On September 16, in the village of Varvara, CNVP North Macedonia was delighted and honored to host the PONT Supervisory Board during their visit to the subgrantee "Poloshki Med," located in Varvara, Tetovo, North Macedonia.

During the visit, the PONT Supervisory Board witnessed firsthand the exceptional work CNVP is doing with its subgrantees in the protected area of the Shar Mountain. The story of Poloshki Med is particularly inspiring as it showcases the sustainable use of natural resources by combining honey with non-timber forest products to produce natural creams.

In response to the challenges posed by global warming, which is affecting honey yields, this subgrantee has found an innovative way to increase the value of its products. By expanding its product line to include creams and entering the field of Api-cosmetics, Poloshki Med is creating value while preserving the natural environment. Visitors were given a detailed explanation of the production process and treated to a live demonstration of cream preparation.

As a token of appreciation for their ongoing contributions to the development and preservation of the region of PONT and CNVP, Mr. Demetres Karavellas, Chair of the PONT’s Board and Mr. Nehat Ramadani, CNVP Country Director, were awarded a Certificate of Appreciation.

Varvara is a village nestled deep in the Shar Mountain, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Tetovo. Like many villages in North Macedonia, Varvara faces significant challenges due to migration. However, successful initiatives like ‘Poloshki Med’’ serve as powerful motivation for villagers to remain, demonstrating that it is possible to live in harmony with nature and sustain a decent livelihood in rural areas.

The visit concluded with informal networking and the enjoyment of Varvara’s stunning natural beauty.