The overall objective of the project is the reduction of the environmental footprint of human activities through sustainable use of natural water resources in ecosystems of the cross border area.

Both involved areas have significant natural environment to protect; biggest part of Almopia is in the network Nature2000 while the territory of Negotino is crossed by the river Vardar and also includes the area Orlovo Brdo which is a Natural Monument according to national law.

The emphasis in the three most important human uses of water (sewage, irrigation, water supply) will multiply the contribution of the project on the objective of the programme; the sustainable management of protected areas, ecosystems & biodiversity will be reinforced by actions that protect the water resources in more than one ways, as they create a protective umbrella above water resources. This method will be a pilot and might become an example for the future application of supplementary actions in the field of water management.

Other specific objectives are:

• To safeguard local biodiversity and wildlife habitats in Natura2000 and National Designated Areas in both countries;

• To halt the overexploitation and degradation of the natural water resources;

• To mitigate impacts and threats of climate change that affect natural ecosystems and local economy (water stress and overconsumption of water);

• To involve actively the citizens in the protection of water environment;

• To develop joint actions and common events for the four local authorities in the cross border area;

• To emphasize on the role of networking of the local authorities for implementing environmental policies;

• To highlight the importance of the cross border character of the water management.