Navanti Wins UNDP Contract to Address Stray Dog Population in North Macedonia
Arlington, Virginia: Navanti to conduct a feasibility study for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on managing the stray dog population in three regions of North Macedonia.
The decentralization process that began in North Macedonia in 2001 devolved a number of responsibilities to local governments. Since that time, many municipalities—faced with institutional, financial, and human-resource shortages—have struggled to address complaints including the growth of the stray dog population, which has become a source of anxiety and danger for residents.
To address this problem, Navanti has been awarded a contract by UNDP to conduct a feasibility study on managing the stray dog population in three regions of North Macedonia (Polog, South-West, and Pelagonija). The study will include, among other items:
● Evaluation of the number, behavior patterns, and locations of stray dog populations,
● Identification of factors behind the increase in stray dog populations,
● Recommendations for management of stray dog populations, and
● Designs for the construction of shelters to temporarily house stray dog populations.
The ultimate goal of the feasibility study is to allow North Macedonia municipalities to better implement humane Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release (CNVR) programs, and plan the construction of shelters to be used in the CNVR effort.
“This award expands our footprint in serving the United Nations Development Programme and addresses an important public health concern in the country of North Macedonia,” said Fred Payne, Navanti’s CEO. “Along with our North Macedonia Youth program this UNDP contract has established Navanti Group as a trusted source for actionable capacity building solutions in the Balkans.”
Navanti will use methodology designed by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) to survey roaming dog populations, and Navanti researchers—accompanied by local animal welfare activists—will put GPS tracking devices on dogs encountered on the street to monitor their movements.
Navanti has partnered with local experts to ensure successful project outcomes, including: local Veterinarian Vojislav Dimitrovski, a specialist in the field of veterinary legislation; Bojana Boranieva, a local architect with decades of experience designing shelters for dogs, primates and other animals; and Mr. Vasko Karangeleski, a Macedonian economist with experience in cost-benefit analysis and economic valuation studies, who will serve as the project’s team lead.
“We look forward to working with UNDP and local authorities in North Macedonia on this generally underserved area of development,” said Arber Kuci, Navanti’s project specialist for the UNDP’s stray dog project. “Through this study, we believe we will be able to contribute to an overall increase in understanding and awareness among all parties involved on the importance of adopting a humane stray dog population management approach ultimately leading to sustainable long-term results.”