The event Green MeetUp gathered more than 90 representatives from 51 associations who discussed the main environmental problems in communities across Serbia, but also the role that citizens have in the process of environmental protection.
The meeting was organized on June 17 at the Museum of African Art and, in addition to representatives of local civil society organizations and informal groups, the event brought together representatives of the donor community, international institutions and members of the Coalition 27.
During the introductory part of the program, the main results of the Green Incubator project were presented, within which 130 associations and informal groups in the previous two and a half years received mentoring and financial support in the amount of 90 million dinars. The partners directly involved more than 270,000 citizens in almost 100 places in Serbia in all green activities, which is an indicator that environmental topics and environmental issues should be in the constant focus of civic activism.
"Civil society is the best mechanism that represents the voice of citizens, because local organizations and informal groups are an essential part of any society that enables the public and smaller local communities to engage in dialogue. In addition to the financial support that the Belgrade Open School and its partners provide to green organizations and informal groups, a very important part of the support is mentoring and capacity building at the local level," said Ekmel Cizmeciolu, Program Manager for civil society and human rights in the Delegation of EU in Republic of Serbia
"It is important for the European Union to cooperate with decision makers, civil society, media and all other actors, and green initiatives are initiated by the citizens themselves who need support if we want economic growth in the world to be sustainable, both for us and for future generations", said Antoine Avignon, Program Manager for environment and climate change in the Delegation of EU in Republic of Serbia
In addition to the opportunity to meet, share experiences and network, participants had the opportunity to discuss several important topics. The "Green Talks" were focused on the circular economy, energy transition, green public policies, activism in local communities, climate change and the role of civil society in environmental decision-making processes.
Event photo gallery is available HERE.
The Belgrade Open School is implementing the Green Incubator project in cooperation with Young Researchers of Serbia and Environmental Engineers. The project aims to contribute to strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations dealing with environmental issues, especially to monitor the European integration process of the Republic of Serbia, support the initiatives of local informal groups, as well as to explore the potentials and make recommendations for the socio-economic development of local communities on the principles of green (circular) economy. The project is funded by the European Union.
Author of the photo: Belgrade Open School
