Capacity Building

Being an environmentalist means life-long learning, and that is why it is so interesting! To be effective, an environmental movement requires a certain set of skills that are not easily learned at school or university. environmentalists have to know about a wide range of subjects covered within the term ‘environment’. Energy, climate change, waste, water management, sanitation, chemicals and agriculture are some of the issues with totally different context. We also have to keep up with developments in scientific and political circles. these days, it is all about climate change and what it will or will not bring in the future. We have to keep our knowledge up-to-date to be partners with governments and other stakeholders. besides this knowledge on global issues, we have to know what is going on in our country, region, town or village to be effective in our actions. This means that we are constantly learning and adapting scientific knowledge to our own day-to-day work. We have to be able to translate this knowledge into policy and action. Communication skills are essential, as are legal expertise and negotiating skills. We sometimes have to go to court or negotiate if we cannot reach our goals in any other way. There are many, many other areas in which environmentalists have to train themselves to be effective, like being a good manager, planner, project leader, professional, and knowing how to get all the work financed. these are all reasons why ‘building capacities’ is one of the three main pillars of MKM’s work.

Our Approach

We use highly participatory techniques (like technology of participation) to foster creative thinking, consensus-based decision making and team building. This generates ownership, creates clear goals, opens lines of communication, broadens perspectives and motivates people to adapt to their changing environment while honoring the cultural traditions and diversity of all involved. Particular methods:

Our Capacity Building Programs are aimed at

During the 20 years from 2000 to 2020 with MKM support CSOs in Macedonia

improved their skills in playing a constructive role towards a sustainable society
increased their capacity to operate in national and international networks
were trained to take part in decision making process
trengthened their role in the EU integration process
connected with EU civil society networks
got better in obtaining funds for their activities
enhanced their use of tools for information sharing
raised their visibility on the internet

Examples

INITIATED THE ANNUAL NATIONAL STRATEGY MEETINGS (NSM) Of THE ENVLRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

MKM organized the first nsm in 2002. since then, the event has grown into the largest annual assembly of environmental organizations in the country. every year it is organized or supported by mKm in cooperation with macedonia’s most active environmental csos. these events aim at strengthening the capacity of macedonian csos active in the field of environment and sustainable development. All relevant csos come together with representatives from relevant local and central authorities to actively discuss joint actions and national environmental policies.

BACKED THE ESTABLISHMENT Of THE MACEDONIAN GREEN CENTRE

The Macedonian Green Center (MGC) is an CSO for advocacy, lobbying and research on environmental issues. It was established in may 2006 upon the initiative of MKM and several environmental organizations. It grew from an informal working group that lobbied for greening of the 2006 local government elections whose establishment was underwritten by MKM in December 2003. All mgc founders are CSOs, well-known and active in Macedonia and the Southeast Europe Region.