Students from Goce Delčev University took part in an international mobility programme in Carinthia, Austria, organised within the framework of the ACE²-EU Alliance.
As part of the programme “Renewable Energy vs. Nature Conservation – Challenges and Opportunities”, Sara Zdraveska from the Faculty of Agriculture, and Angela Smilkova and Vasilija Smilkova from the Faculty of Medical Sciences, explored how renewable energy production can go hand in hand with nature conservation.
Through lectures, field visits and practical activities, the students learned about the impact of energy infrastructure on the natural environment. For Sara Zdraveska, the visit to the Drava River and the opportunity to learn about its ecosystem were particularly memorable.
“This experience showed me that renewable energy does not automatically mean that there is no environmental impact,” says Sara.
As part of her group, Sara contributed to the research and preparation of the final presentation. The presentation examined the Tikveš, Kozjak, Vrutok, Špilje and Globočica hydropower plants, highlighting the importance of considering their energy benefits alongside their potential environmental impacts.
The work also focused on measures that should be taken into account from the earliest stages of energy project planning, including environmental impact assessments, the protection of biodiversity and natural habitats, and consideration for local communities.
“A truly sustainable energy project is one that meets energy needs while preserving nature for future generations,” Sara emphasizes.
For Angela and Vasilija Smilkova, fifth-year Pharmacy students, the mobility highlighted the close connection between nature conservation and human health.
“I found it particularly interesting to explore the relationship between environmental protection, biodiversity and human health,” Angela shares.
“This experience helped me understand the importance of a sustainable environment and its significance for the future of healthcare,” says Vasilija.
The mobility programme enabled the students to explore practical examples from Austria and the Republic of North Macedonia, demonstrating that the planning of renewable energy projects requires a careful balance between energy needs and nature conservation.
