Climate & Energy Working Group – Brussels
EEB Climate & Energy and Biodiversity Working Group – 27 February-1 March 2023 – Brussels, discuss main policy updates at the EU and national level, exchange on implementation challenges and advocacy opportunities, and present their work programme for 2023. EASD, as EEB member, participated at the meeting of Climate & Energy Working Group in Brussels and at Biodiversity Working Group online.
The first day is dedicated to climate issues ranging from the decarbonisation of buildings and heating and cooling technologies to the role of hydrogen, from the Paris Agreement-compatible (PAC) scenario to cross-cutting climate issues in agriculture, circular economy, air quality, and decarbonisation of industry.
The second day is dedicated to analysis and updates regarding the Renewable Energy Directive and REPowerEU, including an outlook of upcoming implementation challenges and advocacy opportunities. The third day is dedicated to nature conservation and biodiversity.
LOCCAR (Local Communities’ Climate Adaptation and Resilience)
According to the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (2020), the Western Balkans is recognized as one of the regions in Europe most heavily affected by climate change. In addition, climate risks are not sufficiently covered at the local level in the documents and activities implemented. Still, there is no understanding that climate change (heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, coastline erosion, rising sea levels) affects not only the environment but also the local economy and the health of the population, due to a lack of awareness raising among the local population. In its report for Western Balkan countries, European Commission in 2021 stated that they must align with the EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change.
The project Local Communities’ Climate Adaptation and Resilience (LOCCAR) aims to assist local authorities in better understanding, preparing for, and managing climate risks, as well as developing innovative solutions to build resilience. The project will also contribute to establishing sustainable regional cooperation in building climate resilience in the Western Balkans, having in mind that efficient cooperation mechanisms among neighboring countries in the focus of this project (Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina) are missing, even though the transboundary nature of climate-related risks at the local level is reality.
The objective of LOCCAR project is to accelerate climate change adaptation on the local level in Western Balkans through enhancing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) role in the transformation towards climate resilience, by empowering CSOs visibility in policymaking, raising awareness of local decision-makers on the impacts of climate change on the local communities and supporting sustainable regional cooperation in building climate resilience in the Western Balkans.
A regional round table with the participation of main stakeholders from all three countries will be organized at the end of the project. Based on consultations with selected municipalities, Brochures/Guidelines for the local decision-makers on climate change adaptation in local strategic and policy documents will be prepared and distributed. It is expected that in total 9 selected municipalities in two rounds of meetings with municipalities.will provide their contribution. Using the digital dissemination of the Brochure/Guidelines via websites and digital platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter) of the 3 CSOs and 9 municipalities, a significant portion of the population in Western Balkans will be reached with the Joint Project’s outputs.
Project partners are Center for Climate Change, Natural Resources and Energy of the University of Donja Gorica (leading partner, Montenegro), a Resource Center for the Environment REC BIH (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (Serbia).
LOCCAR project is financed by the Western Balkans Fund and co-financed by the EU in the frame of IPA.
Final LOCAL project publication (- Jačanje otpornosti i kapaciteta prilagođavanja lokalnih zajednica na klimatske promjene u Crnoj Gori, Bosni i Hercegovini, Centar za klimatske promjene, prirodne resurse i energiju Univerziteta Donja Gorica, Podgorica, juli 2023 )
Solar energy for citizens in Western Balkans
The project Solar energy for citizens in Western Balkans started in January 2023, supported by Western Balkan Fund and co-financed by EU, with the aim to promote the best practices regarding the possibility to use solar energy by citizens, informing, engaging and mobilizing citizens to be active participants in neutrality transition. During the project implementation, the WB-Solar Net web platform will be established in order to help CSOs in raising awareness on the great potential of solar energy for advancing the regional agenda for a green and sustainable economy, using innovative solutions on clean energy, and following EU Directives.
Nine partners from Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia will work together to enhance the capacities of CSOs in WB in addressing the poverty energy of marginalized groups, and to advocate for improving the legislation, simplifying and shortening the administrative procedures for delivering permissions to the citizens of WB to install photovoltaic panels. It is also expected that the capacities of CSOs will be improved, in order to strengthen the cross-border dialogue for environmental protection. In addition, through the project, CSOs will gather knowledge and improve their skills in raising the awareness for quick actions for the alignment of WBC policies with the recent European directives and initiatives.
At the end of the project, a network of CSOs and other stakeholders named “Western Balkans Solar Net/Solar4WB” will be established and become functional, to serve as a hub for best practices of self-consumers of solar energy. This will help citizens to be better informed about opportunities and possibilities, and to address the needs of marginalized groups of energy poverty. The network will provide initial recommendations on how to improve legislation, policies, and administrative procedures for potential solar energy users. The activities will be organized to update and consult the National Plans of Energy and Climate of Western Balkan countries.
The online website platform will be developed to become a future hub for CSOs, where will be presented different examples regarding the situation in the field of solar energy. Two webinars will be organized to present the situation of the solar sector, the opportunities, and the barriers. Advocacy efforts will be meetings with representatives of public institutions, TV discussions, articles in the newspapers, posts on social media, etc. The Western Balkans Solar Net, (Solar4WB) as a functional platform with data of members and stakeholders, legislation, procedures, and information on related subjects will be established and presented during the Final Conference at the end of the project.
The second online webinar “ADVOCATING FOR SOLAR ENERGY FOR THE CITIZENS OF THE WESTERN BALKANS “
EASD at more international meetings in August, September, October …..2022
- World Water Week 2022, Stockholm, Sweden
- Annual EXI Conference and Visit to the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, Berlin (EASD is one of the organizations financed within the project)
- AOR representative participated in the seminar “Balkan citizen energy ambassador” which took place in Tirana on September 1 and 2 . Lectures (on solar energy) were held at “Polis University”.
-
Presentation of the Green Agenda and circular economy strategies in the countries of the Western Balkans at the Circular Economy Seminar, Ankara, Turkey
-
Ninth Ministerial Conference Environment for Europe “Transforming planet” (Environment for Europe), Cyprus
AOR is a co-organizer of several accompanying events, during which the president of AOR spoke…
Call to action for a tomorrow without toxics
Sign the Call to Action here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecU8_1QRK983bsB1s92c0sHyVBv
adDWW2dW–T_46_JiWjgg/viewform
Urgent call for a strong SAICM-Beyond-2020-Framework ensuring sound chemicals and waste management!
Increasing chemical production, use of harmful chemicals, pollution, and waste are turning into a third planetary crisis[1], beside the climate and biodiversity crises, and at the same time exacerbating them. There is an urgent need for solution-focused actions along the whole lifecycle of chemicals and waste, addressing the threats to human health and the environment – from the enormous use of chemicals, poor chemicals and waste management, to the ever-increasing production and raw material extraction. The undersigned organizations stand together in urgently calling
on governments, industry, and other stakeholders to work towards a tomorrow without toxics. We urge them to actively reduce their chemical footprint and make prevention, reduction, and sound management of chemicals and waste a priority issue.
The current levels of chemicals used in industrial processes, agriculture and daily life products massively expose people and ecosystems to harmful substances.
Ubiquitous, excessive and often uncontrolled use of chemicals, their improper storage and disposal, and accidents, as well as the amount of waste in general and in particular mismanaged waste lead to harmful substances entering the environment, food chains, and human bodies. They poison air, soil and water, harm wildlife and cause biodiversity loss. Exposure to hazardous chemicals produces reproductive and neurological disorders, causes intergenerational effects, and the loss of livelihoods and food systems, among other things. The burdens fall disproportionately on the most financially oppressed, vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as Indigenous
Communities, people in the Global South, workers in industry and agriculture, women and children. This makes chemicals and waste management a cross-cutting issue.
The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) and the Dubai Declaration, adopted in 2006 by the First International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM1), aimed to achieve sound management of chemicals and waste throughout their life cycle by 2020.[2] Now, at the beginning of the year 2022, we see an even more urgent need for action. SAICM has identified important issues and created a multi-sector platform and multi-stakeholder process for action, involving governments, civil society, businesses and academics. However, the overall objective has not been achieved and progress made is insufficient and mainly limited to information collection, while only a few concrete risk reduction measures have been undertaken. Adverse impacts on human health and the environment from raw material extraction, chemical production, use and disposal continue.
There is no time to waste.
We need an agreement for a strong SAICM-Beyond-2020-Framework that goes beyond the Dubai Declaration on International Chemicals Management[3] and secures ambitious reduction and prevention of harmful chemicals and waste globally, bringing about real change, including the implementation of safe alternatives. Our vision is a world where chemicals and wastes are no longer a source of harm and where all people live in safe and healthy environments, free from toxic threats to ecosystems and to future generations. We call upon all stakeholders to commit to this goal and to increase engagement, expressing a concrete will to end the poisoning of our world. Put a
SAICM-Beyond-2020-Framework urgently into practice as follows:
● Recognize and implement the precautionary and sustainability principles as basic principles and rationale behind all measures. Follow the hierarchy of prevention, elimination and minimization of hazardous substances.
● Include the possibility to stipulate or initiate binding elements for chemicals and waste management throughout the whole lifecycle, including raw material extraction, production, use and disposal of chemicals.
● Set ambitious targets and milestones. Make national action plans binding for all SAICM stakeholders, which particularly promote implementation and monitoring. Include concrete activities to solve the Issues of Concern in SAICM national action plans as well as education and awareness raising measures. Ensure that groups of related chemicals are addressed in the framework and in related action plans
● Establish mechanisms for implementation and progress reporting, and independent monitoring, as well as mechanisms for compliance.
● Realize global implementation on all levels (i.e. local, national, regional and international levels) and ensure this through national action plans. Make a SAICM-Beyond-2020-Framework compatible with other global treaties
including a future legally binding Plastics Treaty[4] or a future international regulation on pesticides[5].
● Secure the multistakeholder and multisectoral character of SAICM. Ensure that the negotiation process is carried out in a way that guarantees equal and fair participation of all stakeholders and right holders, as well as the
possibility to bring in contributions, especially from the civil society.
● Guarantee solid, sustainable, and reliable financing by the internalization of external costs, according to the Polluter Pays Principle. This could be achieved through a coordinated tax on chemical feedstocks, levied by the
national governments where the chemicals are produced[6], ensuring and prioritizing the support for developing and emerging countries. Especially civil society organizations, Indigenous Communities, and science, including citizen science, should be eligible for funding. Further options to implement the Polluter Pays Principle are to be explored and implemented.
● Make sure that a SAICM-Beyond-2020 addresses the identified shortcomings of the predecessor framework and in particular, that solutions for all identified Issues of Concern (IoCs) are developed and new IoCs included when they are needed. Current IoCs must be kept until resolved[7]. This includes e.g. a global phase-out of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) and their replacement with agroecology in line with ICCM4 resolution, measures to reduce endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) exposure for humans and the environment, and transparency and traceability for chemicals in products.
● Guarantee globally equal safety levels for everyone and everywhere. States must ensure the protection of people and the environment through laws and regulations that hold producers accountable along the entire supply chain
and throughout the whole lifecycle. Eliminate unethical and unacceptable double standards.
● Support the approach of a binding Global Minimum Transparency Standard[8] as a first step for chemicals in products and the establishment of labeling according to UNEP SCP guidelines[9]. This can ensure transparency and
traceability, which are, together with the right to know, key requirements for a safe circular economy globally. It further helps to eliminate double standards and dumping of products in countries with less ambitious chemicals legislation, and to guarantee an equal level of safety for everyone everywhere.
● Ensure sensitivity to the different exposition and vulnerability of people and groups of people to hazardous substances, depending on their area of residence, occupation, social and economic status, age, and gender. Consider
that children are particularly vulnerable to hazardous substances and must be protected from being born pre-polluted.
● Better protect women from hazardous chemicals, by implementing gender responsive policies, mainstreaming gender-equality and collecting gender disaggregated data. Recognize and encourage the leadership role of women in society, politics and science, and also in a SAICM-Beyond-2020-Framework. Consider that women are more susceptible to harmful chemicals than men and have different windows of vulnerability, e.g. during pregnancy.
They are also exposed differently to toxic chemicals due to their gender roles.
● Recognize the principles and values of the universal human rights[10]. Support all right holders, according to the respective international resolutions and declarations[11].
● Recognize the principles of the Rio-Declaration on Environment and Development and the principles of the Agenda 2030, as basic principles.
● Acknowledge the role of chemicals and waste in the biodiversity and climate crises and take action to address these impacts through decreased chemical production, use and disposal, phase out of harmful substances and
implementation of safe and non-chemical alternatives
Urgent call for a strong SAICM-Beyond-2020-Framework ensuring sound chemicals and waste management!
Biodiversity protection and nature-based solutions in focus of EASD activities
Concept of nature-based solutions implies searching for existing, sustainable solutions from nature in order to provide benefits for both human well-being and biodiversity, by addressing societal challenges. There are different solutions mapped so far and implemented in different areas and environments, such as protection, restoration or management of natural and semi-natural ecosystems; the sustainable management of aquatic systems and working lands such as croplands or timberlands; or the creation of novel ecosystems in and around cities. All solutions are designed to be implemented by local communities and related institutions and organizations (towards implementation of United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030)
EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, represents a comprehensive plan under the European Green Deal, which serves to improve state of the nature in European Union, by protecting biodiversity and reversing the degradation of ecosystems. In the focus of this Strategy is increasing the area under protection for at least 30% of both land and sea in Europe, restoring degraded ecosystems and securing 20 billion EUR/year for biodiversity through various sources, including EU funds, national and private funding.
The main challenge in the region of Western Balkan, area with outstanding biodiversity, natural resources and huge number of solutions created by nature, is to set up Green Agenda and Biodiversity for the Western Balkans as important as all other Development Agendas. In 2017, the Biodiversity Task Force of South East Europe was established to serve as a technical and advisory body of the Regional Working Group on Environment (RWG Env) of the Regional Cooperation Council. The most important objective for Western Balkans in Green Agenda implementation is to mainstream biodiversity elements in other policy areas in order to improve state of protected areas (through sustainable financing), increase number of protected areas and increased surface area under protection, as well as to improve the status of the endangered species. In addition, these actions will lead to protect, restore and manage natural and semi-natural ecosystems; to establish sustainable management of aquatic systems and working lands, but also will provide different solutions and possibilities for creation of novel ecosystems in and around cities. The strategic Green Agenda for WB document will identify priorities to focus on, while the implementation would require synchronized actions and involvement of the entire region, by strengthening regional cooperation and involvement of all relevant institutions and organizations, in order to promote and implement nature-based solutions.
Biodiversity and nature protection are among EASD priorities in last ten years, reflecting in conference proceedings[1][2] , contribution to Study on Achievements and Perspectives towards a Green Economy and Sustainable Growth in Serbia, or training providing on ecological footprint. One of the priorities of EASD focus is education on importance of biodiversity protection, which is implemented mainly through the Eco-schools Serbia network. In the period 2017-2020, under the project The Great Plant Hunt biodiversity topic is introduced in Eco-schools Serbia network and started with implementation of the nature-based solutions concept.
From February 2022, EASD started to implement within Eco-schools Serbia network an Erasmus+ project ForLife , with leading partner from Slovenia, and another partner from Italy. This project is directly connected to nature-based solution concept, by using positive examples from nature, regarding promotion of protection, restoration or management of natural and semi-natural ecosystems and in the same time creation of novel ecosystems in urban and sub-urban areas where Eco-schools belong to.
EASD more focused to activities against plastic pollution
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (EASD) started in 2020 with more focused engagement and activities in the thematic issue of plastic pollution. We found important UNEP initiative to beat plastic pollution , as well as designing out plastic pollution .
EASD started with analysis, participation in global studies and relevant national/local surveys and initiatives related plastic in products and in waste.
EASD activities include activities in : Science and Research (for better Governance and regulation) – A circular economy for plastic, Education and learning against plastic pollution, Promotion of sustainable travel against plastic pollution, Promotion of clean beach against plastic pollution, as well as Processes towards global plastic treaty and EU accession, participation and monitoring.
Further, EASD is following development of an international legally binding agreement . See resolution at the resumed fifth session of the 2022 United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) in Nairobi to end plastic pollution and forge an international legally binding agreement by 2024. EASD special attention is to harmonize global process against plastic pollution with EU accession process at national and regional level. To note that Serbia is candidate country for EU membership and Cluster 4 was opened for negotiation in December 2021. See also EASD work in theme EU accession and enlargement. In this period, EC priority is European Green Deal with action on plastics to tackle plastic pollution and marine litter, and to accelerate the transition to a circular plastics economy . For Western Balkan, Action Plan for the Implementation of the Sofia Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans 2021-2030 (GAWB) is approved.
Invitation to civil society organizations to take part in the Regional consultation meeting for the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5)
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, UNEA 5 and the open-ended Committee of Permanent Representatives meetings, which were originally planned for February 2021, were divided into two parts and two terms. The first part, a virtual session, was held in February 2021 (https://www.unep.org/environmentassembly/unea5), while the second part will be organized according to a hybrid model, physically and online in February 2022. Discussions on substantive resolutions were postponed until the February 2022, which was happened under the UNEA 5.2. The UN Secretary-General’s 2020 report on progress towards sustainable development goals includes the impacts of COVID-19 on the global economy and the environment, marking this pandemic as the largest humanitarian and economic crisis to date. Therefore, urgent joint action is needed, in order to substantially change the current patterns of production and consumption and establish policies, improve regulations and take actions that deal with the crisis. Therefore, civil society organizations at the global level are committed to dialogue and agreement, calling on their governments to make the best use of the Decade of Action to Deliver the Sustainable Development Goals, to accelerate efforts of global environmental decision-making. There is an urgent need to significantly increase positive efforts for further living in harmony with nature, in order to remedy the consequences of previous activities that undermine sustainability.
Environmental Ambassador for Sustainable Development is one of the UNEA-accredited civil society organization, and the President of the Environmental Ambassadors, Mrs. Aleksandra Mladenovic, together with colleagues from Northern Macedonia and Albania, will have the opportunity to moderate a subgroup for the Western Balkan and Turkey during the Regional consultation meeting which well be held on 14 December 2021.
We invite colleagues from the civil societies from Serbia which deal with environmental protection issues to get involved and to contribute by knowledge and experience in the preparation of a key message that will be presented at UNEA 5.2, as part of the efforts of our region. The main topic of importance and for which regional contributions are expected are a global response to plastic pollution and the strengthening of global environmental law and governance (Res 73/333), built on the collaboration of peoples and governments. The stakeholders involved should strongly support the process related to the impact of plastic waste on marine ecosystems and microplastics (UNEP / EA.4 / Res.6).
Comments, suggestions, ideas, contributions… can be sent to office@ambassadors-env.com. During the preparatory process before and after the regional meeting on December 14, we will regularly report on the progress and development of the common position of the civil sector.
All interested parties can join the Regional consultation meeting on December 14th, by registering to the link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvceyqrD8jEtFUDYiwtIOB5ljY8xiCB83p
The Regional Consultation meeting for Major Groups and other Stakeholders in the European Region is open to all UNEP accredited organizations in the European region (EU + EFTA + UK, Eastern Europe, Western Balkans and Turkey, Caucasus and Central Asia). Non-accredited organisations are welcome if they have an interest in the UN Environment Assembly process, UNEP@50 and Stockholm+50.
Make 2022 a Game-Changer – Further on the road to UNEA 5.2, UNEP@50, and Stockholm+50
Regional consultation for civil society to prepare for next year’s environmental events, the UNEA and the UNEP@50 events, will be on December 14th 2021. Themes are ecosystems, plastic pollution, food systems, environmental governance etc. Western Balkan breakout group will develop a few key recommendations from sub-regional perspectives.
To mention that International Consultation for Major Groups and Stakeholders (MGS) in preparation of UNEA 5.2 was already held on 7-9 September 2021, as the MGS’ contribution to UNEP’s Programme of Work, UNEA 5.2, UNEP@50, and Stockholm+50.
Key points include call for a new international (global) treaty to combat plastic pollution, call to strengthen environmental governance and law, to guide stronger global chemical management (to phase out highly hazardous pesticides and end their production by 2030, to strengthen independent science on chemical and waste pollution, etc), call to fix broken food systems ( with corporate responsibility and accountability in food systems), call to restore the relationship between nature and health, call on member states to build on the Stockholm 1972 (United Nations Conference on the Human Environment) legacy (made the environment a pressing global issue for the first time. it was the first time when civil society was allowed to address the plenary at an international high-level meeting!).
Regional capacity building webinar for stakeholders titled ‘How to Engage with UNEP and UNEA’ conducted by Stakeholder Forum, for Europe as UNEP region, will be on November 23, 2021.
United Nations General Assembly /UNEA 5.2, the resumed session of UNEA-5 will be organized from 28 February to 2 March 2022; Special Session of the Assembly on 3 – 4 March 2022, will be devoted to the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of UN Environment Programme in 1972 – UNEP@50.
On October 20, 2021, Stockholm+49 Summit – Make 2022 a Game-Changer , was held. Program Highlights included Science of Urgency, The Role of Law in the Anthropocene, Tools to Enforce International Environmental Law, as well as Regulation Economy/Building for a Better Economy.
Stockholhm+50 meeting, convened by the United Nations General Assembly and hosted by the governments of Sweden and Kenya, will be held in Stockholm, Sweden from 2-3 June 2022 to commemorate the 50 years since the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment.
EASD as organization accredited in UNEP, participated and contributed in above meetings.
ENV.net3 project final steps – infographics with documents developed by EASD
EASD publication on circular economy acknowledged by European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform
European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform , a joint initiative by the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee, in “Knowledge Hub” – Knowledge, acknowledged EASD publication on circular economy, as study/report/presentation/position paper….. submitted by stakeholders.
As noted, publication “Circular economy in Serbia – process started” sets out the state of play of the circular economy concept in Serbia and identifies the main obstacles that may hamper the shift to the circular economy paradigm. It also includes circular economy initiatives in Serbia and an analysis of linkages between the circular economy concept and the Sustainable Development Goals. Addressing the circular economy only through waste management shows that the circular economy concept is still in its infancy in Serbia. According to the conclusions, the circular economy goes beyond.
Key words: waste management, SDG12 and the environmental sector.
#CEstakeholderEU
Virtual tour on the experience from Italian practices in circular economy
Punto.sud, within the frame of ENV.net project, successfully organized on November 9-11, 2020, virtual tour: Circular city, transition economy and civil society – the experience from Italian practices in circular economy.
EASD representatives were in Milan, virtually….
EASD research presented at EurAsia Waste Management Symposium
EASD research on circular economy (paper Circular Economy goes beyond Waste Management 2020), supported by ENV.net project, on October 27 2020, was presented at EurAsia Waste Management Symposium.
EurAsia Waste Management Symposium provide a comprehensive overview of effective waste management strategies across the Asian and the European regions. Also, the symposium provide the opportunity to discuss and evaluate the current and future regional waste management strategies and recycling projects face to face, to establish business or research relations and to find global partners for future collaboration.
Also, to note that Prof dr Andjelka Mihajlov was chairing Session on Waste Management Legislation.
ENV.net
ENV.net project consists of ENV.net 1/2 (2012-2016) and ENV.net 3 (2017-2020) projects. EC supported
ENV.net 1/2: ENV.net – Development of ENV.net in West Balkan and Turkey: giving citizens a voice to influence the environmental process reforms for closer EU integration, EuropeAid/132438/C/
ACT/Multi – 2012/306-642 and 2014/351-610; Partners for project implementation are: Puntosud , EASD , Co-PLAN , EEB – European Environmental Bureau, ATRC and TEMA . The project builds on the experience of an EU-funded project, namely the Environment Forum, implemented in the period 2009-2012, aiming at developing capacities of environmental NGOs to establish a constructive dialogue with national authorities. The present project strategy has been designed to achieve a greater commitment and capacity of a group of CSOs coming from Environment Forum experience and which have agreed on the creation of a new network, the ENV.net, to support the civil activism, give citizens a voice and influence the public reform processes in the approximation to the environment acquis. With the view to further enhance their capacities to work with CSOs and to share experience with other European countries, EEB has accepted to participate and to share its experience. Project objective – Greater commitment and capacity of the ENV.net to give citizens a voice and influence public sector reform processes in the environment sector through analysis, monitoring and advocacy. As one of the outcome National ENV.net networks (to complement Regional ENV.net network) were established; established ENV.net Network in Serbia have 54 organizations (multistakeholders).
ENV.net3: “ENV-net factoring the environmental portfolio for Western Balkans and Turkey in the EU Policy Agenda” – EuropeAid/154870/ACT/Multi ; EASD (Serbia) partners for project implementation are: 4X4X4 Balkan Bridges from North Macedonia, European Environmental Bureau from Belgium, Advocacy Training and Resource Center, from Kosovo*, Green Home, from Montenegro, Lir Evolution, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, TEMA – the Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, for Reforestation and Protection of Natural Habitats, from Turkey and Foundation Punto,Sud, from Italy. The project contributes to the improvement of environmental policy-making and implementation in compliance with the EU standards. To this end, the network foresees to contribute to both improved and intensified inter-action among actors (including environmental CSOs, media and policy-makers) and an overall more enabling technical and financial environment where these actors operate. The action sets out to strengthen the profile of ENV.net as the leading network and bridging actor in environmental policy-influencing in the WB and Turkey region (vis-à-vis EU). Further, it foresees introducing and initiating a discussion on the Circular Economy concept in the region, as well as intensifying climate change actions. The action also foresees a number of value-adding, cross-cutting elements such as inter-partner learning/exchange, networking, and thematic organisational support to third parties (i.e. local grass-root organisations, media).
____________________________________
Paper published: Andjelka Mihajlov, Aleksandra Mladenovic & Filip Jovanovic, Contribution to Environmental Communication: comparative analysis of two qualitative methods as the performance to European Union accession, in “Adapt to Survive. The role of social media, sharing and communication to ameliorate this world “, Conference Proceedings Book Edited by Margarita Kefalaki, Communication Institute of Greece (COMinG),Athens, p.57-66 , 2021 ( ISSN: ISBN: 978-618-85622-3-3 ), Available at https://coming.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1_1_2021_Adapt-to-survive_Book_conf-proceedings_COMinG.pdf
Selected activities:
March 2021:
Information paper on Climate Change and Energy
Information paper on Climate Change and Floods
August 2021: Environmental Communication: Media Archive Reports as a Participant Science Tool
Promotion by media (Da li smo spremni za sve češće poplave?)
December 31, 2020: ENV.net3 project final steps – infographics with documents developed by EASD
____________________________________
Report on monitoring the progress of national environmental legislation (Chapter 27) in 2018, 2019, and half-year 2020, with projections through end-2020 / Izveštaj o monitoringu napredovanja nacionalnog zakonodavstva o životnoj sredini (Poglavlje 27) u 2018., 2019. i prvoj polovini 2020. godine, sa projekcijom do kraja 2020.godine (Extended abstract in English, Full text in Serbian)
Position Paper on COVID 19 and waste management
Circular Economy goes beyond Waste Management presented at EurAsia Waste Management Symposium 2020
Information paper on meaning of Cluster “Green agenda and sustainable connectivity” for Serbia
Reflection paper on air quality data for Serbia
2020 Spotlight Report on Circular Economy in Serbia
EASD publication on circular economy acknowledged by European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform
Virtual tour on the experience from Italian practices in circular economy
November 2020: Joint civil society statement for Sofia Summit
EASD research presented at EurAsia Waste Management Symposium
October 2020, New Momentum for the Environmental Agenda in the Western Balkans and Turkey?
Establishment of the South East European Platform to Beat Pollution – SEEPP
Recap the moments from EnE19/ENV.net Conference
March 2019: UN Environment : 4th Assembly (and pre- and side-events) , ENV.net related event
November 2018: To report: The first Regional Conference on Circular Economy was success ; The first regional conference on circular economy, Belgrade, November 2018: Agenda
Call for sub-grants (6.novembar 2018: Otvoren poziv za dodelu sub-grantova u okviru ENV.net projekta)
YRE competition: apply before February 1, 2019.; Theme: Energy Efficiency
ENV.net Initiative: to update National Strategy on Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Goods, by applying Circular Economy concept ; ENV.net Initiative and Knowledge based advocacy: to update National Strategy of Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
Circular economy knowledge based advocacy in Eco-schools network in Serbia
May 2018. Guest lectures made at two Universities in Serbia: “Circular economy is concept and process, and still not full circle” ; Participation at the Green Parliamentary Group meeting
Follow project at : facebook.com/envnetsite/ and www.env-net.org
February 2018 – ENV.net 3 Kick-off Meeting in Tirana
________________________________________________
In December 2017. we started with ENV.net 3 : ENV-net factoring the environmental portfolio for Western Balkans and Turkey in the EU Policy Agenda (reference number 2017/394-372)
ENV.net 3 – Serbia team include: Aleksandra Mladenovic –National Coordinator and Manager. In addition, Thematic experts/consultants, on demand, are Prof dr Andjelka Mihajlov and Filip Jovanovic, and Media communication expert, on demend, is Milica Momcilovic.
________________________________________________________________________________
Development of ENV.net in West Balkan and Turkey: giving citizens a voice to influence the environmental process reforms for closer EU integration – EuropeAid/132438/C/ACT/Multi – 2012/306-642 and 2014/351-610 (2012-2016)
The project builds on the experience of an EU-funded project, namely the Environment Forum , implemented in the period 2009-2012, aiming at developing capacities of environmental NGOs to establish a constructive dialogue with national authorities. The present project strategy has been designed to achieve a greater commitment and capacity of a group of CSOs coming from Environment Forum experience and which have agreed on the creation of a new network, the ENV.net, to support the civil activism, give citizens a voice and influence the public reform processes in the approximation to the environment acquis. With the view to further enhance their capacities to work with CSOs and to share experience with other European countries, EEB has accepted to participate and to share its experience. Project objective – Greater commitment and capacity of the ENV.net to give citizens a voice and influence public sector reform processes in the environment sector through analysis, monitoring and advocacy.
Partners for project implementation are: Puntosud , EASD , Co-PLAN , EEB – European Environmental Bureau , ATRC and TEMA . EASD Activity circles represent the scope of our activities.
Project launched site for presentation of activities in all participating countries, as well as facebook page and ENV.net Newsletters.
ENV.net 1/2– Serbia team include: Dr Nataša Žugić Drakulić –National Coordinator and Filip Jovanović – project manager , chosen in transparent process by „ Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development“, partner organisation in this project. In addition, National consultant for European integration is Prof dr Andjelka Mihajlov , dr Hristina Stevanović Čarapina is leading expert .
__________________________________
ENV.net Serbia network is functioning : Some of activities could be followed only in Serbian, like calls to participate, and other actions targeted to citizens in Serbia.
**************************************
Highlights: ENV.net publications
- A Guideline of EU Accession Monitoring Tools for CSOs in candidate and potential candidate countries: Chapter 27, (Authors and contributors: Andjelka Mihajlov, Natasa Zugic-Drakulic, Filip Jovanovic, Federico Bastia, Simona Pogliani, Mara Silina, Teida Shehi and Dusko Hristov), Published by Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development with the financial assistance of the EU – ENV.net project document, Belgrade January 2015
- How to influence environmental policy through effective advocacy (Authors: Margherita Tolotto and Mara Silina), ENV.net Advocacy Toolkit, European Environmental Bureau, Brussels, January 2015
- Climate change and challenges of the enlargement (Authors: Anja Kolmuss, Dragana Mileusnic, Zanna Vanrenterghem and Richard Filcak), ENV.net Advocacy Toolkit, European Environmental Bureau, Brussels,September 2016
June 2016: Agenda, WED Messages from Serbia: 12th Regional Conference “Environment to Europe” , REPORT FROM EnE16-ENV.net, BELGRADE, SERBIA
April 2016 – ENV.net Course: CSO Participation in Accession Process , Chapter 27: CSOs participation
March 2016 – New internet portal: Greenweb
January 2016 – Save the date for EnE16-ENV.net Conference ; We participate: Regional Conference: „Sustainability of the FPAs” , Brussels . Water-food-energy-ecosystems nexus assessment in the Sava River Basin – Lessons learned and further steps
October – December 2015 – Ministry support to ENV.net , Event
October – Partnership for Climate Change issue : Serbia’s climate talks – on the way to Paris
June 11 – European Commission Vice-President Mr Maroš Šefčovič had meeting with CSOs in Belgrade. EASD participate!
June 7 – Bicycling-ENV.net promotion in town Gornji Milanovac , Green day in Gornji Milanovac
June 5 – Regional Conference ”Environment to Europe” EnE15 – ENV.net EU Environmental Horizontal Legislation: Methods, Standards and Tools , Invitation , AGENDA , Proc. of papers
May 26, 2015 – Promotional activity
April 21, 2015 – Participation in Public Hearing on Climate Change related challenges in Republic of Serbia
April – THE ELEVENTH REGIONAL CONFERENCE ENVIRONMENT TO EUROPE – ENE15 – ENV.NET acknowledged as the European Sustainable Development Week event
March 22 – Celebrating the World Water Day in Serbia: field visit to Ada Ciganlija
February 2, 2015: Invitation for EnE15-ENV.net Conference launched
January 29, 2015: A Guideline of EU Accession Monitoring Tools for CSOs in candidate and potential candidate countries (ENV.net region): Chapter 27 , document finalized
January , 2015: Promotion of Publication
December 31: Thematic Publication “Environment to Europe”, 2014 ( Tematski zbornik radova “Životna sredina ka Evropi”)
December 12: ENV.net Serbia Seminar: Environmental Education in Schools
November 24-25, ENV.net on the margins of ECF Annual Meeting in Brussels with European Commision
November 4-5 , Regional training on the process of designation of potential Natura 2000 sites
October 30 – Conference “EU accession in the field of environmental protection and the role of local authorities”
October 28 – Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection is co-funded ENV.net project , contract signed
October 22-23, Belgrade: ENV.net training: “EU project design process and Implementation of environmental policy”, Invitation , Agenda , Training
October 2014 – ENV.net brochure published and presented
October 14 – ENV.net related: Participation on Conference “Eco-standards and Education”
October 8 – “Little progress has been made in the areas of environment and climate change”
September 29 – ENV.net Round-table Dialogue for Green Future (ENV.net okrugli sto sa niškim srednjoškolcima “Dijalogom ka zelenijoj budućnosti“) (sub-grant)
September 23-25, Brussels: ENV.net preparatory partnership meeting and Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) Closing Event for Phase I
September 19-24 , We are following Explanatory Screening for the Chapter 27
August 29 – ENV.net (sub-granting) publication published PUBLICATION : “Species of plants and animals of special conservation concern in EU” , in Serbian
July 27 – Partnership with media – Radio Beograd 2
June 19 – Eco-package initiative as the example environmental education for the future EU citizens
June 5 – CONFERENCE , ENV.net multi-stakeholder Conference on Chapter 27: about 200 participants
June 4 – Meeting with media , Moments from the Conference for Media
May 29, 2014 – ENV.net Serbia Conference organisation on the good track –Agenda for EnE14/ENV.net Conference “Environment to Europe”, June 5, 2014 in SCC – opening at 10:00
May 22-24, 2014 – 4th Partners Meeting in Milan
May 13, 2014 – European Solar Days – participation in promotion of EU environmental values
May 10, 2014 – ENV.net Let us clean up Europe! event: Ada Ciganlija Beograd ; ENV.net Serbia with children, parents and teachers “cleaning up Serbia” , Event in pictures
May 22-24, 2014 – 4th ENV.net Partners Meeting in Milan
May 7-8, 2014 – Some of ENV.net Partners meet in the corridors of ECRAN ECF Meeting
April 25, 2014 – UNEP acknowledged EnE14-ENV.net 2014 Conference as the World Environmental Day Event
April 5, 2014 – Education for future citizens of EU: guest lecturing at the Law Faculty
April 4, 2014 – EU Delegation to Serbia: Consultative Meeting with CSOs on progress towards EU in 2014
Aprl 4, 2014 – We participated to the meeting related to EU-Serbia Civil Society Joint Consultative Committee – JCC
April 2, 2014 – ECRAN NGOs Environment and Climate Change Forum – Evaluation Outcome – Congratulation to ENV.net partners!!!!
April 1, 2014 – Protego and Protecta sign subcontracting contracts
Marc 20-9, 2014 – EASD written contribution to the 2014 Progress Report
March 25, 2014 – Participation on UNECE consultation related to the 3rd EPR for Serbia
March 23, 2014 – ENV.net sub-grants winners announced , ENV.net
March 20, 2014 – We participate on Panel at Faculty of Organisation Sciences – University of Belgrade : Knowledge about Environment
March 9, 2014 – Technical (formal requests) evaluation of sub-grants application finished: 45 projects eligible for further evaluation
March 6, 2014 – Promotion of global activity EARTH HOUR (Marh 29, 20:30-21:30) and call for participation
March 4-6, 2014 – We participate in Zagreb on Workshop on Water-Food-Energy-Ecosystems Nexus Assessment in the Sava River Basin
From February 2014 – EU negotiation process: we are following explanatory screenings
February 26, 2014 – In accordance with procedure, QUESTIONS by potential applicants with our ANSWERS are posted on web site on February 26, at 07:00 , taking in account questions received by February 25 at 23:59
February 20-21, 2014 – EASD-ENV.net Serbia participated in defining the first strategic framework for CSOs development
February 18,2014- Knowledge based advocacy: Environment should be within priorities in the negotiations with EU
February 13, 2014 – Environment in youth policy in Serbia
February 12, 2014 – Meeting with ENVAP2 Project representatives
February 7, 2014 – Participation on Training related the Sector Planning Documents – SPDs
February 1, 2014 – Call of proposals for ENV.net sub-granting in Serbia “EU: we watch and learn to be ready!”
January 30, 2014 – Participation on public hearing by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Study Group
January 30,2014 – Thematic meeting of the SECO mechanism on IPA II programming
January 30, 2014 – Participate in the Mapping of CSOs and other stakeholders in in the process of EU accession negotiations
January 19, 2014 – EASD / ENV.net Team reading of European Parliament Resolution, January 2014
January 07, 2014 – Starting preparation for ENV.net 2014 Round-table / Conference
January 2, 2014 – Attention to ENVIRONMENT in EUROPA DAIRY
_______________________________________________________________
December 23, 2013 – Workshop on environmental values for kindergarten children from Sombor (Minutes) , Participation on meetings in Nature Protection Institute and Agency for Environmental Protection
Decembar 20, 2013 – In media : Promotion of knowledge based information
December 20, 2013 – Environmental Education for future EU citizens , Minutes
December 17, 2013 – ENV.net region news: European Affairs ministers give green light to Serbia’s EU negotiations
December 16, 2013: Workshop for strategic planning of further work SECO mechanism
December 3, 2013 – ENV.net presented to the master students of Faculty of Security Studies
December 2, 2013 – Eye on EU integration process: Parliament of Serbia , Eye on SEE regional cooperation
November 28, 2013 – Meeting FPA project grantees with DG Enlargement representative
November 25, 2013 – Partnership with Media : Partnership agreement with Journalist’ Association of Serbia
Environmental Education of future EU citizens: Activity on November 19,2013
Acknowledging the outreach of ENV.net Survey and ENV.net 2013 Roudtable recomendations, EASD – ENV.net Serbia recognized importance of children/youth education for active EU citizenship , through promotion of EU environmental values. We would like to share moments from kindergarten “Pčelice”, from village Šetonje, as promotion event for environmental values in education. With children and teachers, as well as EASD Team, there were Prof dr Ivica Radovic and mr Ljubiša Antonijević, assistant ministers for education and science. |
Partnership with municipality – On November 18., 2013, ENV.net project presented on the Round table in Municipality Vračar (within City of Belgrade).
Cooperation with TACSO Serbia – On November 15. 2013, in Belgrade, TACSO Advisory Committee (LAG) organized a consultative meeting with representatives of civil society organizations and networks and Serbian civil society expert community. At the meeting a draft of a document on the assessment needs of civil society in Serbia was discussed.
EASD prepared Opinion and contribution to the Draft Strategy Paper for the Republic of Serbia 2014-2020. Through SECO mechanism opinion is sent to Governmental Office for European Integration. Opinion is based on Serbia 2013 Progress Report and Strategy – Reading by ENV.net Serbia Team .
Organisation capacity building process: EASD acknowledged becoming IPEN network Participating Organization
Eye on environmental laws changes: monitoring compliance with EU directives
November 2013. – The third ENV.net partnership meeting in Milan
28. October – Meeting with European Parliamentarians
ENV.net Serbia Team prepared document: Reading of 2013 Progress Report for Serbia and Strategy by ENV.net Serbia Team ( Serbia 2013 Progress Report and Strategy – Reading by ENV.net Serbia Team ).
____________________________________________________
22. and 23 October – Education on sustainable management of lead/chemicals
October 18 – EC Delegation in Serbia, present to relevant CSOs, on October 18, 2013 , Serbia Progress Report 2013, in which the Commission services present their assessment of what Serbia as the candidate country has achieved over the last year.
October 2013 : Participated on different events organized to raise awareness to EU approximation environmental challenges.
Promotion of ENV.net facebook page!
October 2, 2013 – ENV.net team participated at the First SEE Regional Science Promotion Conference (SCIPROM), opened in Belgrade, with the aim to bring together science promotion professionals, practitioners and enthusiasts to share experience and network in order to strengthen the link between science and society in our Region. In the current competitive global environment it is an imperative to enhance economic and social capacities by improving the educational structure of society, inspiring innovation and technological advancement and creating a milieu for appreciation of the value and benefits of knowledge. In the opening address, Minister for Education, Science and Technology development of Serbia underlined, among others the importance of knowledge based actions, as well as the importance of drinking water for development. Conference bring international experts and representatives of international organizations, research and educational institutions, science camps, science communicators, NGOs, private sector and media on board.
This conference justify the path of ENV.net Serbia implementation and development, linking European Integration, Knowledge based activities and sectors : Education, Science and Environment/Natural Resources.
____________________________
Waste management and water management are considered as two important segments of environmental acquis and studies in this area represent an important aspect of ENV.net project. Environmental accession status of Serbia ( waste , water and EIA thematic issues) was presented by EASD team at International Conferences in Vienna (Austria) and Zadar (Croatia), as well as on chemicals at SAICM Regional Meeting (Skopje, Macedonia FYR).
In addition, possible ENV.net partnerships are discussed with other participants and interested CSOs.
In Skopje, EASD representative met Macedonian 4x4x4 BB representative on September 26, 2013, to discuss possible enlargement of ENV.net project to Macedonia.
________________________________________
Promotion of ENV.net site in place Join us!
Added value for ENV.net Serbia is EASD activities within the development of Post-Rio+20 Agenda.
Office for Cooperation with Civil Society organized on September 6, 2013 Conference devoted to negotiating Chapter 27 (Environment). Presentation (in Serbian) from the Conference includes: Poglavlje 27 pregovori, Iskustvo R Slovenije, Natura 2000 Ministarstvo, Uloga civilnog drustva u monitoringu, Natura 2000 NGO )
September 2013: ENV.net project presented in the Ministry of Education, Science and Development of Serbia (Meeting of the National Committee for Environmental Education Programs)
August 2013. – Snapshot analysis : While waiting for EC 2013 Progress Report
___________________________________________________________________
ENVIRONMENT TO EUROPE – EnE
This project/process present different phases towards European values, as well as globally values promoted through Multilateral Environmental Agreements. Started to raise awareness of the importance of the UNECE Ministerial “Environment for Europe” Belgrade 2007 Conference, and further continuously is mobilizing interesting parties in Serbia and Region to catalyze environmental and sustainable development.
Within “Environment to Europe” Process, EASD actively participate and organize different supporting activities in different related thematic areas, like sustainable consumption and production, efficient resource use, chemicals, eco-consumers protection, participation at global, EC, regional and with papers at different conferences, etc. Regional cohesion projects supported Environment to Europe process.
__________________________________________________
EEB 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – “Boosting the Deal for a Greener Europe in Turbulent Times”
Study visit to Grenoble – the Green Capital of Europe
EnE22, June 2022 – UNEP@50 and World Environment Day
December 2021 – Climate Pact for Serbia: Snapshot targeted rehearsal of country’s obligations in climate action….
Virtual tour on the experience from Italian practices in circular economy
Recap the moments from EnE19/ENV.net Conference
WEBINAR – Regional Forum of Sustainable Development (RFSD) for the UNECE Region : we participate
EASD full member in European Environmental Bureau – honor and challenge
The ESDN Conference 2018 – we participate ; We participate – ESDN Conference 2018, “Stakeholder-Policy Cooperation in the Age of the SDGs: What new approaches are required to be successful?”, Vienna (Austria), 1-2 October, 2018
Join us for June 5th: Conference Agenda is available
6th UN regional meeting on SAICM, Poland, February 2018: we participate
February 2018: Call for participation for EnE18: Nature protection – Nature-Responsive Development
February 2018: ENV.net 3 Kick-off Meeting in Tirana
November 2017: EASD participate: Summit to Plan the End of Amalgam in Europe 2017– November 20-21, Berlin
September 2017: “Make Mercury History” – EASD participated at Minamata COP1 in Geneva
July 2017: Civil Society Forum in Trieste, 11-12 July 2017 – we (EASD) participate ; Good signal: Serbia gets (again) separate Ministry of environmental protection
June 2017: Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development
April 2017: Call: The Thirteenth Regional Conference ”Environment to Europe – EnE17″, June 5th 2017, Belgrade
February 2017: “EnE17 – The 13th Regional Conference Environment to Europe” announcement: Climate Change Education
June 2016: Agenda , EnE16-ENV.net Zbornik radova/Proceedings of papers ; WED Messages from Serbia: 12th Regional Conference “Environment to Europe” , REPORT FROM EnE16-ENV.net, BELGRADE, SERBIA
January 2016 – Save the date and participate: June 6, 2016 – Environment to Europe Conference
June 5, 2015 – 2015 Conference, Information, Proc. of papers
We participate at European Green Week
December 2014 – Thematic Publication “Environment to Europe” ( Tematski zbornik radova “Životna sredina ka Evropi”)
June 5, 2014 – ENV.net multi-stakeholder Conference on Chapter 27: about 200 participants , 2014 Conference
Agenda for EnE14/ENV.net Conference “Environment to Europe”, June 5, 2014 in SCC – opening at 10:00
Invitation for EnE14-ENV.net Conference, June 5 – 2014 in Belgrade
EnE14 / ENV.net Conference will be held on June 5, 2014 in Belgrade (it will 10th regional conference!). Thematic focus: Chapter 27. Reserve the date! More information soon. Follow the updated information related to event.
__________________________________________________
EnE13 – Environment to Europe Conference on June 10, 2013 is focused on local environment. The main messages from this participatory ENV.net event are: environmental sector activities should be knowledge based, and education for environment and sustainable development should be priority. Capacities and continuity is very important for inclusion environment in other sectoral policies. Conference is institutionally supported by Ministry of Energy, Development and Environmental Protection and Ministry of Natural Resources, Mining and Spatial Planning, as well as National Commission for UNESCO. This Conference is UNEP WED event.
2013 | EnE13 | ENV.net Roundtable Focus: Local Environment | Agenda, Zbornik radova EnE13 – Zivotna sredina ka Evropi – Papers Proceedings; Minutes; More than 120 participants at EnE13 conference/ENV.net Roundtable: 10 June, 2013 in Belgrade |
Snapshots from the previous EnE “Environment to Europe” Conferences:
Thematic focus | Published materials | ||
2005 | EnE05 | Thematic focus : The importance of Environmental Sector in EU Integration process | Detailed Agenda published.CD Proceedings of Papers published. Book “Sustainable Development and Environment towards Europe in 95+ steps”, by A.Mihajlov, published in Serbian |
2006 | EnE06 | European/developed countries values in environmental and related issues; lessons learned. At the same time, the Civil Society Forum EfE07 Meeting towards UN Pan-European Ministerial Conference Belgrade 2007 “Environment for Europe” held. | Detailed Agenda published.CD Proceedings of Papers published. Book “Sustainable Sustainable Development and Environment Towards Europe in 95+ Steps”, by A.Mihajlov, published in English |
2007 | EnE07 | Dedicated to contribute to upcoming UNECE “Environment for Europe” (2007, Belgrade) Pan-European Ministerial Conference ; NGO Declaration on Environmental Cohesion of Western Balkan agreed | Detailed Agenda published.CD Proceedings of Papers published. |
2008 | EnE08 | Youth and Vulnerable Groups in Environmental EU Accession | Detailed Agenda published. EnE08 Zbornik radova 4. regionalne Konferencije „Zivotna sredina ka Evropi“-sadrzaj published. |
2009 | EnE09 | Climate Change and Sustainable Tourism Conference | Detailed Agenda published (agenda EnE09) ; CD Proceedings of Papers published. |
2010 | EnE10 | Green Education and Green Economy | Detailed Agenda published ( Agenda EnE10 Konferencije ); CD Proceedings of Papers published. |
2011 | EnE11 | Rural and Mountain Sustainable Development | Detailed Agenda published (agenda_ene11) CD Proceedings of Papers published. Publication with selected paper published. |
2012 | EnE12 | Learning event for Rio=20 preparation – Green Economy and Governance for Sustainable Development | Detailed Agenda published ( Agenda EnE12 )
CD Proceedings of Papers published. UNDP/UNEP Green Economy Study published http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/984serbia.pdf |
Circular economy as part of the concept of sustainable development of society
The project was created with the aim of informing the public about the values of the concept of circular economy and presenting previous experiences and examples of application of circular economy in educational institutions in Serbia. In this regard, in the period July-November 2019, consultations with prominent representatives in the sectors of economy, science, state and local government and the non-governmental sector were organized. Key stakeholders involved in the development of the concept of circular economy in Serbia were mapped, especially in relation to entrepreneurial initiatives of educational institutions, women and youth, as well as other institutions and organizations who showed experience and achievements in the application of the concept of circular economy in Serbia. Achievements in the circular economy were presented to the general public, through publications and public presentations, with involvement of Eco-schools coordinators as the main force in knowledge based advocacy activities.
Project is supported by Ministry of Environmental Protection.
EU Environment Partnership Programme for Accession
EASD is a member, participating organization in the project EU Environment Partnership Programme for Accession (EPPA) in the Western Balkans and Turkey seeks to be a major driver of reform and development in environmental governance through compliance with the EU environmental acquis (WG7). The programme builds on the results of the RENA and ECRAN programmes by furthering the regional cooperation and strengthening the administrative capacities of the beneficiaries. Regional cooperation provides the framework for sharing knowledge, expertise and good practices, and for addressing common environmental problems in a more sustainable and efficient way. The overall objective of the programme is to strengthen the implementation of the EU environmental acquis in the Western Balkans and Turkey in areas relevant for addressing trans-boundary environmental issues. EPPA concerns the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans as an instrument that will bring the European Green Deal closer to the Western Balkan countries by proposing a new economic development model, one based on the circularity of the economy, where the pressures on the use of natural resources are significantly reduced, while recycling and reuse are the order of the day.
Revision of the local plan for the waste management for the City of Sombor
EASD experts team proposed new revised Local waste management plan for the City of Sombor, consisted of new regulation requirements and based on previous achievements in waste management at the local level. The revised plan also proposed new and possible activities to secure sustainable management of waste, based on circular economy principles. Plan is approved by local authorities.
EASD fully complied with the procedure required based on local and national regulation in official documents preparation and adoption.
Country factsheets on resource efficiency and circular economy in Europe: EASD activities mentioned
In July 2019, EEA issued TC/WMGE Reports 4/2019: Country factsheets on resource efficiency and circular economy in Europe – a set of 32 country factsheets that summarise policies and initiatives on the area of resource efficiency and circular economy.
, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (EASD) are mentioned two times, within sub-chapters Non-formal Education and Awareness Raising and Networking and Conferences, pages 17 and 18. By this, EASD work in those areas acknowledged.
We have new publications:
Environment first for EU
Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, puts environment first for EU.
Von der Leyen’s political guidelines document, titled ‘A Union that strives for more: My agenda for Europe’ includes various commitments on climate action including:
- A climate neutral EU by 2050
- An improved ETS
- A carbon border tax
- A move away from unanimous decision-making on climate and energy
- 2030 emission reduction targets of at least 50% and moving ‘towards’ 55%
Other notable environmental priorities include:
- €1trn of sustainable finance investment and turning part of the European Investment Bank into Europe’s climate bank
- A 2030 biodiversity strategy to stop biodiversity loss within five years
- A new circular economy action plan that addresses textiles and construction sectors
- A ‘zero-pollution’ target delivered through a cross-cutting strategy to protect citizens’ health from environmental degradation and pollution
- A “farm to fork” strategy on sustainable food
Von der Leyen’s guidelines also include a promise to use the EU’s budget to support the rule of law, which could provide a key tool to ensure the proper implementation and enforcement of EU environmental laws.
Eco-Paket (Eco-Package) in Eco-Schools
Eco-package is a project implemented in Serbia since 2013/2014 school year, exclusively run in the framework of the International Eco-schools Programme.
Until 2019 the number of Eco-Schools participating in the project increased continuously. This project supported Eco-schools network in their activities performed to be linked to the education for sustainable development through realization of UN Sustainable Development Goals, primarily Goal 4 (Quality education), Goal11 (Sustainable cities and communities) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The project consisted of three activities:
• creative art work competition: based on different theme, every year the students are collecting used beverage cartons (UBC)
• collection of used beverage cartons (UBC) and
• educational workshops for school children including the demonstration how UBC can be turned into paper (these workshops are being conducted by EASD since 2015/2016 school year).
The main goal was to raise awareness among pre-school children, school children and students of Eco-schools, their families and wider community about the need for sustainable use of resources on the example of correct methods of separation, disposal and recycling of used beverage cartons
Specific goals were:
– Educate pre-school children, school children and students about correct methods of separation and disposal of used beverage cartons.
– Encourage wider community to participate in the process of collection and recycling of used beverage cartons in order to raise their environmental awareness.
– Introduce sustainable forest management principle through FSC model, including sustainable production and consumption of used cartons.
– Present and promote companies and businesses that have incorporated the principles of sustainable development and social responsibility towards the environment and natural resources into their operation.
Main target groups were children in kinder gardens (pre-school institutions), pupils in primary and secondary schools and university students, as well as teaching and non-teaching school staff
Other target groups were parents/families/neighbours, local communities (including local companies, institutions, organizations) and media.
Outreach include Eco-schools Serbia network management, workshops organization, preparation of educational material, knowledge based advocacy, raising awareness among educational institutions and local communities on circular economy issue, establishing good cooperation with local communities where Eco-schools exist
From 2019/20 project is not active at national level
________________________________________________________________________________
More about Eco-Schools Program in Serbia.
Also, detailed instructions are posted in Serbian, as well as most news and announcements.
In addition, there is separated dedicated web sites (in Serbian) for this Eko-paket (Eco-Package) project, supported by Tetra Pak in Serbia.
________________________________________________
October 2018: Circular economy knowledge based advocacy in Eco-schools network in Serbia
October 2017: Eko-paket – Eco-Schools annual conference for the school year 2017/2018
May 2017: Eko-paket 2017 outcome
September 2016: Education for Sustainability
September 2016: FEE General Assembly 2016 and International Conference on Education for Sustainable Development, Ahmedabad, India
June 2016: WED Messages from Serbia: 12th Regional Conference “Environment to Europe”
May 2016: EASD Knowledge Partner with CEE for ESD for transforming education for children and youth
November 2015: Eco-Schools 2015 NOM in Northern Ireland
October 2015 – SDGs as the relevant part of the context within which FEE operates
January 2015 – Eco-schools Serbia in the International Eco-schools news
December 2014, status: ECO-SCHOOLS FAMILY IN SERBIA IS GROWING, CATALYZED BY ECO-PACKAGE ACTIVITY, On December 12, 2014 in Belgrade, two different activities, merged in one great and successful event, happened: Green Flags Award ceremony and Annual meeting of Eco-Schools Coordinators. Over 50 participants were present from all levels of education institutions. The main topics discussed include different ideas and methods on how environmental education in schools could be enhanced and better represented in school curriculum. Positive experiences are shared, in particular related motivation through ECO-PACKAGE activity, supported in Serbia by Tetra-Pak Production Company (Tetra Pak Production d.o.o Beograd in 2013/14 and 2013/14 supports Eco-Schools Program in Serbia, as a socially responsible company). From 3 Eco-schools in 2012/13, 15 in 2013/14, in Serbia there are in the moment 24 schools in different stages of Eco-School Program implementation 2014/15 (2 higher education institutions level, 1 secondary school level, 18 elementary schools and 3 pre-schools). Behind this growing success is NO Team in Serbia (from organization Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development): National FEE Mentor for FEE Programs Prof.dr. Andjelka Mihajlov, National Eco-School Coordinator (until October 2014 Milica Petrovic, from October to December 2014 Dragana Grujicic, and in 2015 expecting new dedicated person on the board), National FEE Council (with representatives of supporting ministries, other relevant institutions and experts), Prof. dr. Natasa Zugic-Drakulic – Executive Director, assistance of Milena Tabasevic and Marina Marjanovic, as well as Coordinators and dedicated teachers, professors and principals in Eco-Schools (participants of 2014 Seminar): Andrijanić Zoran, Angeleski Alma, Babović Dragana , Božilović Dragica, Bursać Slađana,Davidović Stevan,Despotović Slavica, Đurović Ljiljana, Gligorovski Tatjana, Grahovac Prole Milijana, Ivanović Vesna, Janković Danijela, Jeličić Biljana, Joksimović Ana, Jovanović Dragana, Kocić Vesna, Luković Verica, Luković Brankica, Maksić Marina, Mandić Miroslav, Miloradović Dragana, Milosavljević Zorica, Momčilović Verica, Nikitović Dragana, Nikolić Perčević Đulica, Pantović Zoran, Perić Snežana, Sekulić Dragojle, Simendić Siniša, Stoiljković Slavica, Strugar Aleksandra, Vasiljević Milka, Večei Funda Valerija, Vidojević Mirjana, Vranić Darko, Grujičić Marina, Malinić Uglik Sanja, Planić Vasilie, Marković Jasmina, Radić Marija, Stanojlović Dragana and Ceranić Đuro. Moments from the Event are available at: http://ambassadors-env.com/gallery/eko-skole-12-12-2014/ and http://ambassadors-env.com/gallery/eko-skole12-12-2014-deo-2/
December 2014 – Eco-schools National Operators Meeting 2014 ; National Meeting of Eco-Schools Coordinators
May 2014 – With children, parents and teachers “cleaning up Serbia”
January 2014. : There are 18 schools in the Program, 3 of them already awarded with Green Flag
Meeting with Eco-Schools Coordinators, December 2013
Tetra Pak Production d.o.o Beograd in 2013/14 start to support Eco-Schools Program in Serbia. Tetra Pak, as a social responsible company takes part in this Program in order to raise awareness of children and local communities on the importance of responsible behaviour towards environment.
The first GREEN FLAG ceremonies : September 19 and 12, 2013 , November 19 2013
National FEE Committee Meeting, September 6, 2013 : 3 schools awarded
_________________________________________________
3 schools applied and started process in 2012-13 .
June 2013: International Mentor visited school “Drinka Pavlović” in Belgrade.
_________________________________________________
Program activities include summer schools, summer camps, etc.
Related activities: Education for Sustainable Development
Save the date: June 4, 2019 – EnE19 Conference/Round table AIR QUALITY IN SERBIA, YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW – CLEAN AIR – HEALTHY FUTURE
EnE19: Round table “AIR QUALITY IN SERBIA, YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW – CLEAN AIR – HEALTHY FUTURE “, will be held on June 4, 2019 in Belgrade in the premises of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Belgrade, Resavska 13-15, from 10h to 14h.
On the World Environment Day in the European sustainable development week, traditionally, this event is organized by “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” and Serbian Chamber of Commerce – “Environment towards Europe – EnE19”.
This year, the focus will be on “AIR QUALITY IN SERBIA, YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW – CLEAN AIR – HEALTHY FUTURE “. Round table will be held on June 4, 2019 in Belgrade in the premises of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Belgrade, Resavska 13-15, from 10h to 14h. Conference is UNEP WED event, supporting EU Integration process through project ’’Development of the ENV.net in West Balkans and Turkey: giving citizens a voice to influence the environmental process reforms for closer EU integration’’.
Round table date is – June 4, 2019, (in Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia 13-15 Resavska Street 11000 Belgrade, at 10 a.m. to 14 p.m.). The openings are usually held at 10 a.m. (on June 4), Opening session is usually from 10:00 to 11:00/11:30.
The conferences “Regional Conference Environment to Europe” we held earlier had a great success and they gained credibility at the national and international level.
China will host the global World Environment Day celebrations on 5 June 2019 with a theme of air pollution.
World Environment Day is a UN Environment-led global event, which takes place on June 5 every year and is celebrated by thousands of communities worldwide.
Since it began in 1972, it has grown to become the single largest celebration of our environment each year.
Air Pollution facts:
- 92 per cent of people worldwide do not breathe clean air
- Air pollution costs the global economy $5 trillion every year in welfare costs
- Ground-level ozone pollution is expected to reduce staple crop yields by 26 per cent by 2030
Ambient air pollution accounts for an estimated 4.2 million deaths per year due to stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and chronic respiratory diseases. Around 91% of the world’s population lives in places where air quality levels exceed WHO limits. While ambient air pollution affects developed and developing countries alike, low- and middle-income countries experience the highest burden. Policies and investments supporting cleaner transport, energy-efficient housing, power generation, industry and better municipal waste management can effectively reduce key sources of ambient air pollution.
Round Table “Environment to Europe” – EnE19 is an official UN event marking the European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) in the Republic of Serbia. The ESDW initiative is spread across European countries that stimulates and makes visible activities, projects and events that promote Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is held every year from May 30 to June 5, with the aim of raising awareness of Agenda 2030 in Europe and the importance of local stakeholders in achieving 17 goals of a sustainable development and sustainability in general.
Advancing environmental sustainability action- Financial Support to Third Parties for Monitoring and Evidence-Based Advocacy under the ENV.Net Project –
“Advancing environmental sustainability action” is a new theme in the frame of the project: “ENV.Net Factoring the Environmental Portfolio for WB and Turkey in The EU Policy Agenda” (IPA 2017/ 394-372), connected to financial support to third party for monitoring and evidence-based advocacy. Awarded organizations and projects are following:
1. “Education Development Centre “Planet” from Sombor, project “The Hive- circular economy as a model of entrepreneurship for the youth”
2. Association of citizens „Zlatiborski krug“ from Čajetina, project „Model of circular economy in the service of environmental protection in the municipality of Cajetina“
3. Non-smoking Educational Center„EKO-Nec“ from Kragujevac, project „The contribution to media reporting on Chapter 27 and a circular economy”“.
During 2019 and partly in 2020, organizations will work to promote the concept of circular economy through entrepreneurial activities of young people at the local level, with customized trainings for different target groups, from children of school age, teachers, parents, representatives of local government, to reporting on the undertaken activities and results achieved, aimed to improve the state of the environment in terms of local sustainable development.
The projects will start with implementation on February 1, 2019 and will include over 200 participants from participating local communities and organizations of sub-grantees. We expect the first results in April and we believe that the concept of “circular economy” will not remain as a good idea that is being talked about, but will become an integral part of future entrepreneurial initiatives, from youth and educational level to business and economic, in order to improve initiatives and raise awareness on need to protect the environment and to safe resources as much as possible.
To report: The first Regional Conference on Circular Economy was success
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.
ENV.net Initiative: to update National Strategy on Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Goods, by applying Circular Economy concept
EASD and CEKOR organised on October 12, 2018 Meeting of National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) Working Group for Chapter 27.
ENV.net Thematic Advisor Prof dr Andjelka Mihajlov presented ENV.net research related Circular Economy (Complexity).
ENV.net Serbia National Coordinator Aleksandra Mladenovic presented ENV.net Initiative to update National Strategy on Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Goods by applying Circular Economy concept. The Initiative is acknowledged , and will be send to Ministry competent for Environment.
In media:
Circular economy knowledge based advocacy in Eco-schools network in Serbia
On October 8, supported by Municipality Gornji Milanovac, EASD as Nacional Operator for International Eco-Schools Program, organised yearly national meeting of Eco-schools coordinators. To note that now in Eco-schools network in Serbia are more than 100 educational institutions; Network is coordinated by EASD.
At the meeting, it was announced that the theme for 2018/19 Eko-paket activity is “circular economy”. By this, EASD begin circular economy knowledge based advocacy in Eco-schools network in Serbia
The first regional conference on circular economy, Belgrade, November 2018: Agenda
1st regional conference on circular economy
Belgrade, 25-27 November, 2018
Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Terazije 23, II floor
Agenda
November 25, 2018
Participants and guests arrival to Belgrade, Env.net project Steering Committee meeting
November 26, 2018, Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Terazije 23/II
9.00-9.30 Registration
9.30-10.00 Introductory words: ENV.net representatives/partners (EASD, Co-Plan); Serbian Chamber of Commerce; EU Delegation (tbc)
10.00-10.20 The toolkit for the preparation of a general assessment regarding the state of the art of the circular economy, Ms. Eleonora Puddu, Punto.sud, Italy
10.20-10.45 Circular Economy and Climate Smart Development (Circular Communities), Mr. Miroslav Tadic, UNDP Portfolio Manager
10.45-11.00 Climate action as an incentive to transition to a circular economy, Mrs. Natasa Djereg, CEKOR
11.00-13.15 Circular economy in Western Balkan and Turkey, step forward (Albania, BiH, FYR of Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo*, Turkey, Serbia – 15 minutes per Partner)
13.15-14.00 Lunch break
14.00-15.30 Panel discussions: “Circular economy in theory and practice”.
Participants: Mr. Richard Filcak, EEB, Mrs. Jelena Kis (Ball Packaging Europe), Mr. Sinisa Mitrovic (Serbian Chamber of Commerce), Mrs. Maja Krunic (Serbian Environmental Protection Agency), Mrs. Radmila Jokic, Eco-school teacher (Sombor), Zoran Jakovljev (GIZ RS)
Moderator: Ms. Milica Momcilovic, journalist
Questions to Panelists:
- In your opinion, what are the main challenges/obstacles to introduce circular economy concept into national economy?
- What is your experience regarding circular economy topic?
- Is there any doubt regarding sustainability of this concept?
- Is there any differences regarding implementation of this concept in developed and developing countries/countries in transition?
- How to engage community and citizens to follow circular economy concept and implement it in everyday life?
- if any other question?
15.30-16.30 Discussion and conclusion
16.30 Closing of Conference
November 27, 2018
9.00 – 11.00 Field trip to Feplo, Cacak
11.00 – 13.00 Visiting of the factory
Guest lectures made at two Universities in Serbia: “Circular economy is concept and process, and still not full circle”
May 2018: Following project plan and Activity 1.8 Strengthening and expanding ENV.net communication strategy, lectures have been delivered at the University of Belgrade and University of Novi Sad. Prof. dr Andjelka Mihajlov, expert and honorably president of EASD, with support of Prof. dr Mirjana Drenovak Ivanovic, Faculty of Law University of Belgrade and Prof. dr Goran Vujic, Faculty of Technical Sciences University of Belgrade, had a lecture related to Circular Economy at the both Universities. Professor Mihajlov explained to the students of Law and students of Technical Sciences the concept of circular economy, and discussed reasons why is important to have all three pillars of sustainable development in balance. Students also had opportunity to learn how individuals, companies, decision makers and society as whole can contribute to overcoming problems in implementation of this concept faced in the previous period, pointing out that circular economy is concept and process, and still not “full circle”. During discussion, students tried to define circular economy as known term, and evident understanding after the lecture was recorded, compared to their opinions at the beginning. Some of the important highlights from the lecture will be involved in the ordinary test that will serve to check knowledge gained. Professor Mihajlov took the opportunity to present env.net3 project, experience from the previous project periods and to explain how is possible to reach decision makers having in mind strong partnership of civil societies and knowledge that could serve as the main force.
Prof Andjelka Mihajlov: “Circular economy is concept and process, and still not full circle”
More for Less
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development contributed in drafting of the document “National profile of Serbia” ”2018 edition of the More from Less report of European Environmental Agency (EEA) – also to be included in SOER 2020. More for Less 2015 edition is available
National Profile was compiled by Serbian Environmental Protection Agency, with contribution of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia; Cleaner Production Centre of Serbia; Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development; Ministry of Economy; Ministry of Environmental Protection; Ministry of Mining and Energy; Provincial Secretariat for Energy, Construction and Transport; Republic Secretariat for Public Policies; Republic Water Directory; and Serbian Environmental Protection Agency.
Call for participation for EnE18: Nature protection – Nature-Responsive Development
We are pleased to invite you to The Fourteenth Regional Conference ”Environment to Europe – EnE18‘‘, which will be held on June 5th 2018 in Belgrade (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia). Conference is UN WED (World Environmental Day) and ESDW (European Sustainable Development Week) event. On the World Environment Day 2018 , the UN is expected to give emphasis on the fact that individual actions to preserve the nature can actually help in sustaining a green environment and to understand why forests are important.
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development in partnership with Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia organize The Fourteenth Regional Conference ”Environment to Europe – EnE18”. Thematic area this year is Nature protection – Nature-Responsive Development
Nature protection is highly ranked on the list of priorities of the United Nations (Sustainable Development Goal 15 and UN Decade on Biodiversity by 2020), the European Union (NATURA 2000) and all countries that strive to preserve natural values, biodiversity, geodiversity have to develop with responsibility to nature. The goal of the UN Decade on Biodiversity is to support the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and to promote its overall vision of living in harmony with nature. UN SDG 15 refers to the protection, restoration and promotion of sustainable ecosystems use, sustainable forests management, combating desertification and preventing land degradation and biodiversity loss. In response to the threat to nature and biodiversity, the EU has formed a wide European network of protected natural areas, known as NATURA 2000. It covers over 18% of the EU territory, ensuring long-term survival of the most valuable and threatened species and habitats in Europe. Candidate countries and potential candidates for membership in the European Union are facing a great challenge to protect nature and implement a development responsive to nature.
The aim of the EnE18 Conference is to highlight the importance of environmental protection and sustainable development in the context of the protection of nature. The Conference is an opportunity for representatives of state institutions, professional, consultative, educational and scientific institutions, managers of protected areas, civil sector, to present current topics in the field of nature protection.
Traditionally, within the Conference every year we have a significant number of participants from Serbia and abroad, the participation of over 150 authors and co-authors of papers who published in the CD Proceedings of the Conference, as well as participants without paper.
We firmly believe that your scientific/research results/consultancy/views and experience will substantially help a better understanding of these fields. Being aware of the necessity of a close cooperation between science and practice, we invite you to take active participation in the Conference Environment to Europe – EnE18, either by preparing and presenting your paper or by contributing as an auditor and participant.
Application forms (with or without paper) should be sent by email: eneconference@feeserbia.com
Focus themes on WED through years:
- Theme of the year 2017 – “Join the race to make the world a better place”.
- Theme of the year 2015 – “One World, One Environment”.
- Theme of the year 2014 – “small island developing states” or “SIDS” and “Raise your voice, not the sea level”.
- Theme of the year 2013 – “Think. Eat. Save.” And slogan – “Reduce Your Foodprint”.
- Theme of the year 2012 – “Green Economy: Does it include you?”.
- Theme of the year 2011 – “Forests: Nature at your Service”.
- Theme of the year 2010 – “Many Species. One Planet. One Future”.
- Theme of the year 2009 – “Your Planet Needs You – Unite to Combat Climate Change”.
- Theme and slogan of the year 2008 – “CO2, Kick the Habit – Towards a Low Carbon Economy”.
- Theme of the year 2007 – “Melting Ice – a Hot Topic?”.
- Theme of the year 2006 – “Deserts and Desertification” and slogan – “Don’t Desert Drylands!.”
- Theme of the year 2005 – “Green Cities” and slogan – “Plan for the Planet!”.
- Theme of the year 2004 – “Wanted! Seas and Oceans” and slogan – “Dead or Alive?”.
- Theme of the year 2003 – “Water” and slogan – “Two Billion People are Dying for It!”.
- Theme of the year 2002 – “Give Earth a Chance”.
- Theme of the year 2001 – “Connect with the World Wide Web of Life”.
- Theme of the year 2000 – “The Environment Millennium” and slogan – “Time to Act”.
- Theme of the year 1999 – “Our Earth – Our Future” and slogan – “Just Save It!”.
- Theme of the year 1998 – “For Life on Earth and slogan – “Save Our Seas”.
- Theme of the year 1997 – “For Life on Earth”.
- Theme of the year 1996 – “Our Earth, Our Habitat, Our Home”.
- Theme of the year 1995 – “We the Peoples: United for the Global Environment”.
- Theme of the year 1994 – “One Earth One Family”.
- Theme of the year 1993 – “Poverty and the Environment and slogan – “Breaking the Vicious Circle”.
- Theme of the year 1992 – “Only One Earth, Care and Share”.
- Theme of the year 1991 – “Climate Change. Need for Global Partnership”.
- Theme of the year 1990 – “Children and the Environment”.
- Theme of the year 1989 – “Global Warming; Global Warning”.
- Theme of the year 1988 – “When People Put the Environment First, Development Will Last”.
- Theme of the year 1987 – “Environment and Shelter: More Than A Roof”.
- Theme of the year 1986 – “A Tree for Peace”.
- Theme of the year 1985 – “Youth: Population and the Environment”.
ENV.net 3 : ENV-net factoring the environmental portfolio for Western Balkans and Turkey in the EU Policy Agenda
We are happy to announce the beginning of the third phase of ENV-net.
After 5 years of activity, the ENV-net today, counts for a member in each Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance country, this includes two newly joined organisations from Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina which co-operate with the network since 2016. The network is supported by partners in Italy – punto.sud and Belgium – European Environmental Bureau – EEB, both bringing to the network experience and best practices from two EU member states, as well as the possibility to align with similar ongoing initiatives within the EU.
Why ENV-net factoring the environmental portfolio for Western Balkans and Turkey in the EU Policy Agenda?
Recent natural occurrences such as repeated massive floods, and the EU accession obligations the Western Balkans and Turkey region must fulfil, highlight the immediacy of action required in the field of climate change and environmental protection.
For it to be effective, such action requires a solid pan-regional commitment in monitoring, advocating and awareness raising in home countries and engagement in policy- discussions at EU level. It also requires well-established and qualified civil society and media actors to generate positive pressure on the relevant institutions, and keep the citizens informed in a way that is accessible and actionable.
Studies show that, despite efforts made in this regard, the Western Balkan and Turkey region faces a number of challenges impeding progress, such as: limited local buy-in of the reforms, conflicting legislation, lack of a critical mass that can monitor developments and exert pressure on policy-makers, weak dialogue with institutions, poor understanding and coverage of climate change and environmental news, and very sparse resonance with current EU environment-related discussions such as circular economy aspects.
In response to these needs, ENV-net, as a proven regional network and advocacy actor, in the forthcoming three years will work on improving evidence-based policy-making and policy-influencing on climate change and environmental legislation in each of the ENV.net partner countries.
The network focus will be to generate region-representative evidence-supported input to contribute to EU discussions on matters of climate change and environment, and to explore and introduce to the region new inter-related aspects such as circular economy.
In the process, the network foresees to also technically and financially support civil society organisations and media in each of the network partner countries, to better understand and work on these issues.
The action is supported by the European Commission through the programme for Consolidating Regional Thematic Networks of Civil Society Organisations
ENV.net team is inviting you to follow and join efforts. Stay tuned!
EASD activities related SDGs
EASD team , from January 1,2018 will follow activities through SDGs lenses:
SD GOAL 1 – No Poverty SD GOAL 2 – Zero Hunger SD GOAL 3 – Good Health and Well-Being SD GOAL 4- Quality Education SD GOAL 5 – Gender Equality SD GOAL 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation SD GOAL 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy SD GOAL 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth SD GOAL 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SD GOAL 10 – Reduced Inequalities SD GOAL 11- Sustainable Cities and Communities SD GOAL 12 – Sustainable Consumption and Production SD GOAL 13 – Climate Action SD GOAL 14 – Life below Water SD GOAL 15 – Life on Land SD GOAL 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions SD GOAL 17 – Partnerships for the GoalsIn addition, we are following our activities as UN Environment TOPICS:
AIR CHEMICALS AND WASTE CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION AND TRAINING ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE FORESTS GREEN ECONOMY RESOURSE EFFICIENCY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS WATER SCIENCE, INNOVATION ENVIRONMENT UNDER REVIEW ( ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, INFORMATION MANAGEMENT).The goal of this activities categorisation is EASD strategic planning of activities in future. It is also lesson learned after EASD representative participation at UNEA3 in Nairobi.
Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development
The Thirteenth Regional Conference – EnE17 Environment to Europe was successful UN Environment WED and ESDW event. Traditionally, this Conference was organized by professional association “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
Especially interested was Panel on Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development (panelists are: Prof. dr Vladimir Đurđević, Faculty of Physics, University of Belgrade ; Prof. dr Aleksandar Jovović, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade; Prim. mr sci. med. Branislava Matić, Head of Unit for Human Ecology and School Hygiene at Institute of Public health of Serbia “Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut”; Nataša Đokić, Head of Department for planning projects at City of Belgrade, Secretariat for Environmental Protection; MSc Izabel Airas, Advisor for circular economy, Center for Circular Economy, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia; prof. dr Anđelka Mihajlov (Member of the Government of the Republic of Serbia Negotiating Team for the Accession of the Republic of Serbia to the EU, responsible for climate changes in Chapter 27); Panel was moderated by Milica Momcilovic.
EnE17 was opened with introductory speeches by Goran Trivan, Secretary for Environmental Protection of the City of Belgrade with strong and clear message where it is and how it should develop the sector of environment and climate change in the Republic of Serbia, Päivi Alatalo, Deputy Head of the Mission, Embassy of Finland, Belgrade, Stanojla Mandic, Deputy Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection of the Republic of Serbia, Zoran Vujovic, Vicepresident, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, PhD Mirjana Drenovak Ivanovic, Faculty of Law, University of Belgrade and member of the Government of the Republic of Serbia Negotiating Team for the Accession of the Republic of Serbia to the EU, responsible for specific sectors of Chapter 27, MSc Dusan Stokic, Co-organizer of the EnE17 Conference, Director of the Centre for Environmental Protection, Standards and Technical Regulation, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and PhD Dunja Prokic, the EnE17 Conference Chair person, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development. Conference was attended by representatives from government and non-government sectors, international organizations, scientific and educational institutions.
Conference participants (about 100 registered participants) were united in: education on climate change is very important in order to be able to mitigate the consequences of climate change and to adapt to them. Key role should have educational institutions to prepare and implement multidisciplinary programs tailored to different educational institutions and different age categories. Education on climate change requires professionals who will work with young people, so young people will be prepared to make the right decisions in the future. Participants in the discussion have tried to provide answers to questions on how to be more effective in environmental protection and responsive to nature.
The Conference awarded prizes for the best Young Reporters for the Environmnet (YRE), who took part in the competition, “Saving resources, do not throw, recycle!” The competition is organized in the framework of the FEE International Young Reporters for the Environmnet, implemented in Serbia by a professional association “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” with RECAN Foundation support. Prizes are awarded MSc Aleksandra Mladenovic, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development president, MSc Milena Tabasevic, coordinator of the Young Reporters for the Environment in Serbia and Jelena Kis, manager of the RECAN Foundation for recycling beverage cans.
See pictures from Opening , Green Planet Award to Tetra Pak Company , Panel CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT , YRE awards ceremony , Research papers presentation .
Draft Agenda for Environment to Europe EnE17 Conference (Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development), June 5, 2017, Belgrade
The Thirteenth Regional Conference – EnE17
Environment to Europe
Belgrade, Serbia, June 5, 2017
Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development
Conference Agenda – Draft as on 24/5 ; Conference Agenda- Draft as on 22/05
UNEP World Environment Day – WED event
European Sustainable Development Week, ESDW event
5. jun June 5th
Velika sala u PKS, II sprat, Terazije 23, Beograd | Main Hall, 2nd floor – Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Terazije 23, Belgrade |
9:00 – 10:00 Registration
10:00 – 10:40 Opening remarks
Confirmed / Potvrdili
- Goran Trivan, Secretary for Environmental Protection of the City of Belgrade / Sekretar za zaštitu životne sredine Grada Beograda
- Päivi Alatalo, Deputy Head of the Mission, Embassy of Finland, Belgrade / Zamenik šefa misije Ambasade Finske u Beogradu
- Rodolјub Šabić,The Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data / Poverenik za informacije od javnog značaja i zaštitu podataka o ličnosti Vlade Srbije
- Representative, Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia / Predstavnik Zavoda za zaštitu prirode Srbije
- Zoran Vujović, Vicepresident, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia / Potpredsednik Privredne komore Srbije
- dr Mirjana Drenovak Ivanović, Faculty of Law, University of Belgrade (and Member of the Government of the Republic of Serbia Negotiating Team for the Accession of the Republic of Serbia to the EU, responsible for specific sectors of Chapter 27 ) / Pravni fakultet Univerziteta u Beogradu ( i član Pregovaračkog tima za vođenje pregovora o pristupanju Republike Srbije Evropskoj uniji Vlade Republike Srbije zadužena za određene sektore poglavlja 27)
- mr Dusan Stokić, Co-organizer of the EnE17 Conference, Director of the Centre for Environmental Protection, Standards and Technical Regulation, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia / suorganizator EnE17 Konferencije, Direktor Centra za zaštitu životne sredine, standarde i tehničke propise, Privredna komora Srbije
- dr Dunja Prokić, the EnE17 Conference Chair person, Environmental Ambassador for Sustainable Development / predsedavajuća EnE17 Konferencije, Ambasadorka održivog razvoja i životne sredine
Note : The Conference will be opened by Mr. Goran Trivan, Secretary for Environmental Protection of the City of Belgrade.
10:50 -11:00 Technical Break / Tehnička pauza
11:00 -12:30 Panel on Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development
Moderator: Milica Momčilović, journalist
Panelists:
Prof. dr Vladimir Đurđević, Faculty of Physics, University of Belgrade
Prof. dr Aleksandar Jovović, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade
Prim. mr sci. med. Branislava Matić, Head of Unit for Human Ecology and School Hygiene at Institute of Public health of Serbia “Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut”
Nataša Đokić, Head of Department for planning projects at City of Belgrade, Secretariat for Environmental Protection
MSc Izabel Airas, Advisor for circular economy, Center for Circular Economy, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia
prof. dr Anđelka Mihajlov (Member of the Government of the Republic of Serbia Negotiating Team for the Accession of the Republic of Serbia to the EU, responsible for climate changes in Chapter 27 )
12:30 -13:00 Awards for the best Young Reporters for the Environmnet (YRE) in 2017
13:00-13:30 Break
13:30-17:00 Presentations
17:00 Conference closing
Indicators and a Monitoring Framework for Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has recently published its final report on Indicators and a Monitoring Framework for the Sustainable Development Goals: Launching a data revolution for the SDGs. This report is the result of over 18 months of consultations led by the SDSN with the contributions of nearly 500 organizations and thousands of individuals – draft versions of the report have so far been downloaded over 80000 times.The report outlines a tiered monitoring framework at the national, global, regional, and thematic levels, and presents a concise set of 100 Global Monitoring Indicators. This limited number of indicators can comprehensively track all 169 OWG targets while balancing countries’ capacities and domestic monitoring commitments. This report is a contribution to the ongoing post-2015 processes, including the Inter-Agency and Expert Group on the SDGs (IEAG-SDGs).
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development is the Member of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network – SDSN .
We follow Informal interactive hearings with representatives of NGOs, CSOs, major groups and the private sector on the post-2015 development agenda, in NY.
One more publication , as the outreach in Rio+20 process is 2015 Food Security Report, with key findings : – For the world as a whole, the MDG 1 indicators for prevalence of undernourishment and underweight children under 5 years of age have largely moved in parallel, providing a consistent message regarding achievement of the hunger target; – Underweight in children is expected to decline less rapidly than undernourishment, given that better hygiene conditions, access to clean water and more varied diets usually require more investment and more time to materialize than enhanced availability of calories: – Despite showing rapid reduction, Southern Asia is the region with the highest historical prevalence of underweight children among the developing regions; – In sub-Saharan Africa, there has been limited progress in reducing both undernourishment and child underweight; – Economic growth is necessary for sustaining progress in efforts to reduce poverty, hunger and malnutrition. But it is not sufficient; – Inclusive growth – growth that provides opportunities for those with meagre assets, skills and opportunities – improves the incomes and livelihoods of the poor, and is effective in the fight against hunger and malnutrition; – Improving the productivity of resources held by family farmers and smallholders is, in most cases, an essential element of inclusive growth and has broad implications for the livelihoods of the rural poor and for the rural economy in general; – In many situations, international trade openness has an important potential for improving food security and nutrition by increasing food availability and for promoting investment and growth; – Social protection directly contributes to the reduction of hunger and malnutrition by promoting income security and access to better nutrition, healthcare and education; – Prevalence of food insecurity and malnutrition is significantly higher in protracted crisis contexts resulting from conflict and natural disasters. For more information
Radisson Blu – the first hotel in Serbia with the GREEN KEY
With today’s Green Key certification at the Radisson Blu Old Mill Hotel in Belgrade, Serbia gets its first hotel with the Green Key eco-label. Over 250 properties of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the largest hotel companies worldwide, are already eco-labelled. Rezidor hotels in Germany, France, Turkey, Finland, Netherlands, Nordic countries, Baltic States and the Middle East are certified with the Green Key.
Since 2010, the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has been successfully collaborating with the Foundation for Environmental Education, the international charity in charge of the management of the Green Key, with a long-term agreement currently in place until 2018. Rezidor’s ambition is that all its hotels in the Middle East, Europe and Africa should be eco-labelled by 2015, and Green Key is one of the preferred eco-labels for the hotel chain due to its high credibility. Each hotel is thoroughly audited before a Green Key is awarded.
During today’s official ceremony the International Green Key Programme Director, Finn Bolding Thomsen, has handed over the certificate to Thomas Swieca, General Manager at Radisson Blu Old Mill Hotel, Belgrade. “As a global and still growing company, sustainable economy is a principle we are focusing on. With the eco-label Green Key we confirm our company’s own responsible business program and make another consistent step which will have a positive impact on the environment,” Thomas Swieca explained.
Finn Bolding Thomsen was pleased to present the certificate on this special occasion: “Green Key is today one of the world’s largest eco-labels for the tourism industry with more than 2,300 sites in 48 countries having joined the program. It is a great honor to give the Green Key certificate to the Radisson Blu Old Mill Hotel as the first certified hotel in Serbia”. More…..
Six essential elements for delivering the SDGs
We follow developments on UN level – The Road to Dignity by 2030, and would like to share 6 essential elements for delivering 17 SDGs:
- Dignity: to end poverty and fight inequalities
- People: to ensure healthy lives, knowledge, and inclusion of women and children
- Prosperity: to grow a strong, inclusive and transformative economy
- Planet: to protect our ecosystems for all societies and our children
- Justice: to promote safe and peaceful societies, and strong institutions
- Partnership: to catalyze global solidarity for sustainable development.
It is interesting also to look at flows of funds from international and national financing sources to sustainable development.
European Western Balkans Interview: Andjelka Mihajlov, Environmental Ambassador for Sustainable Development
European Western Balkans Interview: Andjelka Mihajlov, Environmental Ambassador for Sustainable Development
Prof dr. Anđelka Mihajlov, Environmental Ambassador for Sustainable Development, is a Full Professor at Faculty of Technical Sciences, the University of Novi Sad and Coordinator for environment and green economy at the Public Policy Institute. UN and EU expert, scientist and consultant. She has more than 300 published scientific papers. In last 20 years, her frameworks of the professional orientation are the environment and sustainable development.
European Western Balkans: What are in your opinion, the biggest ecological problems in Serbia?
Andjelka Mihajlov: The decades in which values and prosperity were/is created based on the principles of traditional economic models not managed to change ever-growing excessive consumption of natural resources and to fight marginalization of environmental issues. This is diagnosis for all over the Western Balkan region. My opinion is, that despite some good and very good snapshots and flagship cases relevant for environment sector, the highest environmental problem in Serbia, as well as in all countries in region, is “position” of sector in agenda of development: not among priorities and priority concerns.
EWB: Serbia expects one of the most difficult chapters in the negotiations with the EU, Chapter 27 relating the environment. In what extent is Serbia preparing for the opening of this chapter?
Serbia is having now 14 years of commitment to EU membership. In environmental sector it was, and it is a great challenge, especially having in mind “grey and brown environmental heritage”. In the frame of these more than ten years of actions, I could tell that improvement is respectable. However, a lot of issues remain unsolved.
In 2012 Serbia became a candidate for EU membership, and on 21st of January 2014 officially opened accession negotiations. Environmental negotiation process in Serbia started with Explanatory screening in September 2014, and followed with bilateral screening in November 2014. Screening report is expected by EC sometimes in 2015. Progress towards EU in the sector Environment (and Climate Change) vary from limited progress (2005), to moderate advanced (2006), little progress (2007, 2008, 2013,2014), some progress (2012), progressed well (2011), the establishment of ambitious legislative program (2002-2004), and to good progress (2009,2010).
And coming back to the question, Serbia is prepared and preparing to open negotiation in Chapter 27, with strong message from my side: it is crucially important to include people/experts with appropriate knowledge, skills and experience, as well as to effective coordinate actions with other sectors.
EWB: What will pose as a major challenge in this chapter?
AM: One of the main challenge is to harmonize socio-economic development with EU’s Resources-Efficient and Low-Carbon Policies and to implement in national legislation, already transposited EU environmental acquis at large extend.
I would like to underline a few national strategic documents: Strategy towards EU accession (2005), National Environmental Program (2010), with Action Plan (2014/15) and the 2011 National Environmental Approximation Strategy. The last one sets three goals: full and high quality transposition of the EU environmental acquis; maintenance of effective and affordable environmental infrastructure and services; and institutional arrangements for efficient approximation.
EWB: How much are events such as IV International Miteco Forum important in this process?
AM: I should acknowledge the intention of the Miteco Forum to bring professionals and experts to the floor, together with governmental official, international organization representatives and all interested in subject. I am very happy that I had opportunity to share reflection from 2014 European Resources Forum, just finished in Berlin, where I participated. I talked on Panel, promoting sustainable use of natural resources in hand with climate change actions. The part of my presentation was short introduction of the Seventh Environmental Action Program to the Miteco Forum audience.
And one more value of Miteco Forum – this is starting to be growing “family gathering” of professionals interested in environmental and waste issues. My pleasure is to see among them, my colleagues, followers, former and current students and civil society fellows.
EWB: What do you think is a good model for solving the problems of industrial and hazardous waste in companies that are in the process of restructuring?
AM: It is known, that personally I “entered” environmental sector through “hazardous waste door”. For years I was technical expert on Basel convention issues.
I do support main principles of preventive measures and environmentally friendly measures for and future generations’ well-being.
I do not support “one model fit all” in solving historical and existing pollution, mainly related to the industrial and the hazardous waste, in companies changing ownerships.
Environmental Due Diligence and environmental liability tools, combined with technical feasible solutions, could serve as the guideline frame. For now, when country do not have licensed hazardous waste facility, technical feasible solution is the export of hazardous waste (as it is practice in Serbia). It has to be understand, that when changing the ownership of company it should go hand-in-hand with proposed solutions and decision who is paying.
EWB: What are benefits of Serbia joining the European Union when it comes to the field of environmental protection?
AM: With EU accession and membership, Serbian citizens should have great benefits to share the same, high environmental values.
Empowering the environment sector, including promoting knowledge based actions and straightening expert capacities, as well investment in infrastructure that supports all aspects of sustainable development (sustainable/green growth) with socially sensible job creation, are challenges we are facing. We should “position” environment sector much higher in the agenda of development!
Andjelka Mihajlov was a member of the Serbian Government as the Minister for Protection of Natural Resources and Environment from June 2002 to March 2004, commencing significant reforms in the environmental sector in the country, with significant results in international and regional cooperation. In 2006, UN Environment Program identified her as the woman “environmental leader of the Western Balkans”. Prof. Mihajlov headed the expert team which prepared the Study on Green Economy for Serbia which was the basic platform for participation of the Serbian delegation at Rio+20 UN Conference in Brazil. In the period from 2005 to 2010, she was the member of the Environmental and Social Advisory Council to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in London. She is a member of the National Committee for UNESCO and the Committee for Environment and Sustainable Development of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. She is national mentor for Foundation for Environmental Education with the seat in Copenhagen
ERF 2014 – European Resources Forum, Berlin November 2014
EASD representative Prof Anđelka Mihajlov, participate on the 2nd ERF 2014. Thematic issues include: Europe’s responsibility for a sustainable use of natural resources, Targets for a sustainable resource use, Natural resources – to whom do they belong?, Resources for the “Energiewende”, UNEP’s International Resource Panel (IRP) on Decoupling & Circular Economy, Sustainable development goals and post 2015 process , Sustainable resource use and the role of the financial system, Resource efficiency in business – experiences from EU member states, How can Europe reach a sustainable use of natural resources?.
In Opening Plenary session participants were: Barbara Hendricks, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, Maciej H. Grabowski, Minister of the Environment, Poland, Chris Kuijpers, Directorate General, Ministry for the Environment, The Netherlands, Karl Falkenberg, General Director, European Commission, DG Environment, Maria Krautzberger, President, Federal Environment Agency, Germany, Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker, Co-Chair, UNEP International Resource Panel; Co-President, Club of Rome; Germany, Marina Fischer-Kowalski, Head, Institute of Social Ecology, Alpen Adria University; member of UNEP International Resource Panel; Austria, Arjen Hoekstra, Professor in Water Management, creator of the water footprint concept, University of Twente, The Netherlands,and Harry Lehmann, General Director, Division Environmental Planning and Sustainability Strategies, Federal Environment Agency, Germany.
ENV.net multi-stakeholder Conference on Chapter 27: about 200 participants
EnE14/ENV.net Conference on June 5, 2014 (World Environment Day) in Belgrade, thematically focused on Chapter 27 of Serbian negotiation with EU, present strong multi-stakeholder event (government-academia-industry-local communities-NGOs), with the presence and messages from representative of EU Delegation in Serbia, UN Resident Coordinator, OSCE and German Embassy, among others. See AGENDA , and Papers Proceedings.
“Chapter 27 within the EU accession negotiation, concerning ecology, is among the most demanding and most expensive ones, and Serbia is faced with a “bumpy” road when it comes to harmonisation with the European standards, said the participants of the “Environment towards Europe” conference, held at Belgrade Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of World Environment Day.
Head of the European Integration Section of the EU Delegation to Serbia Freek Janmat said that a considerable part of the EUR200 million of pre-accession funds for the period 2014-2020 would be earmarked for ecology. He said he expected Serbia would successfully face the challenges of harmonising domestic standards with the demanding EU regulations related to environment.
Janmat noted that many countries, with Croatia being the latest, went through the transitional period for implementation of certain standards, envisioned within the Chapter 27.
He said it was important to make a clear investment plan and pick “ripe” projects in the area of ecology, as well as to establish a specialised fund designed to finance ecological projects.
State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Stana Božović said the negotiating Chapter 27 would be the most expensive, demanding, and serious one, adding that two thirds of all regulations and standards that need to be harmonised with the EU were related to ecology.
It takes EUR10,5 billion in order to achieve a full harmonisation with the EU ecology regulations, said Božović, adding that government, civil sector and economy should all work together on this path.”
More about the Conference , including the presentations
Agenda for EnE14/ENV.net Conference “Environment to Europe”, June 5, 2014 in SCC – opening at 10:00
Conference Agenda
5. juni June 5th
Velika sala u PKS, Resavska 15 | Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Resavska 15 |
9:00 – 9:45 Registracija učesnika /Registration
9:45 – 10:00 Preparation to opening sharp at 10:00 / Priprema da otvaranje bude sa početkom tačno u 10h
10:00 – 11:00 Uvodna obraćanja sa uručivanjem Zahvalnica za partnerstvo “Životna sredina ka Evropi” / Opening remarks with handing out Recognitions for “Environment to Europe” partnership
Predsedništvo: Siniša Mitrović, prof.dr Andjelka Mihajlov , prof.dr Nataša Žugić-Drakulić, Dušan Stokić, doc. dr Dunja Prokić
- Irena Vojáčková – Sollorano, UN Resident Coordinator / Visoki predstavnik UN u Srbiji
- Freek Janmaat, Head of European Integration and Economic Section, Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia, Direktor sektora za evropske integracije i ekonomiju, Delegacija Evropske unije u Republici Srbiji
- Gabriela Bennemann, Head of department for economy and trade at the German Embassy in the Republic of Serbia, Rukovodilac ekonomskog odeljenja nemačke ambasade u Republici Srbiji
- Stana Božović, State Secretary for Environment, Ministry for Agriculture and Environmental Protection/državna sekretarka za životnu sredinu (tbfc)
- Filip Radović, Head of Serbian Environmental Protection Agency – Ministry for Agriculture and Environmental Protection , Direktor Agencije za zaštitu životne sredine Republike Srbije-Ministarstvo poljoprvirede i zaštite životne sredine Republike Srbije
- Rodolјub Šabić,The Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data /Poverenik za informacije od javnog značaja i zaštitu podataka o ličnosti Vlade Srbije
- Representative of the Government of Serbia’s Office for EU integration, Predstavnik Kancelarije za evropske integracije Vlade Srbije
- Željko Sertić, Serbian Chamber of Commerce President / Predsednik Privredne komore Srbije (tbc)
- Representative of SCC Commity of Environment and Sustainable Development/ Predstavnik Odbora za životnu sredinu i održivi razvoj PKS
- Snežana Radočaj, Head of Hemofarm Foundation/Direktorka Fondacije Hemofarm
- Aleksandar Dragišić, Head of Institute for nature conservation of Serbia/Direktor Zavoda za zaštitu prirode Srbije
- Prof. dr Stevan Lilić, Public Policy Institute Podgorica/Beograd/Ljubljana, Institut za javnu politiku Podgorica/Beograd/Ljubljana
- Saša Mihajlović,Green Serbian Chamber of Commerce President/ Predsednik Privredna komora Zelene Srbije
- Tatjana Trifunov, JP “Ada Ciganlija” Beograd
- Represebntative of OSCE in Serbia / Predstavnik OEBS u Srbiji
- Maja Spasojević, Head of Environmental Management, Health, Energy and Agriculture Department, EPTISA Regional Office for SEE, Eptisa Regional Office for SEE/ Direktor sektora zivotne sredine, energetike, zdravlja i poljoprivrede, EPTISA Regionalna kancelarija za jugoistocnu Evropu
- Prof.dr. Anđelka Mhajlov, Introductory message: Importance and Institutional set up in Serbia for Chapter 27 negotiation with EU / Uvodna poruka: Važnost i institucionalno organizovanje u Srbiji za pregovaranje poglavlja 27 sa EU
Note/Napomena: Pending invitation will be included in the final Agenda upon confirmation/ Uvaženi pozvani gosti će biti uvršćeni u finalni dnevni red, po dobijanju potvde učešća
11:00 -11:10 Technical Break / Tehnička pauza
11:10- 13:00 Plenary lectures / Plenarna predavanja
(Moderatori: Prof dr Hristina Stevanović-Čarapina, Prof. Dr. Predrag Simonović, Prof. Dr. Zora Dajić-Stevanovć, Draženko Bijelič, Milica Petrović)
Negotiating chapter 27: process and challenges, Arunas Kundrotas, Senior adviser on EU integration, ENVAP project, Jovana Majkic, Coordinator of Negotiaton Group 27, Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection
EMAS III – DOBRODOŠLI U EU! / EMAS III – WELCOME TO EU!, DRAGANA PETROVIĆ, VICTORIA CONSULTING D.O.O./ EMAS NACIONALNI EKSPERT NA PROJEKTU EU: LAW ENFORCEMENT IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION CONTROL, PREVENTION OF CHEMICAL ACCIDENTS AND ESTABLISHING THE EMAS SYSTEM IN SERBIA,EUROPEAID/131555/C/SER/RS., BEOGRAD
CLIMATE CHANGE AND ECONOMY: TOURISM ASPECTS FOR GREECE, A.V. Michailidou, Ch. Vlachokostasa, Ch.-T. Tsourdioua, D. Spyridia, G. Baniasb, Ν. Moussiopoulosa, Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Environmental Engineering, Aristotle University Thessaloniki; School of Economics and Business Administration, International Hellenic University, Thermi, Greece
Multi-criteria Prioritization of the Flood Management Projects in Republica Srpska using PEPA Methodology, Merih Kerestecioglu, Mihajlo Stevanović, Ljiljana Stojić, Vassilis Evmopidis, COWI IPF Consortium ,Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Republika Srpska
Aktivnosti Zavoda za zaštitu prirode Srbije u oblasti zaštite prirode, Poglavlje 27, Verica Stojanović, član radne grupe za Poglavlje 27
ENV.net PROJEKAT : NAPREDAK I IZAZOVI / ENV.net Project: Progress and Chalanges, Nataša Žugić-Drakulić i Filip Jovanović, Naconalna koordinatorka i asistent projekta Development of ENV.net in West Balkan and Turkey: giving citizens a voice to influence the environmental process reforms for closer EU integration – Ambasadori održivog razvoja i životne sredine/Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development
Moj izbor, moje pravo–zdrava životna sredina!, Zorica Stevanović, Centar za razvoj građanskog društva “PROTECTA”, Niš
Vrste biljaka i životinja značajnih za zaštitu prirode u EU, Gabor Mesaroš, Udruženje za zaštitu i razvoj okruženja i graditeljskog nasleđa – Protego, Subotica
13:00-14:00 Break with buffet / Pauza sa posluženjem
14:00-14:15 Zajedničko fotografisanje dobitnika Priznanja za partnerstvo “Životna sredina ka Evropi” / Group Photo of awarded with Diploma for Partnership Recognition), Spisak na kraju Agende/List of awarded is included in the Agenda
14:15-17:00 Nastavak plenarnih predavanja – Plenary presentation continuation
(Moderatori: Milica Petrović, Draženko Bijelić, Uroš Rakić, Milena Tabašević, Radmila Marjanov-Panjević, Nataša Žugić Drakulić)
Učestalost prekoračenja GV PM10 – poređenje stanja kvaliteta vazduha u Republici Srbiji i EU, Anđelka Radosavljević, Tihomir Popović, Lidija Marić Tanasković, Biljana Jović, Agencija za zaštitu životne sredine
MEĐUNARODNI PROPISI O UČEŠĆU JAVNOSTI U DONOŠENJU ODLUKA I REPUBLIKA SRBIJA, TINA JANJATOVIĆ, MINISTARSTVO POLJOPRIVREDE I ZAŠTITE ŽIVOTNE SREDINE , DRAGOLJUB TODIĆ, INSTITUT ZA MEĐUNARODNU POLITIKU I PRIVREDU, BEOGRAD
SRBIJA U PROCESU EVROPSKIH INTEGRACIJA I ZNAČAJ PRIMENE EMS U ORGANIZACIJAMA LOKALNE SAMOUPRAVE, Novica Staletović, Nataša Borojević, Violeta Ćulibrk, Srđan Kovačević, UnivErzitet Union-Nikola Tesla, Fakultet za ekologiju i zaštitu životne sredine, Beograd; SO Plandište: EPS JP PK, Beograd
REZULTATI I PROBLEMI U SPROVOĐENJU IPA PROGRAMA PREKOGRANIČNE SARADNJE OD ZNAČAJA ZA OBLAST ŽIVOTNE SREDINE I POGLAVLJE 27, MLADENKA IGNJATIĆ, DRAGOLJUB TODIĆ, ISTRAŽIVAČKI FORUM EVROPSKOG POKRETA U SRBIJI
Izlaganja/Presentations
Promena ekološke svesti građana Bora od LEAP-a 2003. do LEAP-a 2013, Dragan Ranđelović, Milan Trumić, Toplica Marjanović, Ljiljana Marković Luković, Maja Trumić, Društvo mladih istraživača Bor
Application of geographic information system (GIS) in environmental monitoring, Uroš Rakić, Institut zа јаvnо zdrаvljе Srbiје „Dr Milаn Јоvаnоvić Bаtut” Beograd
Assessing Territorial Attractiveness in South East Europe/Ocena atraktivnosti teritorija Jugoistocne Evrope, Projekat, Blaž Barborič, Geodetski institut Slovenije, Republička agencija za prostorno planiranje
Eko-standardi kao konkurentska prednost u hotelijerstvu i turizmu, Jovana Stevanovic, Ratko Trifunovic, Milica Petrovic, Marija Kostic, Fakultet za hotelijerstvo i turizam u Vrnjackoj Banji, Vrnjacka Banja
ADAPTACIJE NA KLIMATSKE PROMENE U OBLASTI BIODIVERZITETA U REPUBLICI SRBIJI, Daniela Cvetković, Slađana Đorđević, Tanja Kukobat, Miloš Nikolić, Fakultet za primenjenu ekologiju Futura, Univerzitet Singidunum, Beograd
EKOLOŠKE MREŽE U FUNKCIJI SMANJENJA NEGATIVNOG UTICAJA KLIMATSKIH PROMENA NA BIODIVERZITET, Ljubica Petrović, Geografski fakultet Beograd
MALE VODENE POVRŠINE U KONTEKSTU KLIMATSKIH PROMENA, Radmila Marjanov Panjević, Ines Trivan Krivo, Ante Stantić, JP „ Zavod za urbanizam Grada Subotice
Praktični rezultati usaglašavanja sadržaja arsena u pijaćoj vodi Vojvodine sa zahtevima direktive 98/83/EC, Andrej Kukučka, Udruženje zaštite životne sredine RIO , Nov Sad
Uticaj deponije na zagađivanje podzemnih voda , Draženko Bjelić, Dragana Nešković Markić, J.P.’’DEP-OT’’ Regionalna deponija Banja Luka
Emergentne supstance i istraživanja 2020, Mirjana Vojinović Miloradov, Ivan Španik, Ivana Mihajlović, Olga Vyviurska, Draginja Kalinić, Jelena Radonić, Maja Turk Sekulić, Departman za inženjerstvo zaštite životne sredine, Fakultet tehničkih nauka, Univerzitet u Novom Sadu; Slovački Tehnološki Univerzitet u Bratislavi, Institut za analitičku hemiju, Univerzitet u Bratislavi, Slovačka
Primena biootpada kao heterogenog katalizatora u proizvodnji biodizela, Sofija Miškov, Ivona Radović, Mirjana Kijevčanin, Tehnološko – metalurški fakultet Beograd
Dinamika aeroalergenog polena u Subotici , Nataša Čamprag Sabo, Zavod za javno zdravlje Subotica
OPORAVAK DEGRADIRANOG ŠUMSKOG ZEMLJIŠTA SA ASPEKTA ŽIVOTNE SREDINE, Milijana Petković-Kostić, Jelena Đurić, Milena Stanojević, JP Zavod za urbanizam Niš
Energy efficient lighting – pilot project at University of Belgrade, Todorović Dušan, Jovović Aleksandar, Radić Dejan, Obradović Marko, Stanojević Miroslav, Bodrožić Jasmina, Janković Petar University of Belgrade Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, OSRAM d.o.o., Belgrade,Serbia
ENERGETSKA REHABILITACIJA FASADA I BEZBEDNOST OD POŽARA, Mirjana Laban, Fakultet tehničkih nauka, Novi Sad, Srbija
BIOGAS-REGULATIVE, STRATEGIJE I UPOTREBA U EU I REGIONU, Jelena Velimirović, Univerzitet ”Union Nikola Tesla”, Fakultet za ekologiju i zaštitu životne sredine
ALTERNATIVNI IZVORI ENERGIJE KAO OSNOVA ZAŠTITE ŽIVOTNE SREDINE, Milica Bulatović, Fakultet političkih nauka, Beograd
Obnovljivi izvori energije, Dejan Doljak, Geografski fakultet Beograd
ARHUSKA KONVENCIJA – ZAKONSKA REGULATIVA ČIJOM PRIMENOM SE U TOKU INVESTICIONE REALIZACIJE U RUDARSTVU DOBIJA KVALITETNA PROJEKTNA DOKUMENTACIJA, Nenad Nikolić, Nataša Đereg, Mioljub Stanković, Jovica Veljučić – Kerčulj, NVO „Lokalna Agenda 21 za Kostolac – OPŠTINA“;Centar za ekologiju i održivi razvoj – CEKOR“, Subotica; . Privredno društvo ”Termoelektrane – Kopovi Kostolac“ Kostolac d.o.o
STAVOVI I ZNANJA UČENIKA SREDNJIH ŠKOLA O EFEKTU STAKLENE BAŠTE, Nataša Bukumirić, Vesna M. Alivojvodić, Šimon A. Đarmati, Beogradska politehnika, Beograd
Gde smo bili, gde smo sada i kuda idemo?, Aleksandar Savić, Dragan Knežević, TS Rade Koncar Beograd
Poučavanje ekologije u školama u Hrvatskoj, Zrinka Sablić, Klara Lisec, Veleučilište VERN’, Zagreb
POTREBA ZA UVOĐENJEM PERMANENTNOG EKOLOŠKOG OBRAZOVANJA NA PRIMERU SREDNJIH STRUČNIH ŠKOLA, Marija Đurković, Elektrotehnička škola ”Nikola Tesla” Beograd
Strukovne studije zaštite životne sredine – stanje i potrebe, Darja Žarković, Olivera Jovanović, Koviljka Banjević, Saša Marković, Visoka škola strukovnih studija Beogradska politehnika, Beograd
UTICAJ KLIMATSKIH PROMJENA, ADAPTACIJA I RANJIVOST, Ljiljana Crnogorac
Klima Severoistočne Bosne, Senada Nezirović, Evropski Univerzitet Brčko Distrikt
Hajde da sprečimo +6 zajedno, Brankica Luković, Prvoslav Jovanović, Ljiljana Plećević, Milun Miljković, Jelena Đurđević, Visoka tehnološka škola strukovnih studija, Aranđelovac
Poučavanje ekologije u vrtićima u Hrvatskoj , Zrinka Sablić, Klara Lisec, Zvonimir Grgas, Zrinka Sablić, Veleučilište VERN’, Zagreb
Moralni i vaspitni elementi individualnosti, kao filozofija života i shvatanja prioriteta unapređenja društvene svesti o zaštiti životne sredine, Slobodan Petrović, Fakultet za pravo, javnu upravu i bezbednost Megatrend univerzitet
17:00 Zatvaranje konferencije / Conference closing |
ACUNS Summer Workshop 2014: Local Justice, Global Standards and Critical Contemporary Challenges
As an institutional member of ACUNS for the Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, we are spreading the word to potentially interested students and junior faculty about the upcoming 2014 Summer Workshop organized by ACUNS and the American Society of International Law. The Workshop is an advanced-level research seminar that brings together 10 young scholars and practitioners with 10 staff members of the United Nations Secretariat.
The workshop will take place at The Hague Institute for Global Justice in The Hague, The Netherlands, and is intended to include meetings and guest lectures, site visits and/or other forms of exchanges, with several related Hague-based international bodies and agencies. The Workshop is an excellent opportunity for young scholars and practitioners to network and enhance their knowledge and applied skills in the analysis of topics relating to “Local Justice, Global Standards and Critical Contemporary Challenges.”
Selected participants will receive economy class return air travel between their location and the workshop site, accommodations and some meals for the duration of the workshop. More information on the workshop
“Little progress” in Chapter 27 issues in 2013, according to EC
Serbian first priority is accession to EU.
EC Delegation in Serbia, present to relevant CSOs, on October 18, 2013 , Serbia Progress Report 2013, in which the Commission services present their assessment of what Serbia as the candidate country has achieved over the last year. Presentation on 2013 Reports’ economic chapters is followed by discussion by CSOs representatives, including the NGOs as the one of category of CSOs. Environmental Chapter have great attention in discussion part of the meeting.
Related to Chapter 27, overall EC conclusions is “little progress”.
Although there are a lot of challenges ( EU Enlargement Factsheets – Energy, Climate Change and Environment ), EC conclusion is in some relevant segments different that ENV.net Study (ENV.net-Study-Extended-Summary-June-2013 ).
ENV.net Serbia Team prepared document: Reading of 2013 Progress Report for Serbia and Strategy by ENV.net Serbia Team ( Serbia 2013 Progress Report and Strategy – Reading by ENV.net Serbia Team ). Resulting key words are : Group 1 : civil society organizations, empowered civil society, Dialogue between decision makers and stakeholders , Public awareness, public participation and consultation process; Group 2: sustainable growth, synergies between environment and economy, emissions to air /air quality , waste management , environmental governance , climate change, protected areas, water management, chemicals management, environmental impact assessment, integral pollution and prevention control (industrial emissions); Group 3: implementation of adopted legislation, Intra- and inter-institutional cooperation, proper functioning of the core institutions, coordination of sectoral policies; Group 4: the skills gap, education and training.
Some background information for SERBIA: candidate – applied in 2009, obtained candidate status in March 2012. The EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina was launched in March 2011. The First agreement of principles governing normalisation of relations was reached with Kosovo in April 2013. The momentum of reforms has also been reinvigorated in Serbia. The European Council decided in June 2013 to open accession negotiations. The first Intergovernmental Conference on Serbia’s accession negotiations will be held in January 2014 at the very latest, after the Council adopts the negotiating framework, which was proposed by the Commission in July 2013. In the meantime, the ‘screening’ began in September 2013. The Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) entered into force on 1 September. – see more
Participation at UNEP Global Major Groups and Stakeholder Forum, Global Ministerial Environment Forum and High-Level Gender Forum
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development participated at the “Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum (GMGSF-14)”, and “The First Universal Session of the Governing Council/ Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GC-27/GMEF),” Nairobi, 16-22 February 2013. Ministers meeting for the first time under universal membership of 193 member states- again as a result of the decisions taken and adopted last year at Rio+20 and the UN General Assembly later in the year- adopted a welter of other decisions relating to the way UNEP will operate and work as the global platform for environmental policy-making and action over the coming years and decades. Governments called for the transformation of the existing Governing Council into a UN Environment Assembly of UNEP and to build stronger links between UNEP’s science-based Global Environment Outlook process and its ministerial meetings – further implementing the call by member states at Rio + 20to strengthen the science-policy interface.
Among the wealth of other decisions taken at the first Universal Membership of the UNEP Governing Council were: 1. A UNEP-led consortium will host and coordinate the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) which will be the implementing arm of the Technology Mechanism of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 2. The CTCN will work on leap-frogging the technical and financial hurdles to the even greater take-up of clean and renewable energies to low carbon tranportation and energy efficient buildings, 3. Full operationalization of a decade-long initiative to decouple economic growth from unsustainable use of natural resources and pollution generation-the 10 Year Framework of Programmes for Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP for SCP), 4. The UNEP-hosted initiative will assist countries in areas from sustainable public procurement, lifestyles and education to sustainable buildings and construction and sustainable tourism, including ecotourism – again bringing from outcome to implementation other key aspects of the Rio+20 Future We Want, 5. Governments also decided to convene in October this year an intergovernmental diplomatic conference to formally adopt the Minamata Convention on Mercury that was agreed in January in Geneva under a UNEP-facilitated negotiation-again a further implementation of the Rio+20 outcome document.
Over 1300 participants from 147 countries, including 80 ministers, representatives of UN agencies, international organizations, academia, NGOs, business and industry, and women and youth organizations attended the first Universal Session of the GC following the decision of the United Nations General Assembly to strengthen and upgrade UNEP, as called for in the Rio+20 outcome document. Delegates adopted 13 decisions, on inter alia:
– the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES);
– coordination across the UN system, including the Environment Management Group (EMG);
– oceans;
– sustainable consumption and production;
– the green economy in the context of sustainable development;
– advancing justice, governance and law;
– state of the environment; and
– chemicals and wastes.
The GC adopted a decision on institutional arrangements that, inter alia, invites the UN General Assembly to rename UNEP’s governing body “UN Environment Assembly,” and provides that the body “will ensure” the active participation of all relevant stakeholders and explore new mechanisms to promote transparency and effective engagement of civil society in its work and that of its subsidiary bodies, inter alia, by: developing by 2014 a process for stakeholder accreditation and participation that builds on the existing rules of procedure and takes into account the inclusive modalities of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) and other relevant UN bodies.
The day before the Governing Council got underway, the Network of Women Ministers and Leaders for the Environment (NWMLE) and UNEP hosted the second High-Level Gender Forum. Prof Andjelka Mihajlov participates, by invitation to “Gender Forum” as a member of the “Network of Environmental Women Ministers and Leaders”, as the former Minister for Protection of Natural Resources and Environment. The forum participants called upon ministers and environmental leaders to have dedicated officials for coordination of related gender and environment programmes and agreed to send a consolidated proposal on gender actions to be forwarded for consideration by UN Secretary General’s High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post 2015 Development Agenda. The women ministers also requested nations to support the ratification of the Minamata convention on Mercury, which opens for signing in October.
More about meetings at www.unep.org . Moments from EASD participation are in Galleries of pictures. These activities are foreseen as the important international cooperation activities.
Prior to this, organisation participate at Rio+20 Conference.
RIO+20
”Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” , as UN accredited organization participate at 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development, as well as on side events.
Organisation participated in preparation of study Study on Achievements and Perspectives towards a Green Economy and Sustainable Growth in Serbia.
The Study has been prepared to support the Government of Serbia in its preparations for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable development, which is being held in Brazil in June 2012.
Rio+20
Agenda 2030 and SDGs in the focus of EASD work
Consultation with UN/UNDP in Serbia
First European-wide Sustainable Development Week
SDGs – SDSN members activities
World Environment Day – Raise the voice!
”Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” , as UN accredited organization participate at 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development, as well as on side events.
Organisation participated in preparation of study Study on Achievements and Perspectives towards a Green Economy and Sustainable Growth in Serbia.
The Study has been prepared to support the Government of Serbia in its preparations for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable development, which is being held in Brazil in June 2012.
International cooperation : European Resources Forum 2012
In support of the EU Commission’s “Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe” from September 2011 and the “German Resource Efficiency Programme” (ProgRess) adopted by the German Federal Cabinet in February 2012, the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) hosted the first European Resources Forum (ERF) (http://www.resourcesforum.eu) in Berlin on 12-13 November 2012.
The conference objective was to discuss implementation steps, approaches and measures necessary for sustainable resource use, to promote alliances between stakeholders and inspire the set up networks. Sustainable development, sustainable production and consumption, as well as green economy are discussed. With more than 400 participants from over 40 countries including more than 40 top-level speakers from Germany and abroad – the conference was a great success. “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” representative on this Conference (Scientific and other Conferences) was Prof. dr. Andjelka Mihajlov.