In cooperation with Young Researchers of Serbia and Environmental Protection Engineers, Belgrade Open School implemented the three-year project "Green Incubator". The project aimed to contribute to the strengthening of the capacity of civil society organizations that deal with environmental protection issues, especially for monitoring the European integration process of the Republic of Serbia, the ininurturings of local informal groups, as well as exploring the potential and make recommendations for the socio-economic development of local communities on the principles of the green (circular) economy. 

The project’s overall goal is to develop a competent civil society that contributes to the reform processes and the integration of Serbia into the EU.

The specific goal is to strengthen the capacities and increase the efficiency of civil society in Serbia in solving environmental protection and socio-economic development challenges.

Main activities:

• Designing and implementing training for raising the organizational and thematic capacities of civil society organizations;
• Financial support for the implementation of selected projects of civil society organizations;
• Financial support for the realization of ideas and initiatives of local informal groups;
• Establishment of a resource center within Coalition 27 for selected organizations;
• Developing a methodology for monitoring the implementation of policies in the area of environmental protection at the local level;
• Creation and publication of green maps of local authorities within the website of Coalition 27;
• Publication of the Shadow Report of Coalition 27 and local civil society organizations;
• Organizing "Green Talks" as thematic discussions in which various interested parties participate;
• Research and presentation of research results on the potential for socio-economic development of local communities.

Results:

• At least 100 civil society organizations and informal groups empowered to work on implementation, advocacy, and communication of the importance of EU environmental standards and benefits for local communities;
• Actively involved citizens and relevant stakeholders in at least 40 local communities in the dialogue on environmental protection and development opportunities;
• Increased transparency and availability of environmental information at the local and national level;
• Established dialogue between civil society organizations and decision-makers on opportunities for solving challenges in environmental protection and opportunities for sustainable local development;
• Prepared and promoted recommendations for the development of the circular economy at the local level.

All project activities were carried out in the period from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022. This project was financed by the European Union.