
THE MOST MASSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION – “GENERALKA WEEKEND” IS OVER WITH A RECORD OF 55,627 VOLUNTEERS AND OVER 645,000 KG OF WASTE COLLECTED
A record participation of 55,627 volunteers and more than 645 thousand kilograms of waste collected on the territory of all municipalities in the country – these are the results of this year’s, fifth anniversary environmental action “Generalka Weekend”, which took place from May 9 to 11. The three-day action involved more than 600 government and non-governmental organizations and institutions, with logistical and partner support from a large number of companies, united in a common goal for a cleaner and healthier Macedonia.
The main strategic partner of “General Weekend” for the fourth year in a row is Pivara Skopje, and it also has support from the official partners: Pakomak, Nula Otpad, Sparkasse Bank, EVN Macedonia, Makstil, Bucim Borov Dol, Saubermacher and Kostal. The action, which is organized by Man & Mountain, was also supported by ZELS and the Red Cross of the Republic of Macedonia.
According to the results, this is the most massive and most successful eco-action in the country.
“I welcome the initiative “General Weekend” as the most massive volunteer action. We, as the Government and as the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, support all actions that show strong initiative, strong will, inclusiveness and a desire to be part of the changes that will enable a better future for us and for future generations. On our path to Europe, we should behave in a European way. The Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning is actively working on establishing a system of integrated and sustainable waste management,” said the Minister of Environment, Izet Medziti.
As part of the action, the educational initiative “General Weekend – ECO LESSON” was also organized, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science and UNICEF. It involved more than 36,000 students and 1,900 teachers, who contributed to a cleaner environment through various activities in their surroundings, and the results of their work were presented in schools.
Starting in 2021, over 100,000 volunteers have participated in the eco-action “General Weekend”, and more than 1.5 million kilograms of waste have been collected.
“The continuity and growth of “General Weekend” over the years are proof that such eco-initiatives can have a serious positive impact on society. The results achieved in the past five years show that when citizens, institutions and the business sector come together, change is inevitable. The value of this action is not only in the numbers but in building awareness – because this is not just a matter of a clean environment but also of creating a culture of responsibility and care. This action fully supports Pivara Skopje’s commitment to sustainable development”, says Snezana Savić – Dimovska, Director of the Corporate Policies and Sustainability Department of Pivara Skopje.
Based on the 10-year memorandum, which the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and National Forests signed with “Man & Mountain” in 2022, it has been agreed that every year after the end of “General Weekend” in November, the second part of the volunteer action called “Sunny Mountain” will be implemented, which is a reforestation action. According to the agreement, for every 10 kilograms of waste collected, the state dedicates one tree from the annual reforestation plans. As a result of the “General Weekend” 2025, in accordance with the agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture and National Forests, the next SONCHEVA GORA will be planted in the fall, dedicated to all participants in this courageous and inspiring initiative.
“Our agriculture is directly dependent on the quality of natural resources, and every activity that protects the living space also affects the improvement of the quality of the products we receive from nature. We are committed to continuing to support such initiatives that have a long-term effect on society and the environment,” said Borche Serafimovski, State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management.
Within the framework of these afforestation actions, over 125,000 seedlings were planted in various bare locations in the past four years alone: around Lake Mladost in Veles, the village of Qojlija in the municipality of Petrovec, near the megalithic observatory Kokino and in the municipality of Staro Nagoricane.
On the occasion of the five-year anniversary of “Generalka Weekend”, a traveling exhibition – “5 years of Generalka Weekend” – will begin on June 17, which will be displayed in all EU House centers in the country. The traveling exhibition will start in Tetovo, and then travel to Struga, Bitola, Strumica, Veles, Kriva Palanka, and will end in Skopje, in November this year.
“GENERALKA WEEKEND is proof that with dedication and commitment we can create miracles together. Despite all the problems in our country, people are showing that they have the power to rebuild. Gratitude to the volunteers and people in the municipalities,” said Gordana Sofia and Hannes Jaeckl from Man & Mountain.
“General Weekend” is the largest and most powerful civic eco-action in the country, which connects institutions, citizens, youth, companies and the media in a common mission – life in a clean, healthy and green Macedonia.