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About the region
Sveti Nikole municipality is located in eastern North Macedonia and has a population of around 15 320 people.
“Ние не ја наследуваме Земјата од нашите предци, ја позајмуваме од нашите деца.”
“We don't inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
Main climate risks
heatwaves
With climate change and temperature increase, the region is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves, that are affecting both local agriculture and people’s health. Climate projections suggest that heatwaves will become more frequent and intense in the future [1].
droughts
Droughts in the Vardar region are becoming more severe with climate change. Projections for precipitation patterns predict that this trend will continue with decreases in precipitation, especially pronounced in the summer [2] with low summer rainfall exacerbating water shoratages.
floods
The Vardar region is highly exposed to river and urban flooding. The geography of the region, including mountainous regions and river basins, contributes to its vulnerability [1]. Historical floods (2013, 2015) caused major damage to homes, infrastructure and roads in Sveti Nikole.
wildfires
The region of Sv.Nikole has noted major fire events that caused forest loss, air pollution and economic damages. Over 50% likelihood of annual wildfires in summer due to dry conditions and strong winds.
Focus during Pathways2Resilience
“In Sveti Nikole, building resilience is not just about infrastructure—it’s about people, cooperation, and courage to prepare for a better tomorrow.”
Sveti Nikole municipality focuses on water management and climate proofing of critical infrastructure during their time at P2R. The region will also establish Resilience Lab Sveti Nikole, an inter-sectoral team thatwill lay the foundation for a systematic approach to developing resilience and foster local innovation and adaptation measures specifically tailored to Sveti Nikole.
Interesting highlights
What makes Sveti Nikole unique is its deep agricultural roots—the region is known as the “the second largest granary in Macedonia,” with generations of families relying on farming and livestock. This makes climate adaptation not just an environmental issue, but a question of livelihood, identity, and local survival.
Regional Resilience Journey
Municipality of Sveti Nikole has low readiness for all RRJ steps.
Municipality of Sveti Nikole has highest capacities in Knowledge and Data.
Key community systems priority areas
water-management
economy
Key enabling conditions priority areas
knowledge-data
experimentation-learning-adjustment
Extras
Sveti Nikole has its own microclimate — scorching summers, freezing winters. That’s why resilience isn’t a choice, but a necessity.
“In Sveti Nikole, building resilience is not just about infrastructure—it’s about people, cooperation, and courage to prepare for a better tomorrow.”
References
[2] –
Climate Risk Profile: North Macedonia (USAID, 2018)