pcv projects
2013 Waste Management
By Jenny Upton , MAK 17 President of the Environmental Working Group
The Apollonia Foundation hosted a Waste Management Conference May 17 th , in conjunction with Peace Corps ’ Environmental Working Group and Ajde Makedonija , a non-profit organization committed to environmental change in Macedonia .
Held at the Apollonia Hotel and Casino in Gevgelija , the conference focused on the topics of effective recycling techniques , new approaches to landfill designs , and the importance of implementing waste management strategies in various communities . Over 30 people from all over Macedonia attended the conference , many of them from opstinas and non-governmental organizations , as well as the private sector .
The first session of the conference included a panelist discussion on waste management techniques that the presenters had implemented in their respective areas . Panelists included Mr . Marjan Kelemen from the Municipality of Aerodrom ; Ms . Biljana Stevanovska from the Center for Sustainable Development ; and an impromptu guest , Mr . Zlatko Risteski from the Public Utility Company “ Komunalec ” Prilep . The moderator was Ivana Tomovska of Peace Corps . After the panelist discussion , the conference attendees broke into three groups to brainstorm effective waste management strategies that could be implemented in their communities .
The second session followed after a lunch at Apollonia ’ s Motel Vardar , located along the
picturesque Vardar River . The attendees discussed the panelists ’ views over a buffet provided by Apollonia Foundation , and then reconvened to share the various strategies they had developed in the previous session . One of the most controversial topics debated was whether or not a “ clean landfill ” can exist in Macedonia . Upon completion of the second session , members of the conference were asked to fill out a questionnaire on how they will implement strategies at their respective sites , and what topics should be discussed at next year ’ s conference .
This is the Environmental Working Group ’ s second Waste Management Conference since its founding as a Peace Corps committee . Plans are underway to provide citizens of Macedonia conferences on the topics of green architecture and sustainable agriculture in the coming year . The Environmental Working Group would like to thank Apollonia Foundation and Ajde Makedonija for making this conference a success .
28 – Pauza Magazine