In a unique attempt to bring together art, care for the environment and youth, an EU-funded project hired five artists to brighten the walls of a facility that treats wastewaters in North Macedonia. The Artwork was presented at an online event as part of European Development Days on 15 June.  The wastewater treatment plant in the southeast town of Strumica is not only the first facility of that kind built in North Macedonia with IPA funds, to the huge benefit of local population and the environment. However, this facility is also a pioneer in advertising its purpose and in promoting public awareness of the need to protect nature together with art.

Colourful murals, painted by five artists on the walls of the facility, explain what it does and how important it is to keep the environment clean. The murals also beautify the usually dull architecture of the industrial buildings. They make the facility more eye-catching, especially for children, and invite them to learn more about the importance of water. As a result of this project, over 50,000 people benefited from the treated wastewater, the quality of water resources, nature and health was increased, and the citizens and tourists can now enjoy a unique art painting while the awareness of the importance of clean water is increased.