GEOHERITAGE SITES THAT ARE IN DANGER AND SITES THAT NO LONGER EXIST IN NORTH MACEDONIA

Abstract

Although the North Macedonia occupies a relatively small area of 25 713 km, it possesses a large number of geological, geomorphological and hydrological relief forms, which due to its diversity and uniqueness are prominent as important the geoheritage sites. A large percentage of geoheritage sites are exposed to destruction or complete disappearance, and as the main factor for this are the various natural processes and human activities. This paper analyzes the several examples in danger and no longer exist geoheritage sites on the territory of North Macedonia, the level of threat and their protection. In order to stop the further degradation of the remaining geoheritage sites it is necessary to take appropriate measures of protection and adequate management of the geoheritage by the state and local governments. To ensure long-term survival of geoheritage sites as paramount priority is to perform adequate protection regulated by law.