Protection of the Macedonian cultural heritage preserves our identity and values as part of the global mosaic, says Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj, reports news agency MIA.

“On the World Heritage Day, it is our obligation to remind ourselves on our testament that goes deep into our roots and defines our existence – preserving and fostering the country’s cultural heritage. Global challenges, including climate change, define our time and represent a serious threat to the preservation of cultural heritage across the globe. According to UNESCO data, one in three natural sites and one in six sites listed as cultural heritage are now under the threat of climate change,” Deputy PM Marichikj wrote in a Facebook post.

He says North Macedonia is not immune to natural disasters and climate change effects have a direct impact in damaging a portion of the national cultural heritage.

“Therefore, the Government but also all of us as individuals have the duty to take care of the environment and nature, contributing to the protection and preservation of our natural and cultural heritage. We are enhancing cooperation and building partnerships with our neighbors, jointly protecting our cultural richness through EU support and the IPA funds,” says Marichikj.

‘On the Trail of Mother Teresa Cultural Route’ is a project within the Kosovo-North Macedonia cross-border cooperation programme, including the protection and maintenance of the floor and walls of St. Pantelejmon monastery in the village of Nerezi.

The project is worth nearly EUR 350,000, of which EUR 294,000 are EU funds.