SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL TRAJECTORY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA: STATUS, TREND AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Despite its small geographical extent, the Republic of Macedonia is one of Europe’s most species rich locations with elevated biodiversity emerging from the interplay of its varied geology, climate and topography as well as its geographical position. In recent years, this natural heritage has come under increasing anthropogenic threat with undesired consequences not just for flora and fauna but also for humankind. This article summarises patterns in Macedonia’s socio-ecological system, overviewing how economic, social and political factors inter-relate with landscapes, species and ecosystems in the present day. It also makes brief recommendations on how to improve this inter-relationship.