolution Picture Transmission (HRPT)

PC/ SAT (weather satellite) – PDUS Receiver/Server 1.7 GHz RETIM (12.5- 12.75 GHz)

3.1.3 National Calibration laboratories and its abilities to calibrate different types of instruments and the traceability to national/regional standards (National Testing sites for instruments and its ability to support Regional/International Intercomparisons. RIC (if exists) and its ability to assist members. RRC (if exists) and its ability to assist members.

There is no national calibration laboratory for meteorological instruments in the frames of the Hydrometeorological Service, although according the Law is an obligation of the Service to maintain and develop such activity. Also, connection and cooperation with the Regional/ International Calibration Centres should be improved.

3.1.4 Other observations – oceanography, seismology, astronomy, etc.

The Institute of Seismical Engineering performs seismological observations in

Republic of Macedonia, while astronomy observations are carried out at the Faculty of Physics at the University of “Kiril I Metodij”.

3.1.5 Constraints; future plans to overcome them; requirements

3.2 Telecommunications 3.2.1 Status of national telecommunications system

Computer use for Message Switching Systems: Make, Model, Operating System, MSS software

Our network- radio relay UHF VH; 430-470MHz, 146-174 MHz - Regional Communication Data Network (RMDCN)

3.2.2 International GTS links, AFTN, MDD, DCP others

3.2.3 Access to the Internet (Access and/or own Homepage)

The access to the Internet is provided with speed of 128 kbps, new web home page is under construction.

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3.2.4 Constraints; future plans to overcome them; requirements

In order to improve radio communication links, we have made a project called “Framework radio telecommunication link network point to point” with base radio links and multiplexers, which will connect certain points with the neighbouring countries. At the same time, it will serve as a solid back-up in RMDCN.

3.3 Data Processing

3.3.1 Computer use for real-time data processing: 3.3.1.1 : Main frame: Make, Model, Operating System 3.3.1.2 : Secondary frame(s). Make, Model, Operating System 3.3.1.3 : Workstation(s). Make, Model, Operating System

3.3.2 International GDPFS responsibilities: • list Centres location (name), • type (NMC, geographical RSMC, TC RSMC, ERA RSMC or

WMC)

3.3.3 NWP Activities: Name of Model run, domain, resolution, number of

levels, forecast range produced (short, medium, extended, long), (source of boundary conditions if LAM), data assimilation technique, nudging?, if ensemble run: Perturbation technique for ensemble prediction systems ( SV = Singular Vectors, BGM = Breeding of Growing Modes, LAF = Lagged Average Forecasts), number of members

At the moment there is no national numerical weather prediction model used for weather forecasting purposes.

3.3.4 Constraints; future plans to overcome them; requirements

A legal procedure is set up for acquisition of graphical system for visualization of

meteorological parameters, as well as for hardware and software for instalment of numerical weather prediction model.

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3.4 Weather Forecasting

3.4.1 Current situation, Objective

A team of six forecaster works in 24 shifts, seven days a week; analyze of SYNOP and TEMP Bulletins received through international exchange is carried out. Due to malfunction of the satellite receiver satellite images are used though Internet.

3.4.2 Methodology - do you have Numerical Model; use NWP products, own methodology?

In the Hydrometeorological Service the forecaster use only prognostic materials

received from the numerical models run in Offenbach and Bracknell, the Regional centre in Sofia and other models available on the Internet.

3.4.3 Products; Dissemination - Products; Dissemination: mean (GTS,

FAX, Internet, Satellite, dedicated link), frequency; to whom

Regular weather forecasting products are one to three day forecast for Republic of Macedonia, upon requests maximum weather forecasting is up to one month (using method of analogy). Dissemination is carried mostly through fax and telephone. Users are public and private institutions, as well as electronic and printed media.

3.4.4 Constraints; future plans to overcome them; requirements

A legal procedure is set up for acquisition of graphical system for visualization of meteorological parameters, as well as for hardware and software for instalment of numerical weather prediction model.

3.5 National Space Programme

3.5.1 Current situation (if applicable) 3.5.2 Constraints; future plans to overcome them; requirements

3.6 Public Weather Services

3.6.1 Current situation (incl. availability of tv-studio facilities)

TV-studio facilities are not available at the Hydrometeorological Service, but occasionally camera-teams from TV stations provide daily recorded weather forecast and actual meteorological/climatological and agrometeorological information. Recently has been established meteo-block as daily presentation of the weather forecast only on one national TV station.

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3.6.2 Products, frequency of issue, dissemination, to which media

Regular products are severe weather warnings, short range and medium range forecasts, disseminated to governmental institutions, electronic and printed media through fax/telephone once a day during 24 hours.

3.6.3 Constraints; future plans to overcome them; requirements

As priority is creation of a new web page with real time meteorological information, nowcasting and possibility for daily updated weather forecasts.

3.7 Aeronautical Meteorology

3.7.1 Who is the Meteorological Authority for aviation

According the Law on hydrometeorological matters provision of meteorological support for civil aviation is the responsibility of the governmental institution in charged for civil aviation control. At this moment, Directorate for Civil Aviation is part of the Ministry of Transport and Communication.

3.7.2 Who operates these services

Directorate for Civil Aviation

3.7.3 Does NMHS recover costs from air navigation charges

No 3.7.4 Constraints; future plans to overcome them; requirements

Implementation of the guidance and manuals (WMO/ICAO) for cost recovery of the meteorological services from the NHMS for civil aviation purposes.

3.8 Agricultural Meteorology

3.8.1 Constraints; future plans to overcome them; requirements

Current activities in the area of agrometeorology are evaluation of agrometeorological data (10 days, monthly, seasonal and annual) registered at 13 measuring sites, soil humidity measurements and evaluation of data from one measuring site, evaporation measurements and evaluation from 3 measuring sites, phenological observations and preparation of reports end revues.

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Main constraints are connected with the process of agricultural sector restructure during the ongoing process of transition, but also financial limitations for development of the agrometeorological measurements and research.

To provide quality services to the agricultural sector, it is necessary to improve and modernize the agrometeorological station network, use of dedicated software, models, statistical evaluations, as well as establishment of the soil humidity monitoring on the territory of the Macedonia, establishment of the phenological database, preparation of agroclimatic atlas with GIS technology, establishment of the early warning system for extraordinary meteorological phenomena (extreme weather conditions, drought, desertification, flood) etc.

3.9 Marine Meteorology

3.9.1 Constraints; future plans to overcome them; requirements

3.10 Climatological Services

3.10.1 Data Management • Manual • Climate Data Management Systems (CDMSs)

CLICOM CLIDATA CLISYS JCDMS CliWare SDCLIM CLIMSOFT

Other (specify) • Microfilm

As Climate data management systems, CLIDATA is operating. However, there are problems regarding available hardware facilities, as well as necessity for education and capacity building for maintenance and use of the climatological archive.

3.10.2 Data Storage, publications, etc.

Climatological Anual Reports from 1951until 1988 and most of the data are still in paper. Some of the historical data are (1951-1980) are transfered into CLIDATA database. The annual meteorological data are continously published as part of Annual Report of the Republic Institute for statistics.

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3.10.3 Climate Observing Systems • GSN stations • GUAN stations

INDEX STATION NAME

CLIMAT CLIMAT TEMP

GSN GUAN

13577 Lazaropole X X 13585 Prilep X 13586 Skopje-

Petrovec X

13588 Skopje-Zajcev Rid

X

13591 Stip X 3.11 Climate Change

National Activities related to Climate Change: National Climate Committees, UNFCCC, IPCC, CLIVAR, CLIPS.

With Government Decision No.23-2341/1 from 23.05.2000 a National Committee for Climate Change, as multidiscipline interministerial body has been established. It is in charged for control and coordination of the implementation of project and politics connected with climate change in Macedonia. The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning is responsible for administrative and expert issues.

Also, under UNDP project “MCD/ 99/G31 – Enabling the FYR Macedonia to Prepare its First National Communication in Response to its Commitments to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change”, Macedonia prepared its first national communication to the Conference of the Parties (CoP) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). An office for climate change has been established in the frames of the Ministry of Environment and physical planning and preparatory activities for the Second National Communication are already taken as project MCD/99/G31/A/1G/99 – Expedited Financing of Climate Change Enabling Activities (Phase II).

Experts from the NHMS are actively participating in the above-mentioned projects. Also, national focal point for CLIPS programme is designated expert from the NHMS.

3.12 Hydrology and Water Resources

3.12.1 Observational Network Hydrological observations at HMS include permanent process of monitoring,

collecting, processing and analyzing water quantity and quality. Within the hydrometeorological network 225 hydrological stations have been established, out of them 110 are on surface watercourses and 115 for groundwater observation. As an addition to this is the fact that only 60% of established hydrological stations on surface watercourses are in function and among them only one, on the river Vardar at Skopje, is automatic. The situation with groundwater observation system is similar, and there only 40% of the stations are in function and none is automatic.

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3.12.2 Hydrological activities

Related activities include measurements of hydrological parameters, permanent monitoring of surface and groundwater level, measurements of sediment in rivers and lakes, monitoring of water temperature in rivers and lakes, data control, updating and archiving in hydrological data base, public informing and warning on development and appearance of hazardous hydrological phenomena, making and issuing hydrological bases.

Also, activities are carried out for including our country in the system of hydrological data exchange between Mediterranean countries (MED-HYCOS), as part of the World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS) - launched in 1993 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The project is aimed at improving the knowledge of the water resources for sustainable development by strengthening the technical and institutional capacities of Hydrological Services, funded initially by the World Bank, and continued under the agreement between WMO and the French Institute of Research for Development to host the project Pilot Regional Centre (PRC) at its premises in Montpellier (France). The major output of the first phase has been the establishment of the Mediterranean Hydrological Information System (MHIS), which has been developed by the PRC with the contribution of experts seconded from participating countries.

In a view of air and water pollution chemical and physical characteristics systematic control of surface water quality has been performed since 1964, while monitoring network on air quality dates from 1974. Observation and research that is carried out include: air

Surface water measuring point Groundwater measuring point

Hydrological Station Network

Legend

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quality monitoring at 20 measuring points; measuring of stationary sources emission; monitoring and assessment of trans-boundary long-range distribution of air pollutants; assessment of changes in the atmosphere especially of those pollutants which have great impact on human health; monitoring of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of surface water at 20 measuring points; periodical control of domestic and industrial waste water; monitoring of chemical and toxicological water pollution and carrying out radiological and biological analyses periodically. Water and air samples analyses are carried out in the Laboratory of the Institute.

Intensive activities are carried out with joint efforts of Ministry for Environment and Physical Planning and Hydrometeorological Service on one side and the Swiss Development Agency for finalization of the River Monitoring System (RIMSYS), which will enable automated measurements of water quantity and quality on main rivers in Macedonia at 20 measurement sites. Also, construction of new laboratory facilities is taking place at the premises of the NHMS.

3.12.3 Cooperation NMS & NHS (if not same organization)

Cooperation between two departments is generally well established, but there is a need for better and sophisticated transfer of the data, especially when organizing flood defence.

3.12.4 Constraints; future plans to overcome them; requirements Financial constrains are the main problem that reflects in various fields of the

hydrological activity: lack of new and sophisticated measurement instruments, inadequate maintenance of the hydrological equipment, dissipation of the observing sites, occasional and rare field trips, lack of computers and modelling software etc.

Also, there is a necessity for education and training especially in specialised fields of hydrology, participation in international workshops, seminars and training courses. For overcoming the problems, the future plan include establishment of financial support from the annual budget, as well as work on the water related and financially supported projects in order to provide support for education and training, and modernization of the hydrological equipment and network stations.

3.13 Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) activities 3.13.1 GAW Global and Regional stations 3.13.2 GAW facilities supported

Republic of Macedonia has ratified the Protocol toward the Convention on Transboundary Air Pollution. Meteorological station at Lazaropole carries out measurements of 24 hourly concentration of SO2 , black smoke, NOx , total oxidants, precipitation chemistry etc.

3.13.3 GAW publications

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3.14 Research Activities

3.15.1 National research activities

Sparse and partial research and analyze is carried out for various purposes and regarding: basic control, processing and updating of meteorological and agro meteorological data; climate research in Republic of Macedonia as well as research of basic factors which influence the elements of climatic system; urban climate research including interactive relations between polluted atmosphere and climate in cities; application of meteorological information and climate knowledge in the field of water management, agriculture, forestry, transportation, urbanism, civil engineering, space planning, tourism, protection of environment and human health; research of energetic potential from the sun and the wind; phenological observations, measurements and analyses at agricultural crops; agro meteorological operative, informative, methodological and research activities; preparing appropriate information and forecasts on weather and climate influence over agricultural production especially at adverse weather situations (frost, drought and other disasters) etc.

Some national research projects in the area of air and water quality: Air quality in the area of thermal plant Bitola, Air quality in Skopje- conventional pollutants and heavy metals, Surface water quality of the catchments area of river Zletovica, Surface water quality of the catchments area of rivers Kamenicka and Bregalnica, Input of biogenic materials N and P from rivers Kranska and Brajcinska into the Prespa Lake etc.

3.15.2 International research projects

In the area of hydrology there are activities carried out for including our country in the system of hydrological data exchange between Mediterranean countries (MED-HYCOS), as part of the World Hydrological Cycle Observing System (WHYCOS) - launched in 1993 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The project is aimed at improving the knowledge of the water resources for sustainable development by strengthening the technical and institutional capacities of Hydrological Services, funded initially by the World Bank, and continued under the agreement between WMO and the French Institute of Research for Development to host the project Pilot Regional Centre (PRC) at its premises in Montpellier (France). The major output of the first phase has been the establishment of the Mediterranean Hydrological Information System (MHIS), which has been developed by the PRC with the contribution of experts seconded from participating countries. The project and cooperation with the PRC in Montpellier continued under the name of EU funded projects WOISIDES and BALWOIS.

Project RIMSYS- River Monitoring System in Macedonia financed by the Swiss Government, Project –Automatic Water Quality Monitoring Stations in the Vardar River (PHARE - Cross Border Cooperation Programme) etc.

3.15.3 Societal impact research activities (economy sectors, etc.)

In cooperation with the national relevant institutions, NHMS has provided valuable

contribution toward elaboration of the Climatological Atlas (1931/60), National Water Management Plan, National Physical Plan, Intensity of Precipitation with Short Duration,

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Integral Development of Water Resources in Republic of Macedonia, Annual Statistical Report, weather impact studies for energy management etc.

3.15.4 Publications (research work, proceedings)

Publication dealing with meteorological and hydrological papers named

“Hidrometeoroloski glasnik” was published by the Hydrometeorological service in the period from 1979 until 1983. Due to financial constrains its last edition was on 1983. Certain activities are on the way for the renewing of the Hydrometeorological Service’s publication. Proceedings regarding the Weather modification conference and BALWOIS conference were published in 1991 and 2004.

3.15.5 Other research Institutions in Meteorology, Hydrology,

Oceanography

There are no other dedicated institutions for research in meteorology beside the Hydrometeorological Service. In the frames of the University “Kiril I Metodij” as part of the Faculty for Natural Sciences there is a group for meteorology, and basically dealing with educational activities. Some research activity in the area of hydrology is carried out at the Faculty for Civil Engineering.

3.15.6 Constraints; future plans to overcome them; requirements

Establishment of national research project in various sectors of application of

meteorology and hydrology, strengthening international cooperation.

3.15 Education and Training

3.15.1 Training opportunities nationally (National Meteorological Training Centres, NMTCs), and regionally (Regional Meteorological Training Centres, RMTCs)

Meteorologist and hydrologist personnel that is employed at NHMS has acquired

education mostly at the University Kiril i Metodij in Skopje, while the meteorological and hydrological technicians at the Hydrometeorological School in Belgrade, former Yugoslavia.

3.15.2 Training personnel of NMTCs (national, international)

There is no specially educated personnel for training purposes.

3.15.3 Constraints; future plans to overcome them; requirements

Further education and specialization in narrowed fields of meteorology and hydrology, as well as environmental sciences is one of the highest necessities of the NHMS. Also, there is a need for participation at various international workshops, training courses, conferences, especially those organized under the umbrella of WMO.

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4. DISASTER MITIGATION PROGRAMME

4.1 Briefly state the type of natural hazards affecting the country

Most frequent natural hazards that affect Republic of Macedonia are: severe weather events with strong winds and hailstorms, heavy precipitation causing floods, droughts etc.

The NHMS plays important role in disaster reduction caused by hailstorms during the last 30 years in the frames of the Sector for weather modification. Operational hail suppression is carried out in the system consisted of 3 main radar centres and 250 hail rockets launching stations . The future development of this sector is anticipated in direction of modernization of the weather radars, establishment of real time weather monitoring and nowcasting, with special warning for the severe weather causing damages to the agriculture and economy. Also, planed are research and development of new methods for fog dissipation, measurement of total precipitations over a catchments area and other types of weather modification.

4.2 Briefly state the type and extent of natural disaster that affected the country

Overall material damages due to natural disasters that affected Republic of

Macedonia in 2004 are estimated to the amount of 25.7 mil.euros. According to the data from the Governmental commission for evaluation of natural

disaster damages, in 2004 most severe were floods that occurred from 4-8 June (96%), than the heavy precipitation, strong wind and hail in July and August (4%). The greatest damage has been registered in the area of agriculture, than in communal infrastructure- roads, bridges, parts of the railroad etc, water management objects- dams, water pipelines, river banks, hydro systems, and house holdings, public buildings, equipment for agriculture etc.

Regarding sector/ activity, the highest damage was registered in the agriculture and equipment (84%), than in infrastructure (14%).

In the overall damage caused by the natural disaster the private sector is affected in the amount of 57%, while the public enterprises 28%, communal infrastructure and other infrastructure 15%.

4.3 Which natural disaster organizations are active (locally/regionally) Center for crises management, Republic Headquarter for civil protection, Red Cross

and Red Crescent action etc. Red Cross and Red Crescent action- Report on

the heavy rains and flooding in 2002: “Heavy rains hit Macedonia starting late on December 4, 2002, causing the Vardar River to reach a critical level. The most affected areas are located in northern Skopje, especially Suto Orizari, which is home to around 500 families. On 6, 7, and 8 December the (MRC) disaster preparedness team made three assessments in the most affected areas. Approximately 500 families were found living in low and fragile flooded houses. Some 50 houses were

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totally destroyed, and 50 families had to be relocated. The level of the water in the houses is 60-100 cm (see photo). The preliminary results of the assessment indicate that 200 (out of the total of 500) families have been severely affected. The water levels have now stabilized or are receding, but freezing temperatures and snow is making the situation worse.”

5. RELATIONS WITH OTHER NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL

INSTITUTIONS

5.1 Briefly state the relation with other national institutions • Environment • Civil aviation authorities/Airport authorities • Meteorological/Hydrological Societies • Research Institutions/Universities • Others specify e.g. defence

At national level Hydrometeorological Service has established well cooperation with the other relevant national institutions, namely Ministries, local government, University, public and private enterprises etc.

5.2 Please state if you collaborate with other international/regional institutions

(inter-governmental and non-governmental) Norwegian Institute for Air Research – NILU, Atmospheric Science Research

Centre- University at Albany- State University of New York, Global Precipitation Data Centre, Humbolt- UNIVERSITAT ZU BERLIN (Programme for International Phenological Gardens), etc.

6. TECHNICAL COOPERATION

6.1 UNDP/WMO Projects

The current UNDP programme activities in Macedonia are based on the second

Country Cooperation Framework (CCF) for 2001-2003 and focuses on two major areas: local governance and the environments.

Environment -Energy and environment are essential for sustainable development. The environmental degradation and lack of access to clean affordable energy services, climate change, loss of biodiversity and ozone layer depletion are of global concern, which needs to be addressed at global, national and community levels. UNDP helps countries in seeking out and sharing best practices, providing innovative policy advice and linking partners through pilot projects that help poor people build sustainable livelihoods.

UNDP’s support to the environmental sector in Macedonia focuses on two areas: (a) strengthening the policy framework for environmental management and sustainable development, and (b) providing support for the implementation of priority policy goals at

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the local level. In addition, UNDP has been working to assist the Government in meeting commitments that stem from international conventions.

- Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Trans-boundary Prespa Park Region RER/03/G42

- MCD/ 99/G31 – Enabling The FYR Macedonia To Prepare Its First National Communication In Response To Its Commitments To The Un Framework Convention On Climate Change: This project enables the F.Y.R. of Macedonia to prepare its first national communication to the Conference of the Parties (CoP) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). An office for climate change has been established in the frames of the Ministry of Environment and physical planning and preparatory activities for the Second National Communication are already taken.

Support to World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD) National Assessment in Macedonia: World leaders meeting in Rio in 1992 committed their countries to a new path to development that fully integrated economic, social and environmental goals. Agenda 21 called for innovative policies and programmes that cut across traditional sectoral thinking.

MCD/03/G31/A/1G/99 – National Capacity Self Assessment for Global Environmental Management: The overall objective of the project is for the Government of Macedonia to undertake an assessment of its capacity to meet its obligations under the global environmental conventions, in particular those pertaining to biodiversity, climate change and desertification/land degradation.

MCD/99/G31/A/1G/99 – Expedited Financing of Climate Change Enabling Activities (Phase II): This project will contribute to maintaining and enhancing the established capacities of Macedonia to prepare future national communications, thus helping to ensure continuity with ongoing enabling activities. The Phase II will build upon findings and recommendations from the First National Communication.

MCD/97/003/A/01/99 – Capacity building for environmental management and sustainable development: The project aims at supporting Macedonia in the implementation of its National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) and to anchor the concept of sustainable development in the development plans of the country.

– Mapping out the process for developing a National Strategy for Sustainable Development: The overall objective of the assignment is establishing a system which will encourage and facilitate the building of consensus in society about a vision, goals and objectives for developing a national strategy for sustainable development.

- MCD/00/001 - Establishment of an Early Warning System in Macedonia: By identifying processes at work that could potentially have a destabilizing effect on the country as well as possible measures to address such processes, the Early Warning Reports (EWR) aim at assisting in preventing the escalation of political, social or economic tensions to the point where they might pose a threat to the country and its citizens.

- MCD/01/H01/HM/006 - Emergency Support For Reconstruction And Rehabilitation: With this project, UNDP is assisting the Government of Macedonia to address the urgent need for rehabilitating the water supply system in the city of Kumanovo, which suffered severe disruptions during the crisis.

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- MCD/02/M02; MCD/02/M02 – Immediate Community Rehabilitation Support: The project supports the Government of Macedonia in facilitating the safe return of citizens who were displaced by the conflict, which erupted in the North West part of the country in early 2001

6.1 WMO/VCP Projects

Through VC Progamme, Hydrometeorological service of Republic of Macedonia

has received: - personal computers and CLICOM/CLIDATA software for data archiving - one receiving stations for METEOSAT - Retim system - Retim system 2000 - 60 upper air radio sondes 6.2 Trust Fund Currently the application for establishment of receiving station for the new

generation of meteorological satellite (MSG2) trough the Trust Fund waits for a decision. 6.3 Bilateral/Multilateral With the neighbouring countries Hydrometeorological Service has signed Protocols

and exchanged Letters of Intention for cooperation.

6.4 Others

7. OTHER ACTIVITIES RELATED TO WMO

7.1 Status of assessed contributions to WMO, Status of contributions to VCP Annual membership has been regularly covered from the state budget 7.2 Membership of EC, EC Working Groups, WMO Technical

Commissions, RA Working Groups, Rapporteurs,

Until now a representative from Macedonia has not been a member of the EC or EC working group. According to the available finances principal delegates participate at the sessions of the WMO Technical Commissions.

7.3 Participation in sessions of RA and Technical Commissions PR or a principal delegate regularly attends the session of the RAVI.

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7.4 Visits of Secretary General, WMO Staff and others (recent, including approved mission reports)

On the occasion of XII Session of the Technical Commission for Atmospheric

Sciences that was held in Skopje, 1996. 7.5 Visits of PR (familiarization/consultation etc.) and/or national authorities to

WMO Secretariat Only on the occasion of constitutive bodies session. 7.6 Hosting of WMO events XII Session of the Technical Commission for Atmospheric Sciences- Skopje

7.7 Special events (e.g. World Meteorological Day, etc.) Every year the World Meteorological Day is celebrated at the premises of the

Hydrometeorological Service with participation of the Governmental officials, representatives from collaborative institutions, press and media.

7.8 Public Information

7.9 Hosting of WMO Office (if applicable): Number of Staff of the Office,

biennial budget of the Office

8. MAJOR CHALLENGES

8.1 Challenges facing the NMHS Republic of Macedonia has become independent country in 1991, with a clear and

undoubtfully expressed strategic interest and priority objective of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia to become full membership in the European Union. With the stabilization and association process, both essential instruments were introduced for the support to the Southeastern countries for integration in the European Union, notably the new Stabilization and Association Agreement.

Thus, the Hydrometeorological Sevice of Republic of Macedonia is facing serious challenges in its reorganization and restructures in order to fulfil its existing legal duties and obligations, to meet the requirements and enhance the international cooperation as defined in the World Meteorological Organization Convention and to provide approximation to the EU standards in the area of hydrometeorology.

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9. SUMMARY (including recommendations requirements)

Having in mind the overall situation in Republic of Macedonia, including the ongoing process of transition of the economy, the National Hydrometeorological Service of Macedonia has difficult task in fulfilling its duties and meeting all imposed challenges.

Thus, HMS has started a serious Programme for improvement and modernization. As part of the Strategy Development Plan, the following Projects are established:

I. Modernization of the Hydrometeorological Information System - Reconstruction of the hydrometeorological observation network - Automation and modernization of the observations - Introduction of new meteorological parameters measurements (radiation,

radioactivity etc) II. Establishment of efficient weather modification system

- Carrying out the feasibility study of economic justification of the hail suppression system function

- Working out the strategy for system reforms - Working out operational project study for weather modification

III. Establishment of Early Warning System for disastrous weather phenomena IV. Establishment of Macedonian meteorological operative telecommunication

informative system V. Draft project for Biometeorology

- Meteotropism in Macedonia VI. Installation of automated hydrological stations within RIMSYS Project VII. Finalization of the new Laboratory for air, water and soil quality VIII. Strengthening of international cooperation

For successful finalization of the above-mentioned planed activities, support and

assistance of the international meteorological community is necessary. Especially required is the assistance of the WMO, starting from the initial up to the final phase of the planned activities for modernization of the Macedonian Hydrometeorological Service.

Prepared by: Mrs. Suzana Monevska Alcinova Head of the Meteorological Department Director of RHIM and Permanent Representative of FYROM with WMO

Dr. Vlado Spiridonov