THE UNDECLARED: 2024 CONFERENCE REPORT

What can be the strategies for strengthening regulatory frameworks and improving enforcement mechanisms? Current state of waste management regulations in the Western Balkans is terrible! There is no quality regulatory framework, and implementation is a serious issue in Bosnia and Macedonia! There is very little effort spent in informing the citizens and even the language used in environmental inte. [...] There is a strong focus on the importance of penalties in Macedonia forgetting the element of education, There is no leverage in implementing complex activities in the waste management sector in the Western Balkans! The trust in institutions is very low that affects citizens’ compliance with the regulations, Prilep’s 15-year long initiative for waste sorting is a good example that is worth sharing. [...] Lack of genuine engagement of citizens in the process of adopting waste management legislation results in lack of ownership that in turn reinforces poor trust in national institutions and widens the gap in communication between national and local authorities, There is serious lack of multi-level coordination in Bosnia and Macedonia! There are conflicting information coming from different instituti. [...] Empowerment of citizens is a relevant strategy for strengthening waste management efforts; it is one of the approaches to mobilise support to change together with change of mindset and raising awareness of the importance of solidarity and the responsibility for the future generations. [...] The workshop also served as a platform for discussing what are the possible approaches and strategies to mitigate the security risks and foster regional cooperation in addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change and security.