Ohrid, 11 August 2023  –  SKOPSKO within the frames of its long-term platform for social responsibility “Our pride. Our responsibility.” placed floating barriers on the Sateska and Daljan rivers. The main goal of the platform is environmental protection with a focus on cleaning up national landmarks and reducing pollution. Both rivers have been identified as some of the biggest polluters of the lake with floating and packaging waste and these barriers directly address that problem.

Thanks to the consumers who joined the initiative to set aside 1 denar from each sold glass bottle with a special Skopsko and Skopsko Smooth label, funds were provided for the installation of navigation barriers, actions to clean the coast and the bottom of Lake Ohrid and activities to raise awareness. The focus of Skopsko as a brand remains to inspire people to unite for a better future, because together we share the responsibility to clean and protect from pollution what is our pride – the natural and cultural landmarks of our country.” – said Dusan Mitrev, General Director of Pivara Skopje, noting that this project is in line with Pivara Skopje’s commitment to sustainability and a world without waste by 2030, as well as reducing the company’s CO2 emissions by 2040.

The Deputy Minister for Environment and Spatial Planning, Hristina Odzaklieska, referred to the partnership relationship of the Ministry with the overall business community for the purpose of implementing the green agenda and implementing joint initiatives for environmental protection. “The cooperation of institutions and companies in efforts to develop sustainable waste management through selection, collection and recycling of waste is of great importance. By establishing a solid dialogue between the local government, the central government, the business community, journalists and all other citizens, we can contribute to the protection of Lake Ohrid and solid waste management. United, through strong partnerships, we can ensure a sustainable future. Pivara Skopje is an example of a socially responsible company with real projects that make visible changes,” said Deputy Minister Odzaklieska.

The floating barriers of Sateska and Daljan that were set up by Pakomak’s expert teams will function as a physical barrier that stops navigable and packaging waste from ending up in Lake Ohrid. “Waste will be collected, selected and recycled, which is one of the most easily applicable models of the circular economy we are aiming for. We are proud to be a part of this project and that together with Pivara Skopje we are continuously working on efficient solutions for sustainability and a green future,” said Iko Brdaroski, Business Development and Communications Manager at Pakomak.

“I am grateful to Skopsko for this initiative that will prevent huge amounts of waste from Sateska and Daljan from ending up in the lake. The Municipality of Ohrid is actively working on a series of projects and activities for the protection of Lake Ohrid and we are ready to support such and similar initiatives and cooperate with everyone because it is our shared responsibility to clean, preserve and protect our pearl.” – said the Mayor of the Municipality of Ohrid , Kiril Petsakov.

“I am delighted that Skopsko recognized the need for the installation of the floatable barrier right on the Sateska basin. The Municipality of Debrca remains committed to the protection of Lake Ohrid and is open to cooperation on all platforms with the common goal of preserving the natural wealth of our region,” Zoran Nogaceski, Mayor of the Municipality of Debrca, said at the press conference.

The diving clubs, volunteers, activists from the three municipalities and many interested citizens who cleaned together in several locations in and around the lake were included in the activities carried out so far. In the past few weeks, cleaning actions were organized in Ohrid, Struga and Debrca, and 200 bags of waste were collected at the three locations.

Within the framework of the platform “Our pride. Our responsibility”, Skopsko continues with a campaign to raise awareness and appeals to everyone to get involved in the actions that will follow and make a positive change together. More information and the possibility to register for the cleaning actions can be found on the website skopsko.mk.