Proper management of shared water resources between Greece and Macedonia has significant economic and environmental implications for both countries. The trans-boundary Vardar River in Macedonia, named the Axios River in Greece (VAX), has been a focal point of dialogue between the past two countries for decades.
Bilateral agreements between the countries on monitoring water quality of the river require a strategic framework based on the exchange of reliable scientific data between them. “Sixty-three percent of agricultural water needs and fifteen percent of industrial and municipal water needs are supplied by the VAX watershed,” said Atanasko Tuneski, co-director of the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme (SPS) project in the VAX. This project is implemented by the Environment and Security Initiative (ENVSEC), under which NATO coordinates its environmental security
activities with five other international organizations.
The VAX accounts for 80 percent of Macedonian territory. It provides more than 75 percent of the country’s water resources. The VAX supports economic development, hydroelectric power, and public health in both Greece and Macedonia. Pollution and a lack of infrastructure to control for water quality in the watershed threatens fisheries, biodiversity, and revenue generated for local economies by tourism.
Runoff from the VAX flows into the neighboring Thermaic Gulf of Greece. Currently, the Macedonian Ministry of the Environment and Physical Planning does not have programs in place to prevent hazardous waste from flowing into the VAX. Consequently, groundwater and soil in the VAX are contaminated.
“Non-integrated and unilateral management of the VAX has led to considerable deterioration of the VAX,” continued Tuneski.
The SPS funds the MIRVAX project to promote information sharing, technology transfer, and peace between Macedonia and Greece with respect to the VAX. The MIRVAX project launched the Recourses Engineering and Administration for Local Development (REALD) Academy in Thesoloniki. REALD is a technology center that provides municipalities in Greece and Macedonia with technology assistance and timely data on the status of water quality in the VAX.
“The MIRVAX project provides a huge database of almost three years of water quality monitoring parameters of the VAX. It can be considered the first step toward information sharing and closer consultation on management of trans-boundary water resources as required by the EU Water Framework Director,” informed Tuneski.
Fundamentally, all levels of development in both Greece and Macedonia are contingent upon the water quality of the VAX. “There is a clear need for cooperation between Greece and Macedonia, at the central and local level, to exchange scientific data on the status of the VAX,” concluded Tuneski.
Promoting a sustainable use agenda of the VAX can have an impact on other trans-boundary river issues in various parts of the world. Working toward cooperation, information sharing, and technology transfer are vital aspects of improving water quality in the VAX.
Securing the central and local economies that are based on agricultural production, fisheries, and tourism prevents competition of water scarce resources and will ultimately improve relations between the border countries.
Engaging municipalities in Greece and Macedonia on environmental issues that affect the economy can be achieved if partnerships are based on analytical data and objective facts. Otherwise, the VAX will deteriorate, as will the quality of life of local residents, and governmental relations.
The photo above is a picture of the Vardar River.
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