Vision 2035

A Clean, Green and Climate-Resilient Sveti Nikole by 2035

Main Vision

By 2035, Sveti Nikole is a clean, green and safe city with accessible public spaces and efficient urban mobility. Modern water, waste and energy systems ensure sustainable infrastructure and reduce environmental risks. Green belts, parks and renewable-energy use make the city healthier and more resilient to climate impacts. Citizens of all ages are active participants in community life, supported by inclusive social services and guided by shared responsibility for a better future.

How the Vision Was Co-Created

The Vision 2035 was developed through a structured, participatory process involving both institutional stakeholders and community representatives. The process was initiated in late 2024 and included a series of internal and external workshops designed to build capacity, assess risks and co-create a shared vision for resilience.

Co-Creation Workshops

Internal Workshops

7 workshops with municipal departments and SmartUp

  • •Defined objectives, milestones and data needs
  • •Conducted climate risk assessments and systems mapping
  • •Drafted and refined resilience objectives and investment priorities

External Workshops

3 participatory workshops with stakeholders

  • •Engaged citizens, farmers, youth, women's groups and NGOs
  • •Mapped climate risks and stakeholder roles
  • •Co-developed future scenarios and a vision for 2035

Institutional Alignment

Validation workshop with leadership

  • •Engaged heads of municipal departments and City Council members
  • •Discussed institutional roles and coordination mechanisms
  • •Strengthened political commitment and cross-departmental collaboration

Over 50 stakeholders with diverse backgrounds participated in the process, using STEEP analysis to identify external influencing factors and backcasting to define the step-by-step pathway from the 2035 vision back to present-day actions.

Citizen Survey

In addition to the workshops, the Vision 2035 was developed through extensive citizen engagement, with 113 valid responses to a comprehensive survey. The survey included both closed and open questions, allowing citizens to express their views through multiple choice answers and their own proposals and ideas.

What Citizens Love About Sveti Nikole

Safety and Peacefulness: The majority value the city for its peaceful and safe nature—a small, quiet and secure place to live.

Personal Connection: Many highlight Sveti Nikole as their hometown, where their families, friends and closest ones are.

Proximity and Accessibility: Everything is close and accessible, enabling easier daily functioning.

Community Atmosphere: Citizens are described as open, good-natured and ready to help each other.

What Citizens Want Changed

Waste Management (68): Proper waste separation, disposal and recycling

Sports & Recreation (47): Parks, playgrounds and fields for active living

Public Awareness (39): Learning more about important issues

Education (29): Ecological habits in kindergartens, schools and universities

Transport (28): Improved bus services and urban mobility

2035 Dreams & Expectations

Cleanliness & Greenery: Cleaner city with more parks and preserved natural areas

Modern Infrastructure: Well-maintained streets, sidewalks, smart lighting and bicycle paths

Youth Opportunities: New jobs, support for businesses and attracting investments

Recreation & Culture: Sports centers, pools and more cultural events

Better Governance: Transparent administration and active citizen participation

Example Quotes from Citizens

“We want more green areas and well-maintained parks for all generations.”

“The city should have more bicycle paths and fewer cars on sidewalks.”

“It is necessary to improve water supply and wastewater management.”

“To have public fountains with drinking water, more shade and places to rest.”

Vision by Theme

Physical Space & Mobility

Citizens move freely on safe pedestrian and cycling paths, without parked cars blocking sidewalks. Traffic is well-organised through one-way streets and regulated parking, making movement through the city easier. Parks and green areas are maintained and shaded, offering not only recreation for all generations but also natural cooling solutions that help reduce urban heat stress and strengthen resilience to rising temperatures caused by climate change.

Infrastructure

Streets are clean with an improved waste-management system. Water supply, drainage and flood-protection infrastructure are modernised, supported by early-warning and fire-prevention systems. Restored shelterbelts protect the city from erosion and wind, contributing to a healthier environment and reducing vulnerability to extreme weather events such as floods, wildfires and strong winds.

Energy Efficiency

The community invests in insulation upgrades, renewable-energy production (especially solar) and storage, as well as sustainable heating and cooling systems that reduce dependence on fossil fuels. These measures directly support climate mitigation and adaptation, helping Sveti Nikole lower emissions and prepare for energy-related climate risks.

Citizen Inclusion

Citizens are socially responsible and actively engaged in community development. A day-care centre for children and an adapted elderly-care home provide services for vulnerable groups, fostering solidarity and social cohesion. These inclusive services ensure that climate resilience efforts protect those most at risk, including children, the elderly and low-income households during heatwaves, floods and other climate-related hazards.