The Center for Environmental Democracy FLOROZON participated in the National Roundtable on Climate and Environmental Justice (CEJ Convergence), an important platform that brought together representatives of the justice sector, public institutions, civil society organizations, and environmental experts. The event was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, with the support of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and Expertise France.
On behalf of FLOROZON, Kiril Ristovski expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to this significant initiative. He noted that the proposed Action Plan is comprehensive and effectively incorporates recommendations previously submitted by the organization. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the process, including further institutionalization and continued discussion within the Parliament and the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia.
The roundtable discussions focused on several key issues, including the prosecution of environmental cases, access to courts and legal assistance, the development of strong evidentiary frameworks supported by expert financing, and approaches to the remediation and rehabilitation of environmental damage.
Grounded in the findings of the CEJ Convergence National Assessment Report and inspired by methodologies from the French Inspectorate’s Une Justice pour l’Environnement, these discussions will contribute to the development of the Climate and Environmental Justice Action Plan. This strategic document will define national priorities and establish mechanisms for improved inter-institutional cooperation.
CEJ Convergence is a regional initiative aimed at advancing European standards for environmental justice and climate action in North Macedonia, Albania, and Montenegro. FLOROZON extends its sincere appreciation to all institutions, experts, and civil society organizations actively engaged in this process. Strengthening environmental justice requires coordinated and sustained efforts to ensure accountability, accessibility, and protection of citizens’ rights.
