THE LARGEST ECOLOGICAL ACTION – “GENERALKA WEEKEND” THIS YEAR WITH A RECORD 55,627 VOLUNTEERS AND OVER 645,000 KG OF COLLECTED WASTE

A record participation of 55,627 volunteers and more than 645,000 kilograms of collected waste across all municipalities in the country – these are the results of this year’s fifth anniversary ecological action “Generalka Weekend” which took place from May 9 to 11. The three-day event involved over 600 government and non-government organizations and institutions, with logistical and partner support from numerous companies, united in a common goal for a cleaner and healthier Macedonia.

The main strategic partner of “Generalka Weekend” for the fourth consecutive year, is Pivara Skopje, and support was also received from official partners: Pakomak, Zero Waste, Sparkasse Bank, EVN Macedonia, Makstil, Bučim Borov Dol, Saubermacher, and Kostal. The action, organized by Men and Mountain, was also supported by ZELS and the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia.

According to the results, this is the largest and most successful ecological action in the country.

“I commend the ‘Generalka Weekend’ initiative as the largest volunteer action. As the Government and the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, we support all actions that demonstrate strong initiative, strong will, inclusivity, and the desire to be part of the changes that will enable a better future for us and future generations. On our path to Europe, we must act in a European manner. The Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning is actively working on establishing a system for integrated and sustainable waste management,” said the Minister for Environment, Izet Mejiti.

As part of the action, the educational initiative ‘Generalka Weekend – ECO HOUR’ was also organized, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science and UNICEF. More than 36,000 students and 1,900 teachers participated in the initiative, contributing to a cleaner environment through various activities in their surroundings, and the results of their efforts were presented in schools.

Since 2021, over 100,000 volunteers have participated in the ‘Generalka Weekend’ eco-action, and more than 1.5 million kilograms of waste have been collected.

“The continuity and growth of ‘Generalka Weekend’ over the years is proof that such eco-initiatives can have a seriously positive impact on society. The results achieved in the past five years show that when citizens, institutions, and the business sector unite, change is inevitable. The value of this action lies not only in the numbers but in raising awareness – because this is not just about a clean environment, but also about creating a culture of responsibility and care. This action fully supports the commitment to sustainable development of Pivara Skopje,” said Snežana Savić – Dimovska, Director of the Corporate Policies and Sustainability Sector at Pivara Skopje.

Based on the 10-year memorandum signed in 2022 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Economy and the National Forests with “Men and Mountain,” it was agreed that every year, after the completion of “Generalka Weekend”, the second part of the volunteer action called “Soncheva Gora” to be realized in November. This action is dedicated to reforestation. According to the agreement, for every 10 kilograms of collected waste, the state will dedicate one tree from the annual reforestation plans. As a result of “Generalka Weekend” in 2025, in accordance with the agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture and National Forests, the next SONCHEVA GORA will be planted in autumn, dedicated to all participants in this brave and inspirational initiative.

“Our agriculture is directly dependent on the quality of natural resources, and every activity that protects the living space also improves the quality of the products we receive from nature. We are committed to continuing support for such initiatives that have a long-term effect on society and the environment,” said Borče Serafimovski, State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Economy.

As part of these reforestation efforts, over the past four years, more than 125,000 seedlings have been planted in various bare locations: around Lake Mladost in Veles, the village of Ćojlija in the municipality of Petrovec, near the megalithic observatory Kokino, and in the municipality of Staro Nagoričane.

On the occasion of the five-year anniversary of “Generalka Weekend,” a traveling exhibition “5 Years of General Cleaning Weekend” will start on June 17 and will be set up in all EU House centers in the country. The traveling exhibition will begin in Tetovo and then travel to Struga, Bitola, Strumica, Veles, Kriva Palanka, and will conclude in Skopje in November this year.

“GENERALKA WEEKEND is proof that with dedication and commitment, together we can create miracles. Despite all the problems in our country, people are showing that they have the power to renew. Gratitude to the volunteers and the people in the municipalities,” said Gordana Sofia and Hannes Jekel from Men and Mountain.

“Generalka Weekend” is the largest and most powerful civic eco-action in the country, connecting institutions, citizens, youth, companies, and the media in a common mission – to live in a clean, healthy, and green Macedonia.