IOM North Macedonia in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, the City of Tetovo and the University of Birmingham from the UK, and with financial support of the IOM Development Fund – IDF, have launched a project initiative titled “Utilizing a Systems Approach to Assess the Nexus Between Air Pollution and Human Mobility and Mainstream the Nexus into policy development”.

IOM North Macedonia has procured five air pollution sensors that the University of Birmingham, in cooperation with their local partner, the University of South East Europe – SEEU from Tetovo, have already deployed around the city, in closely coordinated points. As per the methodology established, they are conducting indoor measurements by deploying the sensors within the households of socially vulnerable families, such as Roma and returning migrants.

The evidence presented will enable a better understanding of differentiated vulnerabilities across urban centres and be used to formulate actionable recommendations to support well-managed human mobility and reduce air pollution over short, medium and long timeframes.

This project is in line with national needs and priorities and acknowledges the interlinkages between air quality interventions, climate action and sustainable development and how these can be developed in a mutually supportive manner. Also, it explores the human mobility, air pollution and clean energy nexus in the context of the European Green Deal’s Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.