Strumica region is located in the south-eastern part of North Macedonia, close to Bulgaria and Greece. The region consists of 4 municipalities – Strumica, Bosilovo, Vasilevo and Novo Selo. In total, the region Strumica has an area of 935 km2 and a population of 93,024 inhabitants. Popular events during the year which attract tourist and preserve traditions of the region are Strumica carnival or Smolare and Koleshino Falls.
From a bioeconomy viewpoint, favourable climate conditions make the region the largest producer and exporter of agricultural products in the country. Utilizing the agricultural residues as a renewable energy source could spur on the bioeconomy and add value to the region.
Within the BE-Rural project, one focus will be on the energy conversion of biomass materials generated on agricultural fields or farms (field based residues), as well as those generated during the processing of agricultural products (process-based residues). Currently, new economic zones are emerging, and the municipalities are committed to a common economic development.
National and regional bioeconomy strategies
North Macedonia and Strumica have not yet published bioeconomy strategies. However, existing local strategies for economic development and energy efficiency programmes provide a solid base for developing future tailor-made bioeconomy strategies.
