The first regional conference on circular economy, was held on November 2018 in Belgrade. See Agenda
At the beginning, as the host, EASD President Aleksandra Mladenovic, welcome participants to Belgrade. She also thanks to the Eco-Schools (for nice bags for participants) and to Serbian Chamber of Commerce.
Representative of EU Delegation in Serbia Antoine Avignon address the Conference .
In introductory address, Lead Partner Co-PLAN, Albania, representative Rodion Gjoka, thanks to Serbian Chamber of Commerce and EASD, for hosting and organizing Conference. He underlined that ENV.net is introducing circular economy concept in region.
On behalf of Serbian Chamber of Commerce (SCC) Isabel Airas informed on existence of Unit for Circular Economy in SCC , and noted positive and possible positive future cooperation with EASD.
Miroslav Tadic, from UNDP Serbia presented circular communities and circular economy relation with climate smart development. Special attention in presentation is dedicated to circular economy from climate change mitigation perspective in Serbia and links with Paris Agreement, highlighting UNDP Serbia ongoing project
Natasa Djereg, from NGO CEKOR from Subotica, Serbia, talk about climate action as incentive of circular economy, pointing out needs of decarburization of energy sector , Regional Energy Community Treaty and external costs for energy production, as well as moral/ethics when revise National Spatial Plan.
Conference continued with ENV.net Partners presentations.
On behalf of Punto.sud – Italy, Eleonora Puddu, express proudness of Punto.sud on ENV.net network, now and in the future (to note that Punto.sud was Lead Partner for 6 years in ENV,net 1 and ENV.net2 projects). She presents assessment methodology and ENV.net challenges.
Conference is followed by presentations by ENV.net Partners from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, FYR Macedonia, Montenegro, Turkey and Serbia.
Conference is followed by the Panel on Circular Economy , chaired by respective journalist Milica Momcilovic. Panelist are: Maja Krunic (Serbian Environmental Protection Agency/Ministry of Environmental Protection ), Richard Filcak (EEB, Brussels – ENV.net Partner organization), Jelena Kiš ( Ball Packaging Europe), Isabel Airas (Serbian Chamber of Commerce), Radmila Jokić (teacher from Sombor) and Zoran Jakovljevic ( GIZ Serbia).
Questions to Panelists are:
1. In your opinion, what are the main challenges/obstacles to introduce circular economy concept into national economy?
2. What is your experience regarding circular economy topic?
3. Is there any doubt regarding sustainability of this concept?
4. Is there any differences regarding implementation of this concept in developed and developing countries/countries in transition?
5. How to engage community and citizens to follow circular economy concept and implement it in everyday life?
6. if any other question?
Panelist main messages are: -importance of: knowledge and education, financial sources, consumption patterns, and coordination of all activities and sectors; -circular economy concept is complex, but present clear signal for future businesses; – corporate sustainability is important; it is important that region is connected; – the importance of sustainable production and cooperation on different levels; – “responsible entrepreneurship” are the key words for circular economy concept in practice; -difficulties in waste management practice influence possible achievements in circular economy.
