English - Convention on Biological Diversity

COUNTRY STUDY FOR BIODIVERSITY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
the past several years. It has resulted in the current insufficient level of development and
a lack of modern technical knowledge and technologies. A comparison of data on the
levels of railway development from 1937 and 1996 shows that progress was actually
greater in 1937, indicating a 50-year period of stagnation. In 1937, Macedonian railways
were in full compliance with the European regulations of that time concerning stability
and speed of transportation, which is not currently case. The outdated technology used
by the railways reduces, to a great extent, their stability and speed of the transport.
Another major problem faced by the transportation sector is its configuration, that is,
the routes of the main transportation lines. Due to Macedonia’s multi-decade existence
within the confines of a wider community (the former Socialist Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia [SFRY]), its overall transportation infrastructure is characterised by marked
development of the main, north-south corridor (a part of European Corridor 10). In
contrast, the east-west corridor (part of European Corridor 8) has been almost
completely neglected. The period following the independence of Macedonia (with its
accompanying problems) has shown that both of these corridors are equally important in
the development of its transportation infrastructure. For example, the closure of the
border with Serbia and Montenegro and the blockade by Greece during the early 1990s
resulted in extremely adverse impacts to the Macedonian economy.
Despite all of these problems, transportation as a sector has been gradually increasing
its contribution to the GDP over the last several years. Thus, from a 6.1% GDP share in
1997, its share increased to 7.3% in 1998 and to 8.2% in 1999.
5.8.2. Changes in the sector over time
With reference to the structural changes undergone by the transportation sector,
especially after the independence, the main trends seen internationally are also present
within Macedonia. More specifically, in parallel with development, the transport of
goods and passengers has been carried out less frequently by railways, and more often
by road vehicle traffic. During the course of the last several years, air traffic has gained
in importance, especially with regard to passenger transportation. The development of
new oil and gas pipelines should also contribute to the development of the pipeline
transportation sector.
The current status of railway traffic is far from satisfactory. The length of the lines
has been stagnating for the last 15-20 years. A comparison with some developed
countries shows that Macedonia has a relatively low density of railway networks (27 km
of railway lines per 1,000 km 2 , i.e., 339 km of lines per million inhabitants).
The air traffic sector has experienced sudden growth in the Republic of Macedonia
during the period after its independence and the beginning of its transition. The general
assessment of this sector is not satisfactory, however, when taking into account the
constant problems resulting from unsettled conditions.
Telecommunications systems in Macedonia are poorly developed. Full digitalisation
of the telecommunications network in the country has not been completed, mobile
telephone service does not cover the entire country etc.
5.8.3. Impact on biodiversity
The transportation sector impacts biodiversity through the fragmentation of habitats,
as well as through air pollution and noise. Considering the current circumstances in the
Republic of Macedonia, these impacts are low by comparison with those of developed
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