In the course of the development of modern societies and civilizations, and in that context also of human self-realization, through domination and taking advantage of nature, for some time, especially in the 60s, a need emerged for recognizing the first environmental crises, that is, recognizing the fact that effort should be put into strengthening environmental awareness. In that direction, through a holistic approach, in that process of thinking and action, the need came for establishing and promoting something that is called green values, where in addition to green policies are also freedom, democracy, rule of law, anti-discrimination, social justice, transformation of society that will be for the benefit of all, economic and social welfare, as well as fostering diversity of the natural world.

Green values were discussed at the panel discussion of Green CIVIL on the topic of “Green values, transformation of society for the benefit of all”,  by Iva Petrunova, MSc in architectural engineering, urban sociologist, doctor of social sciences, Toni Popovski, architect, political scientist, independent consultant, columnist and by Xhabir Deralla, President of CIVIL – Center for Freedom.

According to Iva Petrunova, green values are an inseparable part of every person and therefore for the health of the people there needs to be sufficient representation of nature.

“In our society, nature is not represented enough. According to our laws, 25 square meters of green space should be provided per capita, yet there is not much greenery”, considers Petrunova.

“Green values have advanced, including in Macedonia as well, reflected in the Constitution and in the Law on Environment… They are generally accepted, up to the point when it comes to investments. We hardly implement them in our society… There is a trend of properly addressing these challenges, but only on paper. I am not particularly satisfied of how we practice green values in our society”, said Toni Popovski.

Three decades ago I could not say that we had a good situation. Green values are not sufficiently enough understood. They are not understood or accepted by individuals who are called upon to do so, those who create policies and practices in the country. Disappointing level… The green agenda is under serious threat at the global level as well, the war in Ukraine has hindered the plans, there is dramatic shifting of trends”, are some of the conclusions of the President of CIVIL, Xhabir Deralla.

Participants also spoke about urban living and culture in the context of green values, namely, green urbanism.

“One cannot say in general whether there is or is not an urban culture. Green values are underestimated, and greenery is not just ecology, it has more complex values and the lack of greenery has an impact on modern diseases, depression, anxiety…”, concludes Petrunova.

“Green urbanism is a specific challenge… Municipalities will not be able to cope efficiently if an appropriate regulation is not developed for taking appropriate measures, and this refers to urban plans. Urban plans need to be improved, to enrich the space so that it is humane and healthy for living… Competent people are necessary, to think about who we give support to and to demand responsibility from entities, political parties, civil society organizations, to insist on competence”, says Popovski.

“Skopje and the country have gone through an urban massacre over the past decade and a half and more. A serious blow to what urbanism means in a country. We are living the political attack on the urban life that was experienced during the time of Gruevski. It leaves a mark on the appearance of the city and social fabric… The green agenda is an expensive toy and requires relevant, professional and dedicated people to invest in it, in the spirit of the European one. Every investment in green agenda and urbanism pays back, but green values and the rule of law are very important and will bring much more profit for everyone. Politicians, with a bit more effort, honesty, commitment, with the engagement of young people and through transparency can do much more than just deal with corruption and crime”, considers Deralla.

Camera: Dehran Muratov
Editing: Arian Mehmeti

Translation: N. Cvetkovska