One of the most important and largest organizations working on plant conservation is Plantlife International*. At the initiative of this organization, in 2002-2003, projects for the identification of Significant Plant Areas (SPA) were carried out for the first time in the Balkans, including in Macedonia.
Significant Plant Areas (SPAs) represent the most important places in the world for the diversity of wild plants. In a country, they can be designated based on the presence of significant plant species or habitats in a particular area. Of course, additional criteria should be evaluated through scientific research in these areas, as well as assessment methods.
In Macedonia, a total of 42 potential Significant Plant Areas have been identified, which are characterized by high floristic value and meet the necessary criteria for SPAs. Some of these areas cover larger surfaces, while others are smaller. The total area of all SPAs in Macedonia is 459,425 ha, which represents 17.9% of the country’s total territory. Thirteen SPAs (31%) are fully or partially located in protected areas in Macedonia.