WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA AS IT MOVES TOWARDS FULL EUROPEAN UNION MEMBERSHIP

Regarding the identification and development of water resources, it is necessary to analyse the scope and the evolution of water resources planning, aspects of water resources management, governmental involvement in water resources planning, regional and sectoral planning, capacity self-assessment within the thematic area of land degradation and desertification and models and databases in water resources planning. There is particular interest in planning for the modernisation of the agricultural and good sectors in relation to water resources and in developing plans for all Macedonian valleys. This paper presents issues related to structures within the frames of the development plan, agriculture, basic characteristics of the water economy and irrigation possibilities. It also highlights the technical basis of water economy structures according to the Vardar Valley programme, protection against floods and erosion, environmental protection and improvement, water protection and best management practices.