A climate challenge open to all citizens of Macedonia has been launched Friday at a press conference by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden, the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, MilieuKontakt Macedonia, and the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering.
The challenge dubbed ‘It Depends On You’, it was noted, has an urban focus since cities are major contributors to climate change and also face dramatic risks from its consequences, including floods and extreme weather events.
The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning is pleased to support this climate challenge, said Minister Bashkim Ameti. “It proved to be a successful tool for all citizens to submit their own innovative ideas to help increase urban resilience. I hope that all citizens who have an idea on how to reduce the negative impact of human activities on the environment will send in their proposals and have a chance to turn their idea into a reality,” he stated.
UNDP Resident Representative to Macedonia Louisa Vinton said the country was particularly hit by climate changes.
“Under the current momentum, agriculture will be subject to many damaging consequences. 40 years from now apple production could drop by 40% while grape production could be cut down by 32%,” stated Vinton.
In order this scenario to be prevented, she added, the UN is supporting the Macedonian government offering suggestions and measures for adaptation.
Good ideas aren’t the domain of just scientists and engineers, according to USAID Mission Director James Stein. “We invite everyone to put their thinking caps on in support of the global clean energy goals.”
The most innovative idea will be awarded with a grant of USD 10,000, of which USD 1,000 will be given as a cash prize and USD 9,000 will be granted to the winner in the form of in-kind contributions to translate the idea into the prototype of a solution. This includes technological support, mentoring, and help in finding partners who might be interested in adopting the solution or funding further development.
Over 130 innovative proposals were submitted at last year’s challenge. The main prize was awarded to the innovator of ‘smart shoe insert’ designed to charge smart phones and a series of viral videos to raise public awareness on climate changes.