Stop chemical pollution! (Bonn, September 2023)
The 5th session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) , organized by UNEP and hosted by the government of Germany who holds the presidency of this fifth session of the Conference, is taking place from 25 to 29 September 2023 at the World Conference Center Bonn (WCCB) with a High-level Segment (HLS) on 28 and 29 September 2023. It was preceded by the resumed fourth session of the Intersessional Process for Considering the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) and the Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste Beyond 2020 (IP4.3), which convened from 23-24 September 2023.
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (EASD) participated, as organisation accredited in UNEP and SAICM NGO Focal Point for Serbia, as well as IPEN member organisation. IPEN had preparatory meeting prior to Conference. Besides EASD, NGO AlHem from Serbia, took part at the Conference.
Serbian government representatives participate.
The last day of the Conference, the final text (to be adopted) is still under negotiation. Adopted documents will be available at ICCM5 web page and SAICM web page.
Historic Global Framework on Chemicals Adopted Following Years of Talks | News | SDG Knowledge Hub | IISD
Photo by OliverBaldes:
SDG Summit 2023, UN HQ, New York
In the period back to back to the UN General Assembly in New York, the Summit on Sustainable Development Goals was held on September 18 and 19, 2023. Before the Summit, during the weekend of September 16 and 17, the SDG “Action Weekend” was held, as an opportunity for various interested stakeholders, representatives of the UN and member states to meet at the headquarters of the United Nations and present specific commitments and contributions to initiate the transformation of the Sustainable Development Goals from now until 2030.
The activities were divided into two days: “Mobilization Day” on September 16 and Acceleration Day on September 17. During the Mobilization Day, stakeholders from different sectors had the opportunity to gather at the United Nations headquarters and mobilize for the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals Summit and the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week. “Acceleration Day” focused on high-impact UN initiatives.
Civil society, the private sector, youth, scientists, local and regional governments, feminists and other actors have a key role in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Their participation, contributions and catalytic mobilization are recognized as essential during the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The President of the Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development Aleksandra Mladenović, attended the SDG Action Weekend and SDG Summit as a representative of an organization that has ECOSOC consultative status and as one of the representatives of the Women’s Main Group at the UN.
The focus of the Sustainable Development Goals Summit was on the fulfillment of the Goals. According to official data, at the global level, only 15% of the goals have been met so far, and we are halfway to the set deadline (2015-2030). It is obvious that, despite the frequent rhetorical glorification of the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals, there is no strong political will to fulfill the Goals, especially of the major world powers, which “hide” behind the success of smaller countries, who care, because the Goals are directly related on their progress, such as reducing poverty, ending hunger, accessing clean water and addressing climate change. The need to change the global “financial architecture” is increasingly being heard, bearing in mind that developing countries are increasingly stagnating, affected by large debts, which often amount to more than investments in key areas, such as education or health in those countries. Young people also raised their voices, because they are beginning to understand that adults are putting a “hot potato” in their hands, under the pretext that their future is already ruined by the present. The youth made it clear that without defined financial means for the Sustainable Development Goals individually, little or nothing will be able to be done in terms of their fulfillment. More at the link: https://www.un.org/en/conferences/SDGSummit2023/SDG-Action-Weekend
As part of the activities of the interested parties, there was also a two-day session of the “Global People Assembly”, where activists from 145 countries gathered and sent a Declaration demanding urgent action from decision-makers in the field of economic and financial justice, climate change, and the environment. social justice and gender equality, protection of civil society, and human rights. More at the link: https://www.peoplesassembly.global/en/
And last but not least, the Summit on the Sustainable Development Goals was held, and a political Declaration was adopted, covering the different and complementary functions of both sessions of the forum under the auspices of the General Assembly – the Summit and the forum under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC ). It seems that this Declaration, as well as the Summit itself, have become only a satisfactory form and “first companion” to the main event in the United Nations, which is the General Assembly. More about the Sustainable Development Goals Summit: https://www.un.org/en/conferences/SDGSummit2023/political-declaration
The second online webinar “ADVOCATING FOR SOLAR ENERGY FOR THE CITIZENS OF THE WESTERN BALKANS “
The second online webinar “ADVOCATING FOR SOLAR ENERGY FOR THE CITIZENS OF THE WESTERN BALKANS “ will be organized on June 16 2023, from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m., in the frame of the project “Solar energy for citizens in Western Balkan” financed by WBF.
The overall objective of the project is to promote and advocate the best practices of self-producers of solar energy, to facilitate the exchange of information and knowledge among stakeholders, and to raise awareness of the initiatives and innovative solutions on clean energy that must be adopted by policy and decision-makers, aiming to build partnership and common actions in WB for unlocking the great potential of solar energy and advancing the regional agenda of sustainable development.
This webinar will gather representatives of NGOs, universities, and business communities from several WB countries to be informed and discuss the policies, legislations, and regulations of the solar energy sector in North Macedonia and Serbia.
The agenda of the event: Agenda webinar June 16 2023 BWN
The invitation letter: invitation letter
Date and time: 16 June from 10-12 a.m (CET)
You may join us at the Webinar link:
Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89830383350?pwd=UWtHenhyc1hYZ1NoRkpLeE1INmJLQT09
augMENTOR 1st plenary meeting
Final online Conference on the project: Forest – our lifelong teacher May 29-31, 2023
ForLife is a joint project of three partners: Doves, Slovenia (project leader), Jump (Italy), and Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (Serbia), under the Erasmus+ program.
The final „Three-afternoon online Conference“ will hold from May 29th to May 31st. Presentations will be provided by teachers who participated in the project and relevant experts in the field of forest pedagogy.
Conference registration for listeners is open until May 25: LINK .
The agenda is available HERE.
Kick-off meeting, Sarajevo May 18 and 19, 2023 – Project WSSP
WSSP: Risk management in the water, sanitation, and microplastics sector in the Balkan region
The kick-off meeting on the project “WSSP: Risk management in the water, sanitation, and microplastics sector in the Balkan region” is held in Sarajevo, on May 17th and 18th. Project partners had the opportunity to meet each in person, and to discuss new activities that should be performed in the next two years. The project is run by Women Engage for a Common Future (https://www.wecf.org/wssp/), under the topic of water safety, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Environmental Ambassadors is a partner from Serbia, and together with other partners from North Macedonia (“Journalists for Human Rights”), Albania (“Milieukontakt” and “Women in Development”), Romania (“Aquademica”) and BiH (“Eko tim”) discussed, among another technical thing, how to put emphasis more on the regional and transboundary component of the project, including funding opportunity for teachers mobility and exchange of experience they gained working in this project and topic in the past. The focus will be on water, sanitation and hygiene, schools, teachers, and students, but also local community members and decision-makers and especially parents, taking into account that one of the project components will deal with more intensive involvement of the children with special needs.
More about the project on this link
WSSP: Risk management in the water, sanitation, and microplastics sector in the Balkan region
To improve water, sanitation and waste management in Romania, North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the risk management tool “Water and Sanitation Safety Planning” (WSSP) is introduced and thematically extended through various interactive educational measures in schools – including the topics of menstruation and (micro-)plastics. The educational materials are published in Compendia as well as in the online educational platform “Water Classroom” in the respective national languages and are freely accessible. Educational materials at the academic level are developed in cooperation with universities for study programmes relevant to the topic. To improve gender equality, situation analyses on menstrual poverty and gender equality in WASH (water, sanitation & hygiene) facilities and professions are prepared. Recommendations for action will then be developed. This will be accompanied by campaigns for the free provision of menstrual products in public buildings and schools as well as against fiscal discrimination in menstrual products. The aim is to establish a gender-equitable WASH situation in the project countries on a long-term and sustainable basis.
For Environmental Ambassadors this is a continuation of the project successfully finalized with the very important active participation of the Eco-schools network in Serbia.
Kick-off meeting, Sarajevo May 18 and 19, 2023 – Project WSSP
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and more about project…..
In the project countries Romania, North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a lack of sustainable water, sanitation, wastewater, and waste management in rural areas, which can have serious consequences for the environment and health of the population. The aim of WECF and the local partner organizations is to further develop or introduce the “Water and Sanitation Safety Planning” (WSSP) instrument in the target countries. WSSP shows methods for risk management for water and sanitation and explains measures to minimize risks and improve the water and sanitation situation.
The online educational portals “Water Classroom” developed in the previous project, on which interactive educational materials on the topics of WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) and WSSP are already freely available in Romanian and Macedonian, will be translated into Albanian and Serbian and made freely accessible online. In various educational measures, WECF’s WSSP compendium is introduced to Bosnian-Herzegovinian, Serbian and Albanian teachers, pupils and various stakeholders from administration, politics and institutions. In North Macedonia, children with disabilities are included in the educational activities, for which the teaching materials are adapted. In collaboration with North Macedonian and Albanian universities, educational material on an academic level will be developed. Interactive and playful educational materials on microplastics will be developed and used in additional educational activities. Some of the materials will be digitized and included in the “water classrooms”. Menstrual Health Management (MHM) will be a broad focus of the educational activities. In addition, the project partners will prepare a cost-benefit analysis of menstrual products and conduct a survey on menstrual poverty. Subsequently, a campaign will call for the provision of free menstrual products in schools and public buildings. The North Macedonian partners work with gender organizations against gender-specific tax discrimination, e.g. in menstrual products. To analyse gender equality in the WASH sector, data collection takes place in various project countries, on the basis of which recommendations for action are subsequently developed.
Environmental Ambassadors will continue to work with the Eco-schools network in Serbia to raise teachers capacities to deal with the topics Water+Sanitation+Hygiene, in order to be more strengthen to focus the attention of decision-makers, at the local and national levels, on these topics, especially in rural areas.
2023 Annual Conference – Our common future: for a European Green Deal 2
Annual Conference of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) was held in Stockholm, on May 8th, back to back with the General Assembly. The Conference started with an introductory speech on what we need our common future to look like and what we need to do to make this happen, led by European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and the Swedish Minister for Climate and the Environment. In the continuation of the Conference, the possibilities for tickling triple crises (concerning climate and energy, biodiversity and chemicals), why building on The European Green Deal, emphasizing the EU as a crucial player with a key role and responsibility in addressing these. For each one of the three crises, a panel discussed the main challenges which are facing, to what extent the European Green Deal delivered an appropriate EU policy and legislative response to the crisis, what milestones are yet to be achieved within this Commission and European Parliament, as well as what should the priorities for a European Green Deal 2.0, beyond the European elections in 2024?
The scale of the common global challenge and how policy, civil society, and science can make the change we need happen was the focus of the presentation of youths.
The Conference was held during the preparations for the elections for the EU Parliament, which will be held in the spring of 2024. it is evident that issues of importance for the protection of the environment are becoming less and less important topics among the majority of members of the European Parliament. It is necessary to find new ways to raise the importance of this topic, not only in the EU but also in the accession countries.
More about Conference: https://conference.eeb.org/
Schools go green and digital – and Erasmus+ supports teaching excellence!
A European Conference on the Challenges of Schools in the Face of climate change and digitalization was held in Bonn from May 3 to 5, 2023. With more than 200 participants in EU and WB countries, it was a really great opportunity to exchange best practices on how teachers are finding balance in the on and off-line world, how to learn to grow by protecting the environment and humans or to present possibilities of Teacher Academy to going green and digital.
Exhibition of best practices and exchange of experience, presentations of best practices in parallel groups, open space, partner finding, and parallel group discussions provided very well-organized opportunities to present results of different Erasmus + projects around Europe. Participants also received information about the Erasmus+ Programme and funding opportunities. Photo: ©PAD/Marcus Gloger
Most of the present teachers searched and found partners for future projects. In the end, the chances of eTwinning for future teachers were presented, and how to build resilience to disinformation in a digital media age.
Environmental Ambassadors had the opportunity to present the main results of the ongoing Erasmus + project “Forest-our long-life teacher” (ForLife), which is led by Association Doves from Slovenia, in partnership with Environmental Ambassadors from Serbia and Jump Association from Italy. This project focuses on the fight against climate change, covering inclusion and diversity of all fields of education and supporting teachers in gathering knowledge and green skills development. So far, three trainings under the projects are organized in Slovenia, Serbia and Italy, one online international conference and a lot of materials for teachers and students are produced. The project will be ended in August 2023.
Erasmus+ “ForLife” project at destination – Soverato, Italy
After the trainings held in Slovenia in Celje (13-17 May 2022) and in Serbia in Kraljevo (26-30 September 2022), teachers from three countries, Slovenia, Serbia and Italy, gathered again in Italy in Soverato, from the 17th to the 21st April 2023 within the Erasmus+ project “ForLife”. About thirty teachers will share their experiences in using different tools and methods in teaching the importance of forests, from biodiversity, through health and sustainable use of resources, to the preservation of the natural environment.
Together with the hosts of the “Jump” organization from Soverato, schools and the local administration of Soverato, the opening ceremony at the “ForLife” project was in honor of the sea, about the importance of the sea for society, economic development of the community. Special attention was paid to a demonstration of the skills of special rescuers – dogs, who are trained to react quickly and energetically if the safety of swimmers is threatened.
Very positive energy, free and uninhibited behavior of children, happiness and pride that they are “part of the marine ecosystem”, is the special impressions that we experienced greeting the sea, and a sense of togetherness that different social structures and interests bring together inhabitants in the fight for a healthy environment and especially a clean sea.
During the four days of training, the participants will have the opportunity to become familiar with the forest and marine ecosystems in the vicinity of Soverato municipality and to share previous knowledge and experience about the importance of forests and green areas for the general well-being of people and wildlife.
The training agenda can be found at the link.
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.
Unstoppable conference in Tirana – Women overcoming barriers to success
- Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development participated in the Unstoppable conference dedicated to Women and Leadership
The multi-structured and empowering conference dedicated to Women and Leadership is organized in Tirana, from February 20th to 23rd, 2023. Organizer is the Western Balkan Fund (WBF), with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Visegrad Fund. Every February and March, the WBF with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan hosts an advocacy event by bringing in national, regional & international experts and creating a space of inspiration, connection, and rejuvenation. The purpose of #Unstoppable conference is to foster equal access to leadership in business, government, and non-profit organizations within the Western Balkans, Visegrad regions, and beyond. This event also promotes support and expands initiatives that promote equal access for women and men in development processes.
The conference includes a multitude of topics across the human rights spectrum, enhancing knowledge and strengthening the network of professionals coming from WB6 and V4 regions also unites diverse stakeholders, researchers, stories, and case studies from all over the region in parallel sessions while offering many networking opportunities.
The goal of the Unstoppable is to foster equal access to leadership in business, government, and non-profit organizations within the Western Balkan and V4 regions and beyond. WBF in close cooperation with V4 partners plans to gather around 120 participant’s men and women around both regions and beyond in Tirana since we believe that gender equality should be addressed by both sides, men and women.
augMENTOR Kick-off Meeting, Athens, January 2023
augMENTOR project Kick-off Meeting is on January 26th and 27th, 2023, in Athens, Greece. All project partners attended.
augMentor
augMENTOR (full title: Augmented Intelligence for Pedagogically Sustained Training and Education) project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-CL2-2021-TRANSFORMATIONS-01-05 , Integration of emerging new technologies into education and training) under grant agreement (No. 101061509).
Overall, the augMentor propose a new Pedagogical Framework for designing and planning technology-augmented educational scenarios. The main specification of this type of educational activity will be the embedment of Artificial Intelligence and Learning Analytics techniques. In addition, they will focus on overall classroom activity design alongside putting great emphasis on the orchestration from the teacher’s point of view and, at the same time, using emergent technologies as powerful cognitive tools for students and decision making and adaptation tools for teachers. In addition, it will aim to develop higher-order cognitive competencies/thinking skills (design and critical thinking, creativity, decision making, modelling, computational thinking, etc.).
Part of this research (pilot studies) will involve minors, and in particular school children of 8 to 18 years old. The studies will take place in schools.
Duration: 36 months starting at 01 Jan 2023.
augMENTOR is led by UNISYSTEMS LUXEMBOURG SARL, (Luxembourg) and the augMENTOR consortium is composed by the IASIS NGO (Greece), CSI CENTER FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION LTD (Cyprus), Universität Duisburg-Essen (Germany), EPISTIMI EPIKOINONIA – SCIENCE COMMUNICATION (Greece), KONNEKT ABLE TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED (Ireland), PANEPISTIMIO PATRON – UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS (Greece), TSAKALIDIS-G.DOMALIS OE – NOVELCORE OE (Greece), AMBASADORI ODRZIVOG RAZVOJA I ZIVOTNE SREDINE UDRUZENJE – EASD (Serbia), Université Côte d’Azur (France), KAUNO TECHNOLOGIJOS UNIVERSITETAS (Lithuania), Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (OSTERREICHISCHES STUDIENZENTRUM FÜR FRIEDEN UND KONFLIKTLÖSUNG-ÖSFK) (Austria). Associated Partner is Mission-X LTD (United Kingdom).
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 “
Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, is about to start – EASD is participating
Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, is about to start ( 28 November – 2 December 2022) in Punta del Este, Uruguay.
EASD is participating virtually, starting on November 26 with participation at Multi-stakeholder Forum of INC-1 . The Forum aims to facilitate the exchange of information and gather perspectives from different stakeholders across the plastics life cycle and is open to all stakeholders, including governments, the private sector working on different stages of the plastics life cycle, scientists and researchers, the finance sector, civil society groups, including the informal sector, indigenous people, and youth.
EASD is associated with IPEN ; IPEN has been working on toxics in the life cycle of plastics for many years, including initial work on dioxins in the Stockholm Convention, and then scaling up with more explicit work related to POPs in plastics in the Stockholm Convention, as well as Chemicals in Products and Hazardous Substances in the Life Cycle of Electronic Products in the SAICM process. IPEN’s toxic plastics work has escalated and evolved especially over the last 5 years.
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”.
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Presentation of the Green Agenda and circular economy strategies in the countries of the Western Balkans at the Circular Economy Seminar, Ankara, Turkey
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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…
Recap: 6 Key Tasks at COP27
In the lead up to COP 27 in Egypt ( NOVEMBER 2022, SHARM EL-SHEIKH), the World Resources Institute has put together a list of 6 priorities for this year’s conference. “It is important to underline these, for upcoming COP27” is the message from European Climate Pact Ambassador – EASD Honorable President :
1) Create a financing mechanism for addressing loss and damage
2) Scale up support for adaptation
3) Strengthen national emissions-reduction targets
4) Assure that the $100 billion climate finance promise will be met and move forward on new commitments
5) Advance the Global Stocktake to set the pace for climate action
6) Convert the treasure trove of Glasgow climate commitments into action
COP27 offers the possibility to foster greater cooperation at a time when the world needs it most. That’s the potential that leaders, governments and businesses should seize.
Happening at UNEP: OEWG1- Science-Policy Panel and pre-event webinar on Lessons learned for the Science-policy panel on chemicals, waste and prevention of pollution
EASD representative participated on October 6, 2022 in the first part of OEWG1: Science-Policy Panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution (hybrid format).
The meeting allowed Member States and observers the opportunity to deliver general statements on the establishment of the science-policy panel (EASD is among observers*, in consultative status with ECOSOC and UNEP accredited, SAICM NGO Focal Point, participating also within NGOs Major Group, as well as Women Major Group). In its resolution 5/8, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), recognizing the importance of science-based assessments to inform decision-making processes, decided that a science-policy panel should be established to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution. UNEA further decided to convene, subject to the availability of resources, an OEWG to prepare proposals for the science-policy panel, to begin work in 2022 with the ambition of completing it by the end of 2024.
Before that, on October 5th 2022, EASD representative participated in the second UNEP Webinar: Lessons learned for the Science-policy panel on chemicals, waste and prevention of pollution and organized by the UNEP Secretariat. The webinar focus is on lessons and examples from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the International Resource Panel (IRP), the Montreal Protocol, and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the design and operation of the new Science-policy panel. It was followed by a dialogue between speakers on urgent issues and questions from the chair of the meeting to the panel members.
* Organizations accredited to the Environment Assembly as well as stakeholders admitted as observers to the meetings of relevant chemicals and waste-related multilateral environmental agreements and focal points of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management may also participate as observers.
Second Carpathian ESD Seminar
Second Carpathian ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) Seminar was held in Zakopane, Poland, from 28 to 30 September 2022. The aim of the seminar was to find appropriate way to connect different interested parties which exist in the Carpathian Region, from academia, universities, business, national/local authorities, protected areas manager and civil society organization, to promote different activities under the Carpathian Convention, in order to become core activities of the Carpathian ESD Expert network.
The field trip as accompanying activity was demonstration of ecological education in the national parks in Poland, with a focus on the Tatra National Park.
Introductory presentation on the Carpathian ESD process to-date: Carpathian Convention networks report; UNECE SC on ESD, UNECE and UNESCO frameworks and how Carpathian Convention is related, were done by representatives of UNEP Vienna Office, Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention.
Participants from all Carpathian countries: Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Serbia discussed of results in national groups, based on target group (teachers, NGOs, policy-makers, scientists), on implementing and leading specific activities of the Carpathian ESD Network. EASD representative participated.
Some of the question raised were: How can the Carpathian Convention be promoted via these activities?, How are the Carpathian ESD activities contributing to the implementation of UNECE and UNESCO strategies?, What are the needs of each group of participants in implementing and planning Carpathian ESD-related activities, which can help to be addressed together?
The main conclusion from this ESD Seminar will be presented at the Environment for Europe Conference, which will be held in Cyprus, from October 5 to 7, 2022.
Erasmus+ mobility in Serbia ForLife
From September 26 to September 30, the second mobility for educators and teachers participating in the project Forest – our lifelong teacher took place in Serbia (in the city of Kraljevo and the surrounding area). The training was attended by almost 50 teachers from Slovenia, Italy and Serbia. The participants had the opportunity to get to know the Serbian school system and get the insight into curricula and learning content related to the forest and related topics. During four days, a few kindergartens, primary and secondary schools were visited: Kindergarten Đurđevak, Primary school Branko Radičević Vitkovac, Primary school Olga Milutinović Godačica, Primary school Jovo Kursula, Primary school Dimitrije Tucović, Primary school IV Kraljevački bataljon Secondary Mechanical and Secondary Forestry school. At each of the visited institutions, accompanying activities related to the project topic were prepared for participants. They presented the activities and good practices they carry out with their students, and participants could also join the students and thus enrich their knowledge.
In addition, participants also visited the mountain Goč, which is located near Vrnjačka Banja and offers a wide range of activities in the forest. A group of students, who were just in the autumn forest school in nature, joined us in the forest activities and getting to know the Serbian forests.
Among the Slovenian participants was Mr. Bostjan Hren, forestry engineer, regional forester and head of forest pedagogy, employed at the Forestry Institute in Slovenia, which is an associate partner of the project. Boštjan presented the principles and functions of forests and reinforced the basics of forest pedagogy with numerous practical activities.
During the week, participants had opportunity to gain new experience and ideas, which they will be able to transfer to their work with children and students and also share among colleagues and beyond.
4th Meeting of the Intersessional Process for Considering SAICM and the Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste Beyond 2020, Bucharest 2022
EASD is participating at the fourth session of the Intersessional Process for Considering the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) and the Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste Beyond 2020 (IP4) in Bucharest , August/September 2022. From Serbia, beside Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (EASD), NGO Safer Chemicals Alternative – ALHem also participated. A summary report of IP4 by ENB which includes also a brief summary of SAICM’s history as well as of the history of the intersessional process.
As the meeting result Co-Chairs’ consolidated text is achieved. achievement, and resume it in early 2023 at a time and venue to be set by the Bureau in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The UN General Assembly recently adopted a resolution establishing access to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, a universal human right. At the same time, recent scientific evidence shows that the global threat of plastic and chemical production has exceeded the “planetary boundaries” for chemical pollution. In addition, the global chemical industry is projected to double by 2030, with rapid growth in emerging economies.
The CEE Region recognizes the need for greater cooperation among stakeholders aiming at strengthening the capacities of developing countries and countries with economies in transition for integrated management and promoting the adequate transfer of cleaner and safer technology. Moreover, great deal of attention should be dedicated to raising awareness of chemicals and waste issues among the responsible institutions, agencies, with improvement of the multi-sectorial and multi-stakeholder cooperation.
EASD position (within IPEN umbrella) is to believe that the SAICM is key to advancing the sound management of chemicals and waste considering human health and the environment. Some of important issues pointed out by IPEN include:
– SAICM is the only instrument we have today to address most chemicals and waste but its goals were not met although progress was made. SAICM should strengthen its open, inclusive, participatory and transparent structure which should be multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder; From our perspective we need an agreement for a strong SAICM-Beyond-2020 Framework that goes beyond the Dubai Declaration and secures ambitious targets for prevention and reduction of harmful chemicals and waste globally bringing about real change.
– The science-to-policy panel should be a tool to raise awareness about the existing scientific knowledge and allow it to take action on emerging issues and issues of concern that were already agreed upon in SAICM; Also, should also have inclusive participation, allow the consideration of different forms of knowledge including from indigenous peoples, and take into account gender-specific dimensions;
– The scope shall include chemicals and all waste throughout their lifecycle.
– That objectives for the industry involvement and other financial commitments are reflected in targets, indicators, and milestones and that monitoring and reporting instruments track progress on financial objectives of the beyond 2020 instrument.
– The framework must also be accompanied by new and additional, adequate, sustainable and predictable funding accessible to all relevant stakeholders to address chemicals and waste issues. The establishment of a funding mechanism following the model of the Quick Start Programme.
The fourth session of the Intersessional Process for Considering the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) and the Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste Beyond 2020 (IP4) focused on:
-targets for the post-2020 instrument; -national focal points; -national implementation plans;-how the instrument should deal with issues of concern;-private sector involvement in financing chemicals and waste management; and -the relationship between the instrument and the science-policy panel for chemicals and waste (SPP) mandated -by the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA5).a vision and principles for the instrument;
-identifying targets for the instrument; -how to choose “issues of concern” that would be targeted by the instrument for focused attention and concerted action;-multi-sectoral partnerships;-funding for the secretariat; and -a proposal for a globally coordinated levy on chemical feedstocks to feed a new international fund on chemicals and waste;
– whether, and how, to refer to the new human right to a healthy environment under the instrument’s section on principles; – a possible measurability structure for indicators; – a possible stocktaking mechanism and online tool; -participation in the proposed governing body—the conference—by representatives from the environment, health, labor and agriculture sectors involved in chemical management and safety issues; and – a proposal for a way forward on how to handle existing SAICM issues of concern under the new instrument.
To note that EASD participate and follow SAICM WG on Governance and Mechanisms to support Implementation (from October 2020, lead to IP4 ).
Delegates considered targets in the compilation of draft recommendations for a new instrument as well as new proposals for targets. They agreed to replace the long list of targets with a more limited set of priority targets, grouped under specific strategic objectives. Discussion centered around which targets to keep, which newly proposed targets to include, and which targets might be merged together. See also a table comparing the SAICM Overarching Policy Strategy, SAICM/IP.4/2/Rev.1 “Compilation of recommendations regarding the Strategic Approach and the sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020” and the Outcomes of the Virtual Working Groups
On vision, delegates replaced the proposed phrases in the compilation text with three new ones developed by an informal group:
- “Chemical safety for all”;
- “A toxics free planet. Advancing chemicals and waste safety for a healthy future”; and
- “Healthy Planet and People: Making Our Future Chemical and Waste Safe.”
(to note, EASD support Call to action for a tomorrow without toxics )
We must continue working together towards a sound management of chemicals and waste throughout their life cycle, in order to avoid or minimize adverse impacts on human health and the environment!
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!
EEB 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – “Boosting the Deal for a Greener Europe in Turbulent Times”
The annual conference of the European Environment Bureau (EEB) of the hybrid type was held in Brussels on June 17, 2022: “Boosting the Deal for a Greener Europe in Turbulent Times”. The conference was attended by over 200 representatives of EEB member organizations. The President of the Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, Mrs. Aleksandra Mladenović, attended the conference, as well as joint meeting of the Biodiversity and Agriculture Working Groups, which was held on June 15 and 16, at the EEB premises in Brussels.
During the Conference, a review was given of the beginnings of the Green Deal, where improvements and progress were recorded, where results were mixed, and where there has been no progress yet. Special emphasis was placed on the war in Ukraine, which gave convincing reasons for accelerating the green transition, but at the same time it is used as an excuse for insufficient implementation of the Green Deal. There was also talk of Europe’s role in the wider world. The discussion was also about how to start the transition of the whole society to life within the planetary borders and what needs to be done to ensure that the Green Deal becomes a credible agenda of transformation, which is so urgently needed.
Konferenciji su prisustvovale organizacije koje se bave zaštitom životne sredine, političari, kreatori politike i predstavnici EU, regionalnih i međunarodnih institucija, kao i međunarodni akteri civilnog društva koji rade na transformaciji Evropske unije. Nakon Konferencije održan je prijem kao oproštajna proslava za Džeremija Vejtsa, odlazećeg generalnog sekretara EEB-a koji će se penzionisati krajem juna. Mnoge kolege, članovi upravljačkog odbora, prijatelji i saradnici oprostili su se od Džeremija kao generalnog sekretara, uz jednoglasne želje da i dalje ostane na putu koji je gradio i kao visoki predstavnik EEB-a, zagovaranja za životnu sredinu po meri svakog građanina.
The conference was attended by organizations dealing with environmental protection, politicians, policy makers and representatives of the EU, regional and international institutions, as well as international civil society actors working on the transformation of the European Union. After the Conference, a reception was held as a farewell celebration for Jeremy Wates, the outgoing Secretary General of the EEB, who will retire at the end of June. Many colleagues, board members, friends and associates said goodbye to Jeremy as Secretary General, with unanimous wishes to continue on the path he built as EEB High Representative, advocating for the environment tailored to every citizen. At the same time, EEB members and other participants welcomed the newly appointed Secretary General of European Environmental Bureau Patrick ten Brink and wished him successful future work.
More about 2022 EEB Conference on following link.
Integrated chemicals and waste management approach and SAICM beyond 2020
EASD is National SAICM Focal Point for Serbia.
EASD Honorable President and Advisor participated virtually in a side-event organized by the SAICM Secretariat in partnership with the IOMC Participating Organizations, during the face-to-face segment of the Meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BC COP-15, RC COP-10, SC COP-10), in Geneva, Switzerland, between 6 and 17 June 2022.
The side-event, ‘How could an integrated chemicals and waste management approach build a strengthened SAICM beyond 2020? An ambitious and enabling future framework to address the sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020, took place on Tuesday, 14 June 2022.
Study visit to Grenoble – the Green Capital of Europe
Within the project “Pulse of Europe – EU media visits“, funded by the European Union in Serbia, the President of the Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, Aleksandra Mladenović, had the opportunity to participate in a study visit with a group of journalists from Serbia. They had opportunity to find why Grenoble is the Green Capital of Europe in 2022.
The Green Capital of Europe Award has been given since 2008 to cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants committed to sustainable urban development. Awarded cities provide an example to other cities to encourage them to use resources on sustainable way, and to preserve the environment for all. So far, 13 cities have received the award, including, from region, Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, which was awarded in 2016.
During the visit to the mayor of Grenoble, special emphasis was placed on sustainable development – the city administration is committed to sustainable development, equally observing and respecting all three pillars: the environment, economic opportunities and social conditions. They provide great support to companies that base their development on the sustainable use of resources, but assistance is also given to residents who decide to become more energy efficient, or switch to using one of the available types of renewable energy sources.
Grenoble has several “Eco-districts”, which is a national label for parts of the city that are developing on the principles of sustainable development. Thus, in the “Cambridge Eco-district” there are two ABC (“autonomous” and self-sustainable) buildings with 42 apartments that receive energy from their solar and high voltage panels. Water is recycled from rainwater, residents make compost, they have an artificial lake available for relaxation and entertainment, but also a red light in the shower as a warning if they use it for too long. This “Eco-district” is being developed in harmony with the mountainous environment of Grenoble, using geothermal energy for the irrigation system. Both older and young people who are living in ABC buildings say they are very happy and satisfied to be volunteers who will live in these buildings for five years, as in some kind of experiment. At the end of this experimental period, the degree of sustainability of this way of life and use of resources will be evaluated.
“Eco-District Flaubert”, for example, has three hectares of parks, which are a trademark of the city, and buildings are built of natural materials (woods, for example). Residents have opportunity to participate in planning the look of buildings (this is the case with future schools, for which students and teachers were interviewed and who gave suggestions on what kind of school they would like to get). Such buildings have gardens on the roofs, which are taken care of by the residents, who grow a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Grenoble also has companies dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable use of resources. Thus, the building in which Schneider Electric operates is a “net zero energy building” – they produce energy as much as they need, by solar panels and wind farms. Also, the Local Energy and Climate Agency in the city of Saint-Martin-d’Heres, located near Grenoble (both cities, together with 47 other “cities” make up the Grenoble-Alps region) helps citizens to participate in the insulation of buildings in which they live, allowing them to pay smaller heating bills.
Through the “Wall-Wall” program, the insulation of 202 residential buildings (almost 10,000 apartments) has been done since 2010. Homeowners are offered favorable loans for up to 20 years of repayment. Citizens of Grenoble can also get involved in initiatives that support the production of energy from renewable sources, such as Énerg’Y Citoyennes. This company enables the production of electricity from solar panels in 10 municipalities in the Grenoble area, and among 364 interested parties, the largest number are citizens.
UNEP@50 and World Environment Day
EASD is participating in Stocholm@50 preparatory meetings and conference 2-3 June 2022 . Also, celebrate with activities World Environment Day on June 5, 2022 .
Stocholm+50 mandate is to enable resolutions A/RES/75/280 of 24 May 2021 and A/RES/75/326 of 10 September 2021. Stockholm +50 offers an opportunity to reinforce the 1972 principles, opportunity for stakeholders to cooperate, share expertise and address complex issues for urgent actions.
EASD stay with whole-of-society approach; participated at Regional Multi-stakeholder Consultations (for Europe and North America) on May 5, together with different stakeholders, including youth, Indigenous Peoples, governments, and non-governmental organizations, who identified and highlighted some of the key messages, such as need to phase out fossil fuel subsidies in order to transition away from reliance on fossil fuels towards a more sustainable energy resources, or call for a declaration recognizing “the rights of nature,” as well as for governments to recognize “ecocide” as an international crime.
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development participated in the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development for the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Region, held in Geneva on 6 and 7 April 2022 . Within the Side Event, together with other partners on the project “Water and Sanitation Safety Planning in the Balkan Region: Albania, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia (WatSanPlan)”, presented the results of a year of work on the project.
EASD representative also participated at One Planet Network to accelerate the implementation of SDG12: The One Planet Network Forum, taking place 31.5. – 1.6. 2022.
Being a part of strong global and regional networks, EASD is actively contributing to position development of certain issues ( NGO Major Group, Women Major Group, Science and Technology Major Group, IPEN, EEB, WECF). Also, EASD participated on number of Towards Stockholm+ 50 Webinars as well as side events .
EASD also follow national preparation of Serbia, within 3 Leadership Dialogues. On outputs and outcomes of Stockholm+50 see more… Among others, about:
- United Nations Foundation/Unlock the Future Coalition
- Ministerial Statement on Future Generations led by Sweden and signed by other 14 countries
- Global petition for a UN Declaration of Rights of Mother Earth
- The People’s Environment Narrative, Stakeholder Forum for a Sustainable Future and the Norwegian Forum for Environment and Development, with the support of UNEP and the Swedish Government
- Stockholm+50 Interfaith Statement, Faith, Values and Reach – Contribution to Environmental Policy
- The Global Youth Policy Paper
- Declaration for Stockholm+50: Restoring Our Common Home
- Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Declaration
The 2022 World Environment Day campaign #OnlyOneEarth calls for collective, transformative action on a global scale to celebrate, protect and restore our planet. This year’s campaign, #OnlyOneEarth, highlights the need to reset the balance with nature through transformative changes in how we eat, live, work and move around. This guide presents actions that communities, organizations and people everywhere can take. It spotlights the key responsibility of governments, cities, business, faith groups and finance to make sustainable living possible by transforming consumption, production, infrastructure, investment and land use. It also includes examples of personal decisions to effect change and push for action.
EASD contributed with activities focused on water safety, sanitation and hygiene, which included activities with children with special needs through the Eco-schools program in Serbia, under the knowledge-based campaign “Safety water for all”. The activities are realized during the EU Green week, from May 30th to June 3rd, using this annual opportunity to pay attention of local and national decision and policy makers to support inclusive environmental education, by using knowledge based advocacy. This activity relies on decades of achievements of the event “Environment to Europe”, which EASD organized as part of celebration of the World Environment Day.
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.
BE CONNECTED WITH THE REGIONAL UNECE FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Register to participate on Side Event: https://regionalforum.unece.org/events/adequate-and-qualitative-education-young-people-continues-spite-covid-19
The Regional Forum on Sustainable Development for the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Region will be held in Geneva on 6 and 7 April 2022 as a hybrid meeting with the theme: Building back better from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while advancing the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the UNECE Region.
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development will participate in the RFSD and within the Side Event, together with their partners, will present the results of a year of work on the project: “Water and Sanitation Safety Planning in the Balkan Region: Albania, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia (WatSanPlan)”. All the results concerning education on the topic of WASH and MHM (Menstrual Health Management) in the Balkan region will be presented, demonstrating the needs and opportunities to connect with local CSOs, women groups, decision makers, water supply and sanitation companies, public authorities, and schools/knowledge institutions in peri urban and rural areas in the region. In addition will also be presented how was promoted and built capacity on Water and Sanitation Safety Planning in terms of a developed Compendium, an online learning platform “Water Classroom“ and further on-going educational activities in the Balkan region.
All the activities are based on WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) and WHO (World Health Organization) programmes related to improvement of the water and sanitation facilities, especially in schools, which represent the joint achievements of the project and the experience gathered by WECF and its partners’ network.
Agenda of the Side Event is available HERE.
More details on the Regional Forum are available at: https://regionalforum.unece.org/events/regional-forum-2022
The first national meeting on the ForLife project “Forest – our lifelong teacher” was held in Forestry school in Kraljevo
On the occasion of the World Forest Day, the first national meeting was held in Kraljevo as an introduction to the For Life project “Forest – our lifelong teacher”. The meeting was attended by representatives of all Eco-schools from Kraljevo and Cacak, who will work in the coming months on the preparation of materials on forests and climate change, for teachers and students and participate in exchanges organized in Slovenia and Italy during the project. The participants presented their previous experiences in working with children and students aged 5 to 15, on the topic of forests and climate change. There is already a lot of interesting material, which will be renewed and improved during the project.
As a symbol of the project, a tree was planted in the yard of the Forestry School, so that it grows as the results of the project grow. A meeting of all partners and training for teachers from Slovenia and Italy will be held in Serbia, in September 2022, hosted by teachers and staff of the Forestry School from Kraljevo. They will show the area under the forest and prepare materials on the importance of forests, sustainable management, forests as an economic resource, but also about forest importace for climate change mitigation and environmental protection.
Eco-schools participating in the project are following: Forestry School, Mechanical Engineering School, Elementary School IV Kraljevo Battalion, Elementary School Dimitrije Tucovic, Elementary School Branko Radicevic, Elementary School Jovo Kusula, Elementary School Olga Milutinovic (Kraljevo), School Vuk Karadzic (Sombor), PU My childhood (Čačak).
The ForLife project is implemented within the Erasmus + program, supported by the European Union. The project was managed by the Doves organization from Slovenia, and the partners are Jump from Italy and the Ambassadors of Sustainable Development and Environment from Serbia.
You can see the materials from the first national meeting here 1, 2, 3.
Forest – our lifelong teacher (Erasmus+)
ForLife is a joint project of three partners: Doves, Slovenia (project leader), Jump (Italy) and Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (Serbia), under the Erasmus+ Program.
EC Project Number: 2021-1-SI01-KA210-SCH-
National Project ID: KA210-SCH-2/21
Project title: Forest – our lifelong teacher
The projects is in line with the new EU Priority “European Green Deal” which is a strong claim and a new strong message of the EU towards all citizens. The project aims to train and empower teachers in the field of global challenges of environmental education (with emphasis on forests and the connection to climate change), through quality lessons and outdoor activities to achieve goals in the field of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The professional support of experts who will share their knowledge in the field of forestry will be provided to teachers, in order to enable them the opportunity to exchange experience of good practice that they will transfer to their work. At the end of the project, teachers will be sufficiently qualified, confident, with new skills and knowledge to be able to pass on to students and educate them about the importance of forests in relation to climate change. It is expected that students will, in following period, change their attitude towards forests and show the concern for nature and the future of our planet through their activities (not only in schools, but also widely) and to become active citizens. The role and importance of forests and their main functions (social, production and especially ecological) will be emphasized during the project, as well as the inclusion of forest visits in regular school work will be proposed, in order to improve knowledge regarding forest as a natural environment in Europe, to emphasize the importance of forest protection, but also afforestation and sustainable forest management. Teachers that teach students with special needs, marginalized and sensitive groups (Roma and immigrants who often have difficulty learning due to their knowledge of terminology, women and girls) will be included in the project, having in mind they do not have as many opportunities to participate in international projects. Through practical activities, games and outdoor activities, the mentioned groups can actively participate, learn and gain new knowledge about forests. The sustainable forest management requires the adoption of practices that take in account scenarios of future climate. Information/educational instruments are foreseen as the important tool of the resilience of the forest to climate change (educational institutions have important role, including Eco-Schools and others).
The implementation of these measures needs to be supported by a training and awareness raising that builds both general knowledge on climate change and forest management. The project is primarily aimed at teachers who teach students aged 5 -15. Teachers who educate children with special needs or work with marginal groups (Roma and immigrants), with the project activities they will help these children to easily integrate into society and encourage them to contribute to the overall progress.
The project goal is to achieve state in which teachers will feel equipped and competent to transfer knowledge in the first place to the secondary group indirectly involved in the project: colleagues, school managements and further students, which will gain new knowledge in the field of forests. The teachers involved will continue to share their knowledge and experience at professional meetings for teachers, study groups, thematic conferences, the network of Eco-schools in Slovenia and Serbia also have its own monthly newspaper, through which they inform the teachers involved in the programme.
Project ForLife started in February 2022, and lasts until July 2023. It is supported by EU, throught the Erasmus+ programm.
Kick-off meeting was held on February 24-25, 2022 in Portorož, Slovenia, with participation of all three partner organizations. It was very good opportunity to discuss upcoming activities in each country, as well as activities that will be organized jointly, as trainings for teachers involved in the project. During the meeting there was also opportunity to visit Skocijan cave, to see how on of the forest track in the vicinity of Skocijan looks, to learn about educational activities that National forestry institute from Slovenia organize with school children, and to see how Eco-schools program is running in pre-school in Slovenia.
Final online Conference on the project: Forest – our lifelong teacher May 29-31, 2023
Schools go green and digital – and Erasmus+ supports teaching excellence!
UNEP Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum, February 2022
EASD (Environmental Ambassadors / Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development) as UNEP accredited organization, follow an participate at UNEP Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum (February 7-10, and 2022 ; 9- 11 February, Agenda) prior to the first session of UNEA 5 (February 22 -23, 2021).
This virtual Forum is self-organized by the Major Group Facilitating Committee, the European Environmental Bureau, and Women Engage for a Common Future. The discussions will prepare inputs to UNEA-5.2 and the Special Session to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the UN Environment Programme in 1972 (UNEP@50). The back-to-back meetings will convene from 28 February – 4 March 2022.
GMGSF is organized around seven thematic clusters that are aligned to UNEA-5.2 draft decisions on: marine and plastic pollution; nature-based solutions; chemicals; green recovery; the UNEP We Want/UNEP @50; Stockholm+50; and environmental governance.
Previously, EASD took part in the Regional consultation meeting for the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5).
The Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum (GMGSF) helps Major Groups and Stakeholders to prepare their input and participation in the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) and associated meetings. It takes place prior to UNEA meetings. Accredited Major Groups to United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) of UNEP are automatically invited to the Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum (GMGSF).
IPEN global plastics monitoring project
The aim of the IPEN global plastics monitoring project is to raise awareness locally and globally about hazardous chemicals in recycled plastics used for consumer products. The project targeted recycled plastic pellets of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) sold from small-scale, local operations, since this is one of the most commonly used material for consumer products. These have been analyzed for UV stabilizers, Decabromodiphenyl ether (deca BDE) and PCBs.
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development participated in the project as IPEN participated organization. The recycling facility EASD used as project site is situated in north-west Serbia, and there are app. 75 employees. The facility was founded 15-16 years ago. 75% of products are for the export, to the Central European Countries (Poland, Czech Republic…). Other 25% is sold to the domestic plastic producers (placed around Serbia), which use these recycled plastic pellets to produce plastic products, but not for food storage.
There are several steps performed to produce recycled plastic pellet, from yield small pieces of plastic (flakes or fragments) to the pellet that is using in next steps of production cycle.
All secondary raw material is used in the recycling process (“zero waste” at the end of the process). They use plastic breakage and waste from its production to make plastic buckets for the construction sector, black colored.
The input plastic is coming from unformal secondary raw collectors, but the large number are also imported.
The samples of plastic pellets were used from the facility and sent to IPEN to be analyzed. The samples were analyzed at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague in the Czech Republic. More at …..
The results are shown in the study: Widespread chemical contamination of recycled plastic pellets globally.
Presentations:
Widespread chemical contamination of recycled plastic pellets globally
Global plastic pellet samplings – Results and briefing
Press Release:
Further promotion of results:
April 28, 2022 – Participating at Local Round Table in Perlez, municipality Zrenjanin, presenting issues of toxic additives in plastics pellets and IPEN study, as well as capturing synergies between plastic pollution (and with decarbonization and climate change. About 10 people from this small town participated.
Activities of awareness raising in Serbia are posted on site in Serbian language.
EU Climate Pact for Serbia: Snapshot targeted rehearsal of country’s obligations in climate action….
Institute of Social Sciences, Belgrade, on December 2, 2021, organized Round table Legal and Social Responses to Climate Change – a new strategic framework in Serbia.
EASD Honorable president and European Climate Pact Ambassador had opening presentation EU Climate Pact for Serbia: Snapshot targeted rehearsal of country’s obligations in climate action, based on signed and ratified international multilateral agreements (presentation in Serbian language is available).
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.
Sustainability of wastewater treatment methods from (Eco) schools in Serbia
From October 2021, EASD is implementing the project “Sustainability of wastewater treatment from (Eco) schools in Serbia”, with the aim of developing awareness of rural residents about the needs, benefits and opportunities to provide sanitation and treatment of waste water in small communities . Through the organization of promotional and educational activities planned by the project, it is expected to raise the level of knowledge and action in the field of wastewater management and related sanitation. The realization of the planned project activities is expected to improve the cooperation between Eco-schools and decision makers in local communities, and knowledge will also be increased in the preparation of the Plan for water supply safety and sanitation.
The project will analyze the possibilities and requirements of sustainable sanitation and properties of wastewater from Eco-schools and other sources, map the problems that exist due to inadequate wastewater treatment in Eco-schools in rural communities and present the results of civic activism through Eco -schools in local communities, related to sustainable wastewater treatment.
* Project: “Sustainability of wastewater treatment from (Eco) schools in Serbia” is supported by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia, through support for civil society projects in the field environmental protection in 2021.
More on activities in Serbian.
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.
TRAINING FOR STUDENTS – ALEKSANDROVAC, OCTOBER 22, 2021
Training for students in the frame of the project “Water and Sanitation Safety Planning in Romania, Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia (WatSanPlan)”, Funded by the Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, was held on October 22, 2021 in Aleksandrovac. There were 19 participants from different classes of the secondary school and four teacher who passed training for trainers held in June 2021. The training was held at the premises of the Secondary school in Aleksandrovac. The names of participants are not collected, taking into account data protection of minor students (ages 16-17).
Purpose of training: Increasing the knowledge of participants on the Water and Sanitation Safety Plan (WSSP), on the role of WSSP and how to carry out a WSSP in their rural and semi-urban communities.
Before the training, consultation with teachers was held, in order to be prepared to participate actively in presentation and practical work with students. First part of the training was theoretical, where key words are explained (water safety, sanitation, water supply system, waste waters system…). The discussion and practical work started with mapping local community regarding available waters. Participants were divided into four groups: upper Župa, lower Župa, city center and city center surrounding. During the mapping, discussion was launched regarding the current situation on water in the municipality, from the students perspectives. The main findings are:
- students are very well informed and have sufficient knowledge about the situation regarding water and sanitation in own community
- students are also very interested to take part in any future activities in order to improve situation in the municipality regarding water safety and sanitation
- they are coming from different parts of municipality and well know the situation in the parts where they are living
- they shown very well knowledge also regarding the situation not only in Aleksandrovac municipality, but also they are interested what is going on in wider area (such is construction of Morava corridor, which affects Morava river basin, etc.)
- during this training, development of the Plan for water safety and sanitation started to be developed, one student is proposed and accepted to be a leader of the water group (Uroš Jović), two teachers will be also involved as mentors: Maja Stošić and Dragana Bogojević
- regarding the factory for the treatment of wastewaters from the municipality, which was planned to be built in the village Novaci, construction still does not started, because some of the administrative problems
- lack of the wastewater treatment is the main problem of this municipality, according to students opinion
- as practical exercise, students measured water quality from several water bodies, by nitrate tests and pH-meter
- next step is organization of the first official meeting of school water group, to discuss continuation of development of the Plan for water safety and sanitation for Aleksandrovac municipality
“Citizen science” – definition in 2021 UNECE Document
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (Environmental Ambassadors, EASD) is a non-for-profit professional association focusing, among other, work on research and science (professional and participant science/citizen science) promotion. EASD is the member of European Citizen Science Association.
With interest we are following the seventh session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention) taking place in Palais des Nations, Geneva from 18 to 21 October 2021. A number of substantive decisions are expected to be adopted at the session that will guide the activities of the Convention in the next intersessional period.
Among documents is document ECE/MP.PP/2021/20/Add.1. There, a number of definitions took our attention; some of them are:
- “Citizen science”, means a form of open collaboration in which members of the public participate voluntarily in the scientific process, engineering research or environmental monitoring in various ways;
- “Citizen science observatories”, refers to community-based environmental monitoring and information systems that invite individuals to share observations, typically via mobile telephone or the web;
- “Research data”, means documents in a digital form, other than scientific publications, which are collected or produced in the course of scientific research activities and are used as evidence in the research process, or are commonly accepted in the research community as necessary to validate research findings and results;
- “Citizen science data”, means data collected by members of the public, often in collaboration with or under the direction of professional scientists, nongovernmental organizations and scientific institutions;
- “Citizen-generated data”, which means data produced through citizen sensing, citizen science and other forms of civic monitoring that share the common denominator that the data collection process is primarily carried out by volunteer individuals actively joining the initiative;
Satellite-like activity in Serbia (and region): Serious of “Seminars for Climate and Environment Ambassadors”
Prof dr Andjelka Mihajlov as European Climate Pact Ambassador launched satellite-like activity as serious of “Seminars for Climate and Environment Ambassadors”. Launched event was National Eco-Schools coordinators meeting, held in Vladimirovci, Serbia on October 8, 2021. With introductory speech, she informed about upcoming serious of climate education and awareness raising “Seminars for Climate and Environment Ambassadors”, structured by European Pact Ambassador on Climate Pact priority topics, and to be realized by professional association “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” through national network of Eco-Schools (with more than 100 educational institutions from pre-school to university level).
The first one will be webinar on November 25, 2011 with green knowledge and skills as thematic focus, with agenda focus on “vocabulary” and terms understanding related EU Climate Pact and Green Deal/Fit for 55, to be presented by Prof dr Andjelka Mihajlov. Case activities and lectures on theme will be presented by other professors, having as the base Climate Box .
Registration is mandatory: https://forms.gle/LoBoNrQSxSEQLcXv5
Time: Nov 25, 2021 09:30 AM Budapest
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 856 2230 5302
Passcode: 023813
The second webinar will be in February 2022 with thematic focus on green areas and buildings. This seminar will be partially supported by Ministry of Environmental Protection of Republics of Serbia, and project Water and Sanitation Safety Planning in the Balkan Region. The third webinar/seminar will be in May/June 2022 with thematic focus on green transport.
These satellite-like events clearly go along the objectives and values of the Climate Pact, involving a number of citizens to take climate action and building a greener country, region and Europe. Real assumption is that each of seminars will attract at least 50 teachers and professors (150+ for 3 seminars), reaching further at least about 4000 students and pupils, further influencing their families and community members on climate friendly way of living. Seminars will not be limited to Eco-schools; it will be open also to public in all countries in region for participants able to follow presentations in Serbian language.
ECO-SYSTEM program: Stable and strong” Green Chair “for greater influence on decision maker
EASD is a Project Partner. A contract was signed at the MIS premises on Thursday, July 29, and the realization of this project begins on August 1 and lasts until December 31, 2021.
The Working group of the “Green Chairs” mechanism has decided that the Center of Modern Skills (CMV) will be the leading partner in the project “Stable and strong” Green Chair “for greater influence on decision makers.” Together with network members and partners of the BFPE Foundation for Responsible Society, EASD – Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, Environmental Association “Zeleni sad” and Aarhus Center Novi Sad, CMV will implement this project by the end of this year as part of the ECO-SYSTEM program, implemented by Young Researchers of Serbia (MIS), and supported by Sweden.
Ref link: https://cmv.org.rs/saopstenja-categoriy/eko-sistem-program/ , Phase 1: Aug 2021-Dec 2021
In advance of UNEA 5.2: EASD participated in the International Consultation for Major Groups & Stakeholders
International Consultation for Major Groups & Stakeholders, in advance of UNEA 5.2, Stockholm+50 and UNEP@50 was held from September 7th to 9th online. The objective of the consultation is to advance the development of strategies around specific initiatives such as resolutions, declarations, decisions tabled for UNEA 5.2, to further develop core messages and positions, and to prepare input from the Major Groups to the 155th meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives and the 8th Annual Subcommittee meeting of the CPR.
Each Major Group had the opportunity to make a short statement, so reflections are presented under Agenda item related to Preparations for the resumed session of UNEA-5, in the form of the summary statement from this international consultation. Also, under Agenda item regarding Preparations for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of UNEP, the UNEP@50 task force presented a statement.
The consultation is expected to advance the development of MGS’ statements and positions, in particular around the thematic clusters and task forces set up to prepare for UNEA 5.2. The participants had opportunity to contribute in particular on the following topics:
1.The UNEP We Want / UNEP @50
2. Environmental governance / Resolution 73/333 including Escazu Agreement, environmental defenders, Stockholm+49
3.Marine litter and plastics treaty
4.Stockholm+50
5.Nature for Climate
6.Nature for Poverty Eradication, Jobs and Economic Prosperity
7.Food systems
8.Chemicals, Waste, Mercury
9.Nature for Health
During the second day following documents started to be prepared under the parallel sessions, and all participants had possibility to contribute in oven capacities:
Draft Joint Statement The UNEP We Want
Draft Joint Statement of Support Draft Resolution Plastics Treaty
Draft Position Nature for Health Cluster
Joint Statement Environmental Governance Cluster
Draft recommendations Chemicals, Waste & Mercury
Input for the CPR and Annual Subcommittee Meeting
The overall impression is that Major Groups & Stakeholders had enough knowledge and experience, as well as willingness, to cooperate in the best way, in order to demonstrate importance of joint actions towards climate change and to contribute to the protection of the environment at the global level.
Training for trainers on water safety and sanitation
Within the project “ Water and Sanitation Safety Planning in the Balkan Region: Albania, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia (WatSanPlan), FKZ 16EXI4004A, Förderprogramm „Exportinitiative grüner und nachhaltiger (Umwelt-) Infrastruktur“ BMU, the first training for teachers of the Eco-school was held in Aleksandrovac. During the two-day training, teachers from primary schools, secondary school and educators from pre-school were introduced to the possibilities provided by the development of a plan for water safety and sanitation, with special reference to the situation in rural communities. In addition to the theoretical work presented by Bistra Mihajlova, a project coordinator on behalf of project leading organization “Women engage for a common future” (WECF) from Germany, participants had the opportunity to exchange their own experiences related to water safety and sanitation in rural areas, where there are many field-departments of Aleksandrovac schools. The topic of menstrual hygiene and how girls and young women are educated in the current conditions was also raised, with general comments that this topic is still taboo in our area and that little attention is generally paid to this topic, through regular curricular and extracurricular activities.
Representatives of one of the partners in the project from North Macedonia, “Journalists for Human Rights”, Nataša Dokovska and Aleksandra, were guest lecturers, who shared their experiences in many years of struggle related to water safety, sanitation, menstrual hygiene and menstrual health. According to research that has been conducted in North Macedonia, Nataša Dokovska pointed out that almost 30% of women in this country cannot afford menstrual products. In North Macedonia, as it is situation in Serbia, they face insufficient education on this topic and an unwillingness to accept it as something that is biologically normal and impossible to pretend not to exist. Among other things, their association advocates that menstrual hygiene be spoken in a gender-neutral language, instead of “products for female hygiene “to be named as “menstrual products”. It is a problem in general that almost 80% of girls know about the menstrual cycle in communication with friends or older sisters in the family, and less often from their mothers or through the education system. The biggest problem in schools is practically that there are no basic sanitary conditions to help girls and women during the menstrual period, so, according to research „Journalist for Human Rights“ realized, in rural areas girls are forced to stay at home during menstruation and to miss classes.
Discussion among teachers from the Eco-schools in Aleksandrovac, there are no such bad experiences in this municipality. However, the positive sign is that through the biology curriculum for the 6th grade, the topic of the menstrual cycle is dealt with, in which boys and girls participate equally.
So far, no more detailed research on menstrual health and menstrual hygiene has been done in Serbia, except sporadic articles in the media and initiatives from the University that can be found. Under this WatSanPlan project, the initial research related to menstrual hygiene and menstrual health will be realized through the Eco-schools program during the school year 2021/2022. The results will show a general observation of water safety, sanitation and menstrual hygiene, which will enable further research and launch advocacy campaigns towards decision makers, primarily related to the availability of menstrual products for free in selected Eco-schools.
The next activity on the project will be training for Eco-schools students on water safety and sanitation in rural communities.
The project “Water and Sanitation Safety Planning in the Balkan Region: Albania, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia (WatSanPlan)” is supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety and the European Union. The project is managed by the international organization “Women Engage for a Common Future”. In addition to the Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development from Serbia, the project also includes civil society organizations from North Macedonia, Albania and Romania.
Environmental Communication: Media Archive Reports as a Participant Science Tool
EASD presented on August 3, 2021, research paper Environmental Communication: Media Archive Reports as a Participant Science Tool (Authors are A.Mihajlov, A.Mladenovic, F.Jovanovic) at 6th International Conference on Communication and Management (ICCM2021), hosted and organized by Communication Institute of Greece.
By sharing experience, this paper justifies environmental communication through the media archive reports as participant science tool, considering that journalists/media are representing citizens (with common interests). In the case of Serbia, illustrative justification that media archive reports could be used as participative tool to supplement official observation and monitoring, is presented, showing that the same trends of citizens/journalist’s attention to environment and environmental performance and progress (in the European Union accession process) in Serbia. In timeline, when sector environment has better performance, it is bigger interest of citizens/journalists/media to environmental issues.
This article benefited from the European Union funded project “ENV.Net Factoring the Environmental Portfolio for WB and Turkey in the EU Policy Agenda” (2017/394-372). The views expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission. Also, authors would like to express gratitude to Media archive Ebart, Belgrade, Serbia for contribution in data collecting. Data used in this paper were gathered through the research on nexus media-environmental issues in Serbia, which was based on initial idea jointly developed by respective journalist Velimir Ćurgus Kazimir (1948-2018), Media Archive Ebart founder and this paper co-author Andjelka Mihajlov, co-founder of Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development.
By this presentation Prof Mihajlov, as paper presenter, also informed and inspired climate actions in contribution to the European Climate Pact , empowering citizens to shape a greener Europe…..participants of this Conference was great ‘communication network” for this. To note that in July 2021 Prof Andjelka Mihajlov, Environmental Ambassador for Sustainable Development, was acknowledged by European Commission DG Clima as European Climate Pact Ambassador , among others for Green skills .
Ref.: Environmental Communication: Media Archive Reports as a Participant Science Tool (Authors: A.Mihajlov, A.Mladenovic, F.Jovanovic) , Abstract Book “Communicating in a ‘Modern’ Word” , 6th International Conference on Communication and Management – ICCM 2021, page 30, Edited by Communication Institute of Greece (COMinG), ISBN: 978-618-81861-9-4 (2021)
EASD and European Climate Pact Ambassador participate at ACUNS Annual Meeting
EASD and European Climate Pact Ambassador Prof Andjelka Mihajlov (also Environmental Ambassador for Sustainable Development) participate at Academic Council on the UN System – ACUNS Annual Meeting. EASD is ACUNS Institutional Member.
At the Panel Climate Change and International Institutions, she presented “UNEP at 50 should have a Guiding Role in What “Green” Really Means” , and also serve as the Discussant at the Panel Understanding Climate Challenges and Searching for Solutions.
Virtually we are in Nairobi: participating at The Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum , the fifth meeting of the Open-Ended Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives, Science-Policy Forum and the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.1)
On February 9, 2021, EASD two representatives starts two weeks engagements and participation at: The Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum (February 9-11) , the fifth meeting of the Open-Ended Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (February 15-16), Science-Policy Forum (February 18-20) and the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.1), February 22-23.
We are starting with the consultations considering the following themes: UNEP Mid-Term Strategy, UNEP Program and Stockholm + 50, as well as main messages from Major Groups and Stakeholders to UNEA. To note that Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development is accredited to UNEP participated previously at Regional Consultation Meeting for Europe in preparation for UNEA 5 – RCM for UNEA 5.1, virtual meeting on December 16-17, 2020. Also, EASD was engaged with its preparatory process and exchange views with Major Groups towards UNEA5. This year, Serbian Minister of Environment is Vice President of UNEA.
UNEA 5.1. Messages and selected outcomes:
OUTCOMES OF THE ONLINE SESSION: UNEA-5
Major Groups and Stakeholders Joint Statement to UNEA-5
Statement by the Women’s Major Group
CPR Chair’s Speech on the Report of the OECPR to UNEA-5.1
UN Science-Policy-Business Forum on the Environment ;Event report
…..
Moments from EASD participation at UNEA 4 are available, as well as at Science and Technology Community Meetings and UNEP Network of the Women Ministers and Leaders.
WatSanPlan
WatSanPlan (Water and Sanitation Safety Planning in the Balkan Region: Albania, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia ). In cooperation with WECF, EASD is promoting WSSP in Serbia, through extension and revision of the WSSP compendium, WSSP educational materials & concepts, improve qualification of teachers and students in a Serbian community, conduct media campaign to motivate citizens to measure nitrate levels in water on their own, conduct relevant analysis and publication of results. The actions include public actions by students and teachers on the selected UN World Days, presentation of the project at the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development of the UNECE (Economic Commission for Europe) in Geneva (Switzerland, March 2022), and in Berlin for BMU and other interested parties. All partners should get to know each other, tasks and responsibilities will be discussed in detail and assigned to individual persons. Milieukontakt Albania (MA) and Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (EASD) will be officially included in the Balkan WASH network.
Project is supported by funds from the Germen Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU). EASD signed contract with Women Engage for a Common Future – WECF e.V., Germany. The timeframe of the project is from 01 September 2020 to 31 August 2022.
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EASD is at World Water Week ( Stockholm 2022)
UNEP@50 and World Environment Day
Joining the World menstrual hygiene day 2022; Reflection
BE CONNECTED WITH THE REGIONAL UNECE FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Link for Survey : SVETSKI DAN TOALETA 2021. GODINE – Učestvujte u istraživanju koliko su održivi načini tretmana otpadnih voda iz (Eko)škola u Srbiji –
TRAINING FOR STUDENTS – ALEKSANDROVAC, OCTOBER 22, 2021
Training for trainers on water safety and sanitation
(Razvoj plana za bezbednost vodosnabdevanja i sanitacije u ruralnoj zajednici )
Information paper on Climate Change and Floods
Promotion by media (in Serbian, Da li smo spremni za sve češće poplave? )
Promotion in schools (in Serbian, Kako smanjiti i sprečiti širenje infektivnih bolesti u školama )
European Environmental Bureau (EEB) – 2020 Annual Conference and General Assembly
The second week of November 2020 was reserved for the EEB 2020 ANNUAL CONFERENCE –
From the Ashes of a Pandemic to an Ever Greener Deal: Securing Europe’s Environmental Leadership.
This web-conference was dedicated to the European Green Deal, taking into account that the first year of implementation is running. The main finding was presented on how the disruption caused by the pandemic can and must be taken to accelerate the green transition instead of derail it. Participants of the Conference, key players from the European environmental movement and political decision-makers, tried to assume real needs what should be necessary done for Europe to embrace and implement truly transformative policies .
Back to back to the Conference, the EEB Annual General Assembly was organized virtually, with participation of representatives from over 160 civil society organizations from more than 35 European countries (all EU Member States plus some accession and neighboring countries), including a growing number of European networks.
Environmental Ambassadors is one of four Serbian civil society organizations (besides “Alhem”, “Sredina” and “Environmental Protection Engineers”), full member of EEB since 2018. Being part of the larges EU network, well-structured and good positioned within EU institutions, provide opportunity for building capacities and gaining knowledge and experience how to deal with crucial challenges, especially in accession country like Serbia is, but also provide space to seek solutions to defined problems.
The Board is consisting of some 30 national members, up to 10 European network representatives and up to six other individuals. For the period 2020-2023, Serbian representative in the EEB Board will be Mrs. Aleksandra Mladenovic, President of the Environmental Ambassadors (she replaced the previous representative of “Alhem”).
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 contributed to the preparation of the UNEP “Researchathon”
EASD respond (with “Let’s influence Agenda 2030 for Serbia to have environmental pillar, ongoing since 2019”) to a public call for inputs to solicit good practices related to the promotion and implementation of the environmental rule of law. Through this “researchathon”, UNEP seeks to consult with a wide range of stakeholders in preparation for the UNEP 2021 Global Report on Environmental Rule of Law and to enhance the implementation and understanding of the environmental rule of law by promoting good practices and success stories.
EASD is UNEP accredited organisation.
November 2020.
EASD quadrennial report at the 2020 regular session of the ECOSOC of the United Nations Committee on NGOs
We are pleased to inform you that the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations at its substantive session, held on 18 June 2020, decided to take note of Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development’s recent quadrennial report.
Organizations in special consultative status, like EASD is since 2015, submit to the Council Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations through the Secretary-General every fourth year a brief report of their activities, specifically as regards the support they have given to the work of the United Nations (ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, part IX, paragraph 61(c)). Quadrennial report particularly highlighting EASD contribution to the work of the United Nations, including the Sustainable Development Goals and other internationally agreed goals.
Congratulation to EASD Team!
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.
New Momentum for the Environmental Agenda in the Western Balkans and Turkey?
On 22 October 2020, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and ENV.net, a regional network of environmental CSOs in the Western Balkans and Turkey, organized an online conference for citizens’ environmental organizations from the EU and the region as well as stakeholders from the European Commission and other institutions. New opportunities coming to the region on the heel of the European Green Deal, and its local rollout, the Green Agenda for the Balkans, as well as other current developments concerning the environmental agenda in the region, were discussed.
Conference Facilitator was Patrizia Heidegger, Director Global Policies & Sustainability, EEB.
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development participated, as ENV.net partner and EEB full member; EASD President Aleksandra Mladenovic co-facilitated interactive breakout sessions with country teams DG NEAR
Serbia, together with Ingrid Sager, DG NEAR, Serbia Unit, Policy Officer Energy, Environment and Transport and Antoine Avignon, EU Delegation to Serbia.
There are more than 50 participants.
EASD join research on SDGs
Sustainable Development Goal 13 – Climate Action; Combating climate change and its impact in local communities
The project aims to involve representatives of the network of the international Eco-Schools program in Serbia to be more actively involved in strengthening the initiative in combating climate change, especially in local communities to which they belong, using previous experience and examples of good practice.
The project includes:
- Analysis of the current situation related to Sustainable Development Goal 13 – Climate Action, in relation to targets, with reference to the situation in Serbia
- Publications for extracurricular activities adapted to the age of primary school
- Poster on climate change, age-appropriate for secondary schools .
The project is supported by the Serbian Ministry of Environment in 2020.
(Our) Berlin Declaration have the quotation in the European Commissions Report
In the Final report on Assessment of the feasibility of phasing-out dental amalgam, on page 32, used Berlin Declaration as the reference, more precisely:
*2017: Berlin Declaration: After a gathering at a two-day Pan-European Summit to plan the end of amalgam, environmental and consumer NGOs, dental associations, Members of the national parliaments and the European Parliament, academics, and industry issued the “Berlin Declaration to End Amalgam Use in Europe in 2020, available at: https://www.ig-umwelt-
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development expert participated in Berlin Declaration development! EASD lead Initiative in Serbia.
In 2020 the European Commission recommends the phase out of amalgam. In concluding that the end of amalgam is “technically and economically feasible,” the Commission explains in its report (mentioned above) to Parliament and Council.
· The alternatives are fully acceptable, and dentists fully trained to put them in, quoting: “Mercury free materials are nowadays of good quality, effective restoration methods are widely available and dental schools are increasingly teaching the necessary skills”.
· The risk from BPA (present in some but not all composite) is “negligible’;
· The price differential has shrunk so much such that neither patients nor dentists, will be adversely affected by the phase out;
· 95% of amalgam manufacturers also make alternatives hence they are fully prepared to switch;
Therefore the European Commission will propose a legislation in 2022 for a phase out on a date specific, earlier than 2030.
The report of the Commission focuses equally on the international challenge to end amalgam by promising to turn its attention in 2021 to (a) an amendment of the Minamata Convention and (b) international trade rules to stop amalgam trade.
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November 2020: Our letter to Commissioner (the European Commission and Commissioner for the Green Deal) Frans Timmermans was well-received
Letter, sent at October 26, 2020 :
Dear Commissioner Timmermans,
European civil society salutes you for your landmark decision to recommend the phase out of dental amalgam to the Parliament and the Council.
Dank u wel!
Your decision makes sense for five solid, incontrovertible reasons:
1. Environment: Dental amalgam is the single largest use of mercury in Europe – and unnecessarily so. The European Union’s science committee SCHER calls amalgam a “secondary poison” because its mercury methylates in fish that children then eat.
2. Technology: Over the past decade the alternative materials have surpassed amalgam in effectiveness – and unlike amalgam, they are minimally-invasive and tooth-friendly.
3. Economics: The prototype is here, because in 2018 amalgam was banned for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women, and simple changes in insurance and government programs made the transition seamlessly. The same can now be done for the general population. Moldova, the poorest nation in Europe, banned all amalgam use last year.
4. Preparedness: (1) Manufacturers are ready: virtually all of them make the alternatives, so no jobs will be lost. (2) Dentists are ready: all know how to place the alternatives to amalgam and probably half of them have stopped using amalgam altogether. (3) Consumers are ready: in the European Commission’s internet poll before the Mercury Regulation was enacted, 88% voted in favor of an amalgam ban. (4) Member States are ready: 89% of the Member States (24 of 27), encompassing fully 88% of the population, either have phased out amalgam, have announced a phase-out date, or have low to moderate amalgam use already.
5. Synergies with other EU goals: Whether the goal is specific, such as clean water, or general, such as the Green New Deal with the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability , the route to a toxic-free Europe must include the end of dental amalgam, a primitive device that pre-dates the Franco-Prussian War and can lead to cracked teeth.
We wish to single out and thank your team at the Commission who laboriously and competently shepherded this issue to the end point of recommending the demise of amalgam for Europe: Aneta Willems, Christopher Allen, David Grimeaud, and Jenny-Johanna Green.
We wish to continue to work with the Commission as you craft legislation for Parliament and the Council to phase out amalgam, and we urge you to set a phase-out date of 2025 or sooner.
Good health to you.
Florian Schulze, European Center for Environmental Medicine (Europe), IG Umwelt-Zahnmedizin (Deutschland)
Elena Lymberidi-Settimo, European Environmental Bureau (Europe)
Dr. Claudia Castell-Exner, President of EurEau – European Federation of Water Services (Europe)
Génon K. Jensen – Health and Environment Alliance (Europe)
Laurette Casal & Antoine Lecuyer, Non Au Mercure (France)
Hanna Schudy, EKO-UNIA (Polska)
Sascha Gabizon, Women Engage for a Common Future (Nederland)
Trine Jørgensen, Foreningen mod Skadeligt Dentalmateriale (Danmark)
Andjelka Mihajlov, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (Србија)
Ann-Marie Lidmark, Tandhälsoförbundet (Sverige)
Dr. Hanns Moshammer, ÄrztInnen für eine gesunde Umwelt (Aegu) (Österreich)
Dr. Elena Manvelyan, Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment (Hayastan)
Monika Frielinghaus, SHV für Umweltgeschädigte e.V. (Deutschland)
Dr. Stefan Dietsche, European Academy for Environmental Medicine (Deutschland)
Lutz Höhne, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Umwelt-ZahnMedizin e.V. (Deutschland)
Susana Fonseca, ZERO – Associação Sistema Terrestre Sustentável (Portugal)
Reinhard Lauer, Bundesverband der Beratungsstellen für Umweltgifte, insbesondere Amalgam, Schwermetalle und Holzschutzmittel e.V. (Deutschland)
Julia Tudare, Intoxication Métaux Nouvelle-Calédonie (Nouvelle-Calédonie)
Graeme Munro-Hall, World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry (United Kingdom)
Dr. David Harvie-Austin, British Society for Mercury Free Dentistry (United Kingdom)
Leticia Baselga, Ecologistas en Acción (España)
Branislav Moňok, Friends of the Earth – SPZ (Slovenská republika)
Dr. Mihaela Cuțui, Timiș College of Dentists (România)
Dr. Claudia Bottino, Metallica_mente (Italia)
2020 Annual Meeting – UN @ 75: The Future of Partnership and Multilateralism, we participate
The 2020 ACUNS Annual Meeting (June 2020) not only provides an appropriate moment to critically reflect on 75 years of UN history, but also and perhaps more so provides an opportunity to constructively discuss the future of multilateralism and the role of partnerships in the future governance of our common global good. EASD is ACUNS institutional member, and we participate at Meeting.
EASD particular interest are thematic sessions:
- THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE UNITED NATIONS IN GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
- The Future of the UN: Beyond Traditional Multilateralism
- The Role of Civil Society in an Internationalized World
- Women in Leadership in Global Governance
- Global (Human) Security Challenges Post-1990
- Sustainable Development Goals and Inclusiveness
- Multilateralism: Lessons Learned
Adaptation of the innovative interactive learning toolkit on climate change – the Climate Box
During 2013-2015, UNDP developed and piloted in Russia a new innovative interactive learning toolkit on Climate Change –” Climate Box” . The toolkit was developed by an interdisciplinary team of Russian experts including climatologists, geographers, biologists, economists, environmental experts, teachers and methodologists, and launched on UNFCCC 21st Conference of Parties (in Paris, 2015). Since 2016, the toolkit has been adapted, translated into national languages and piloted in 7 other countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Since 2020, Serbia has joined the Climate Box project.
The purpose of the project is to adapt the innovative interactive learning toolkit on climate change – the Climate Box into Serbian language.
The main objectives of the project are to promote education and awareness on climate change impacts and drivers among youth and general public, and to enhance the ability of Serbia to participate actively in addressing the global environmental threat of climate change.
CLIMATE BOX is available in Serbian language!
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).
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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
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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
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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.
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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 .
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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.
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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
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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 ).
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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.
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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.
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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
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Women2030 (preparation of Shadow report to the National Voluntary Review 2019)
The Women 2030 Programme is being implemented in 50 countries across different regions of the world. It is constituted by a coalition of four women and gender network organisations cooperating to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a gender-equitable and climate-just manner. The coalition has a 5-year framework partnership agreement with the European Commission (contract CSO-LA/2016/374-340).
On March 18, 2016, a coalition of four global and regional women and gender networks signed a 5-year partnership agreement with the European Commission to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the global Agenda-2030. This coalition, known as #Women2030, supports the implementation of the Agenda 2030.
IN SERBIA, Women 2030 partner is EASD, since 2018. Under this project, EASD prepared “shadow report” to the Voluntary National Review that Serbia reported in 2019. The “shadow report” was presented during the HLPF held in New York on July, 2019.
Overview of the community-based data collected within the Women2030 Gender Assessment in Serbia
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.
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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.
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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 |
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.
Energy Efficiency in Eco-schools
Through the Eco-schools Serbia network, series of workshops regarding raising awareness on energy efficiency, especially related measures that can be implemented in Eco-schools, at homes and wider in local communities, are organized. Participants are pre-school children and students from primary and secondary schools which are members of Eco-school network in Serbia. Educational material was prepared, printed (with original illustrations and design) and shared during the workshops. The material served for building capacity of teachers and professors to deal with energy efficiency issue. Workshops are organized in cooperation with the staff from the Public enterprise “Elektroprivreda Srbije”, using and sharing their knowledge regarding energy efficiency.
Preparation of publication: “Kopaonik, Serbian mountain”
Supported by Serbian Environmental Protection Agency, EASD experts’ team prepared publication, in Serbian language, consisted of Introductory part, Demography data, Geology and Geomorphology, Hydrology, Pedology, Land use change, Climate, Natural values, Cultural heritage, Anthropo-pressures. ISBN-978-86-89961-08-9
See Publications
Inspiring World campaigns
Through the Eco-schools network in Serbia, in 2018 the focus of IW campaign was on re-using textile in order to show that textile is not waste and can be used as much as we wish, depending on ideas and creative inspiration. Under the project, Eco-schools Serbia members, especially schools for children with special needs, among other thing, prepared “silent books” that serve as educational material. Re-used textile was “changed” to carpets, bed covers, shirts, different renovated cloths and other different decorative items. By selling those products, Eco-schools gather opportunity to earn money for new textile and other material needed in their every-day work.
In 2019 IW campaign related to sustainable fashion and sustainable eating: what we wear, does it become from the sustainable chain, and are we responsible to the nature and other resources by wearing different kinds of clothes, and how much is our lifestyle sustainable? The campaign concerned, as well, sustainable food production and consumption, answering on question Do we eat responsible?
Project is supported by C&A Foundation.
Every can counts in Eco-schools
Through the Eco-schools Serbia network, series of workshops regarding raising awareness on recycling process (collection, separation, recycling), with focus on cans, are organized. Participants are pre-school children and students from primary and secondary schools which are members of Eco-school network in Serbia. Educational material was prepared, printed (with original illustrations and design) and shared during the workshops. The material served for building capacity of students, teachers and professors to deal with waste collection and recycling issues. Competition in collection of used can is organized through Eco-schools Serbia network, using pre-defined system for awarding the most successful Eco-schools.
Project activities supported by RECAN foundation.
Education and raising awareness regarding need to protect the environment
With the support of the City of Sombor, the Environmental Ambassadors of Sustainable Development Environment realized workshops in primary schools in suburban settlements. These activities were a continuation of the cooperation that began in 2013, when the first workshops were organized during the summer camp on Golija Mt., for high school students.
Based on previous experience and taking into account the interest of students and teachers, as well as their engagement during the workshops on sustainable development and environmental protection, preparation and implementation of workshops covered several topics, such as water, biodiversity, waste, adapted to primary school students.
Mapping recyclers and purchasers of secondary raw materials through an international Eco-schools program
Project contributed to the development of skills and raising the awareness of the need for separation and the importance of recycling among educational institutions and local communities involved in the international Eco-school program.
Through Eco-schools Serbia network information were collected and the results are processed, regarding the types and quantities of waste collected. This served to develop map of locations where recyclers and purchasers of secondary raw materials are registered, which can become partners of Eco-schools in their activities related to waste collection and separation.
Supported by Government of the Republic of Serbia, Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection.
EASD is engaged with its preparatory process and exchange views with Major Groups towards UNEA5
Two EASD representatives and experts participated:
- on 3 June 2020, at webinar on ‘Capacity Building for UNEA-5’ for Major Groups and Stakeholders, conducted by the Stakeholder Forum for a Sustainable Future. There four key areas were covered in the webinar: The UNEA theme and related sub-themes and important deadlines, The structure of UNEP and UNEA, The Oslo Consultation Opportunities for stakeholders to engage.
- on June 7, 2020, at Major Groups and Stakeholders Consultation , facilitated by the Norwegian Forum for Development and Environment, this meeting is bringing together representatives of Major Groups and Stakeholders to discuss the theme of UNEA 5 and related sub-themes, prepare their views and positions, including for presenting them to member states.
- on June 9, 2020, at Connecting People and Nature: Transforming the global food systems ; explore opportunities for transforming agriculture and food systems, employing nature-friendly practices and taking into account food systems, food and nutrition security, and livelihoods. This dialogue will build momentum for a collaborative approach between public and private actors at the fifth meeting of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) and, ultimately, will feed into the UN Food Systems Summit–a critical opportunity to set a course to radically transform our food systems.
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The 5th UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, in February 2021 with the theme ‘Strengthening Actions for Nature to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals’. In order to help you prepare for UNEA-5, UNEP, the UNEA Presidency, and partners from Major Groups and Stakeholders have prepared a series of exciting events that will assist us to learn more about UNEA-5, engage with its preparatory process and exchange views with Major Groups and Stakeholders from all over the world. EASD actively participate in preparatory process.
EASD join the process of preparation for High Level Political Forum 2020
The High-level Political Forum (HLPF), United Nations central platform for follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, provides for the full and effective participation of all States Members of the United Nations and States members of specialized agencies, with contribution of Major Groups and other stakeholders (MGoS).
EASD participate on informal consultations, joining Women Major Group. Women’s Major Group prepared 2020 High Level Political Forum Position Paper “Accelerated action and transformative pathways: realizing the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development”, as the strong advocacy tool, through and beyond HLPF2020.
The 2020 HLPF will most likely be virtual. The MGoS Official Session is listed in the 2020 HLPF Programme on Tuesday, 7 July 2020 from 5 – 6pm EDT (New York time). The title of the session is: Transformative pathways to realize the 2030 Agenda: a whole of society approach taking into account the impact of COVID19 (Stakeholder perspective).
In 2019, EASD actively participated at HLPF Meeting in New York.
Feminist response to Covid19
EASD is organization working across global movements centered on human rights, sustainable development, and
economic and social justice; partner feminist organisations come together in a moment of collective organizing to outline key principles for a just and resilient recovery from the ongoing global pandemic, as well as to track responses and uplift collective action of feminists around the world.
The COVID19 pandemic is upending economies, changing mobility patterns, disrupting social networks, altering informal and formal workplaces and flows, and redefining the concept of essential work and who performs it. EASD already address the issues at EnE20 Conference, and by E-campaign.
KEY PRINCIPLES FOR FEMINIST RESPONSE TO COVID19 are cross-cutting to all these principles is the promotion, protection and fulfillment of human rights and gender equality:
- COVID19 responses must centre the well-being of all people in an intersection manner
- COVID19 responses must ensure the health and safety of all, including ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights
- COVID19 responses must promote a comprehensive paradigm shift, relying on adequate and equitable financing
- COVID19 responses must be based on and strengthen democratic values
- COVID19 responses must promote a just and equitable transition for people and planet
- COVID19 responses must be guided by cooperation, multilateralism and global justice
June 5,2020 – EnE20 Conference “Citizen science: Focus on Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals”
Professional association “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development ” and Serbian Chamber of Commerce , on June 5th 2020, organize the 16th Environment to Europe – EnE20 Conference. Traditionally, it is an official event that marks the UN World Environment Day (WED) in the Republic of Serbia and region.
In accordance with the current circumstances around Covid19, the EnE20 conference “Citizen Science: focus on Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals” is realized online, presenting the results so far achieved in the development of citizen science concept in Serbia. Bearing in mind that the concept of “citizen science” in Serbia is still developing, but supported through various joint actions and initiatives of scientists and formal / informal civic activists and organizations, the focus is to youth participation, especially through educational institutions involved in international Eco-schools program in Serbia.
This year, the co-organizers of EnE20 are the UN in Serbia , the Global Listening Center , the Center for the Promotion of Science , NALED , the French Institute in Serbia and PE Ada Ciganlija .
Plenary lectures of experts from the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Global Listening Center, the Center for the Promotion of Science, NALED and the Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, can be found at the link HERE. Invited speakers include dr Tanja Adnadjević, dr Marjana Brkić, mr Dušan Stokić, Slobodan Krstović, Sanja Knežević Mitrović, Đurdjija Petrović, and Prof dr Andjelka Mihajlov.
As part of the celebration of World Environment Day and as a special part of the EnE20 conference, a national debate is held for 20 students aged 11 to 18, who were nominated in the essay part of the competition organized by the international organization The Trust for Sustainable Living . The aim of the debate is to find solutions for a sustainable future by referring to SDG 17, My vision: Partnerships for a sustainable future. The emphasis of the speakers will be on the issues related to the environment, climate change and sustainable use of resources. By listening the young people and their visions, we can harmonize further economic and social development with the possibilities and potentials of the environment and nature.
The debate is taking place on Ada Ciganlija, a beach that has been awarded for 9 years by Blue Flag certificate, including the 2020 season, as a symbol of commitment to environmental protection and care for the health and safety of visitors during the summer bathing season. By meeting the criteria for obtaining the Blue Flag for Ada Ciganlija beach, the local community and the managers of the beach contribute to efforts to combat against climate change and raise citizen awareness on sustainable use of resources and the need to protect the environment.
Agenda and presentations, as well as detailed agenda of National Youth Debate
Minutes from Debate:
EU info center on debate and conference
Radio Television Serbia Portal about the Conference
The EnE20 conference is part of a campaign related to climate change, within the project: “ENV.net factoring the environmental portfolio for WB and Turkey in the EU Policy Agenda” (reference number 2017/394-372)
All information regarding the EnE20 conference can be obtained via Email: eneconference@feeserbia.com.
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.
EASD monitored the implementation of SDGs
As one of the partner in Women2030 project, leaded by WECF , Environmental Ambassadors monitored the implementation of the SDGs and collected primary data thanks to questionnaires delivered and focus group discussions organized with community groups. The results presented provide an overview of the community-based data collected through Eco-schools Serbia network, as part of the Gender Assessment.
Criteria for Substances of International Concern Beyond 2020
Message from our 14 NGOs to Brussels: End amalgam use!
To the European Commission:
The transition to 21st –century dentistry – mercury-free and minimally-invasive – has substantially occurred across Europe. Now the imprimatur of government is necessary to complete the process to the benefit of all Europeans.
The past decade in Europe has witnessed a historic and drastic shift from amalgam to mercury-free dentistry: (a) by dentists in their clinics, (b) by consumers in their choices, (c) by manufacturers in their productions, (d) by scientists in their conclusions, and (e) by European Member and Non-Member States in their policies.
For the second time, the Commission’s consultant recommends an end to amalgam, the first being BIOIS in 2012. At that time, Europe was not yet ready. But since 2012 has come a torrent of developments that show, definitively and manifestly, that Europe stands ready for the E.U. to take the necessary steps to complete the transition to mercury-free dentistry.
2013: Manufacturers shift to welcoming the end of amalgam. The European Dental Materials Conference, announcing “the increasing likelihood . . . of a significant reduction or complete ban on the use of amalgam in the near future,” held its conference in Birmingham with the theme “The Demise of Amalgam.” The manufacturers welcomed the shift as an opportunity to make and market modern alternatives to amalgam.
2014: European public votes over 85% for the end of amalgam. The European Commission conducted an internet poll to determine public opinion about mercury issues. Twice as many Europeans voted on the amalgam issue than on the other questions (meaning half of them voted only on amalgam and exited the poll), and voted by more than 6 to 1 to end its use. By the high number of voters only on amalgam, the poll showed that the single biggest issue of concern on mercury was dental amalgam – and that its end was drawing almost universal support.
2014: SCHER adds major support to the environmental argument to ban amalgam. The environmental health scientists used the chilling term “secondary poisoning” to describe the process of dental amalgam getting into the fish, methylating, then being eaten by European children, the subpopulation most susceptible to permanent neurological harm.
2015: SCENIHR changes its position to disfavor amalgam. Reversing the robust support for amalgam in its 2008 report, the health scientists not only recommended an end to amalgam right away for children and pregnant women, but upon a question from Norway, withdrew its claim that amalgam is “safe,” retreating to the discomforting claim that it is only “effective.”
2016: Parliament calls for complete phase-out. The ENVI committee of the European Parliament votes for a total phase-out of dental amalgam, then began negotiations with Council of Europe for a consensus solution.
2017: EU Mercury Law was enacted, with its strong amalgam provision. Implementation of the phase out comes in three phases: the virtual ban for children under 15 and for pregnant women, and breastfeeding women in 2018; the mandate for each Member State to submit a further phasedown plan in 2019; and the Commission to recommend a route to a phaseout, and a date, in 2020.
2017: Berlin Declaration: Gathering at a two-day Pan-European Summit to plan the end of amalgam, environmental and consumer NGOs, dental associations, Parliamentarians, academicians, and industry issued the “Berlin Declaration to End Amalgam Use in Europe in 2020.”
2018: Partial amalgam ban begins. Without noticeably less resistance from the shrinking number of dentists still using amalgam, with insurance shifts in the largest Member State Deutschland, and with smooth implementation even in former oppositional Member States like the U.K., the virtual partial ban begins.
2019: Four Member States joined Sweden in deciding to phase out amalgam: Slovakia, Czech Republic, Ireland, and Finland. Three of these are high amalgam users, a signal to the other three remaining high users (Slovenia, Greece, and Poland) that they too can phase out amalgam. The high users not yet phasing out r epresent only 11% of the Member States with (coincidentally) only 11% of the post-Brexit population.
2019: Full amalgam ban on French territory: the self-governing territory of Nouvelle-Calédonie adopts an absolute ban in September 2019. France Metropolitan also has changed drastically; the biggest user of amalgam in 2012 (says the BIOIS report) is now at the lower end of Member States users as a percentage,
2019: Lowest income country in Europe bans amalgam. Demonstrating that the end of amalgam is not a question of money, Moldova enacts a law ending amalgam use.
2020: Almost three-quarters of the Member States (17/27) are either under 10% use or have filed a plan to phase out amalgam. Environmental rules can never wait for 100% support; the 70% support far surpasses any of the complicated weighted voting systems.
2020: European stakeholders coalesce around ending amalgam use. For example: “From the point of view of the EurEau, the European Federation of Water Services, we have consistently favoured a phase out of dental amalgam according to the Swedish model. “
Amalgam placement requires removal of more tooth tissue, in sharp contrast to today’s technology: the alternatives are minimally-invasive, tooth-friendly, and contribute to cavity prevention. This primitive, tooth-unfriendly pollutant – dating to the era of Napoleon III, Garibaldi, and Bismarck – has no place in 21st century dentistry.
The Council of European Dentists — the last holdout for mercury fillings — is a lobby group for the polluters: the dentists benefitting from a system that lacks the “polluter pays” principle. If the polluter paid, the real cost of amalgam would be prohibitively expensive. Here is the largest use of mercury in Europe – being subsidized by European governments who today pay the bill (the polluters skate) for the dangerous, far-reaching environmental releases wrought by dental amalgam.
Paying the heaviest prices are the children of Europe who, are at manifest risk of neurological damage when dental mercury is released into the environment, e.g., from the fish or vegetables they eat. Certainly the health and safety of European children are more important than the inconvenience for some older dentists to switch to mercury-free dentistry.
In contrast to many environmental decisions, the end of amalgam means more jobs for European workers, because Europe specializes in making minimally-invasive modern fillings, not in making amalgam.
All of the players, the stakeholders, including the majority of dentists and including three-fourths or more of the Members States, are ready – now – for mercury-free dentistry for Europe.
Sincerely,
Laurette Casal & Antoine Lecuyer, Non Au Mercure (France)
Hanna Schudy, EKO-UNIA (Polska)
Sascha Gabizon, Women Engage for a Common Future (Nederland)
Trine Jørgensen, Foreningen mod Skadeligt Dentalmateriale (Danmark)
Florian Schulze, European Center for Environmental Medicine (Deutschland)
Andjelka Mihajlov, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (Србија)
Ann-Marie Lidmark, Tandvårdsskadeförbundet (Sverige)
Dr. Hanns Moshammer, ÄrztInnen für eine gesunde Umwelt (Aegu), (Österreich)
Dr. Elena Manvelyan, Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment(Hayastan)
Monika Frielinghaus, SHV für Umweltgeschädigte e.V., (Deutschland)
Susana Fonseca, ZERO – Associação Sistema Terrestre Sustentável (Portugal)
Reinhard Lauer, Bundesverband der Beratungsstellen für Umweltgifte, insbesondere
Amalgam, Schwermetalle und Holzschutzmittel e.V. (Deutschland)
Julia Tudare, Intoxication Métaux Nouvelle-
Charlie Brown, World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry (USA)
14 February 2020
Global Meeting & Forum on Chemicals and Waste, 2020
EASD participated at IPEN Global Meeting and Forum on Chemicals and Waste, among 93 environmental and health leaders; international health and science experts; and government and UN agency representatives from 51 countries.
EASD Honorable President presented ” Initiatives towards MIA – Minamata Initial Assessment implementation: in coal combustion, application, use and disposal of dental amalgam fillings and management of waste with mercury”. Objectives of the Meeting & Forum is to:
• Strengthen the Toxics-Free Future Global Movement
• Learn from Each Other and Share Skills
• Promote Organizational Capacity-Building & Development
• Celebrate Achievements
• Reflect on the Evolving Global and National Policy Landscapes
• Strategize around IPEN’s 2030 Goals & Program
• Elevate the Profile of Chemicals & Waste Issues
Meeting was held @ Kuriftu Resort, Lake Bishoftu@ Ethiopia – The Land of Origins (coffee is great!), a symbol of African freedom, with more than 100 million people and 86+ languages.
We have new publications:
EASD participated at 2019 FEE National Operator’s Meetings
The Blue Flag National Operator Meeting gathered over 50 participants from all over the world on 8-9 October. This two-day event was held by Keep Britain Tidy, Blue Flag National Operator in England! EASD as Blue Flag NO for Serbia participated.
Eco-Schools National Operators Meeting 2019, hosted by Eco-Schools Netherlands at the Green Key awarded bungalow park Landal Reeuwijk from 11-14 November, The Hague,the Netherlands : The main objectives of the meeting were to celebrate the Eco-Schools 25th Anniversary through campaign ceremonies, look at strategic planning for 2020-2024, strengthen Eco-Schools’ impact at a global scale through campaigns and community engagement, networking and capacity building, exploring opportunities within Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and gaining a better understanding of the FEE EcoCampus programme, its implementation and potential. More . Eco-Schools Serbia/ EASD as NO participated.
The annual 2019 Green Key National Operators Meeting is in December in Doha, Qatar. An opportunity for members of the Green Key International network to share best practices and discuss the programme with colleagues from around the world! As NO for Serbia EASD participated.
Citizen science concept in terms of adaptation and mitigation to the climate change
“Citizen Science refers to the general public engagement in scientific research activities when citizens actively contribute to science either with their intellectual effort or surrounding knowledge or with their tools and resources” .
In last decade, direction in science development moved from traditional circle of research to the new ways, by involving the public and becoming more and more inclusive in a growing range of disciplines. Historically this is not new that universities/academic researchers need to start involving public, citizens, civil society organizations… in their own activities (like Benjamin Franklin or Charles Darwin in the topics of topics that include applied life sciences and health research. It is evident that Citizen Science grows, reflecting in creation of large data sets (especially in monitoring and observing. The main challenge and very applicative approach is to involve citizen scientist in research of the topic that is very important for every unique life and that tackle every single citizen – CLIMATE CHANGE.
It is a question how citizens can be involved. Let we see some facts regarding ongoing climate change issue globally and in Serbia. The fact known wider is that from 1850 until know, temperature raised for 1 degree. The problem is that in relatively short period of time, temperature rises continually. Regarding Serbia, developing country, some of the consequences are following:
At the yearly level, every citizen from Serbia emits 4-5 t of carbon dioxide, what is a quantity at least 10 times bigger than quantity of communal waste per citizen per year. Precipitation is at the same level, more or less, but the problem that we are faced on is that redistribution is uneven. Dried periods are increased, for the period of 83 years, there were 13 dried periods, while in last 47 years, and same number of dried periods are evidenced. Furthermore, number of precipitation days of 20, 30 i 40 mm/per day also increase, especially important is that almost 5 times increased precipitation values of 40 mm/per day, for the period 2001-2017 compared to the period 1951-1980. The problem that urban places faced with relates to the sewage system, it is not constructed to accept raised amounts of atmospheric waters. Climate change goes beyond, without comeback to the previous, „climatelly“ better time!
Globally, to combat climate change, it is very important to follow Paris agreement conclusions and obligations. It should be taken into account that damages caused climate changes costs: at the EU level, from the period 2010-2016, 12,6 billions of eur (or from the period 1980-2016, costs are 436 billions of eur)
Possible practical solution is to include adaptation into future plans, construction, and agriculture through calculation of climate change parameters in order to avoid consequences of extreme climate events. That means to construct savage system to be able to accept extreme amounts of different precipitations, even it is not necessary in this moment.
What is solution and form of citizens’ engagement?
There is a recent project “Territorial RRI Fostering Innovative Climate Action (Responsible Research and Innovation)” with eight partners from Europe, among them Serbia and Center for the promotion of science, under Horizon 2020. One of the pilot region will be Belgrade. This project envisages active participation of citizen, civil society organizations, scientific and research institutions in applying adaptation measures at basic level of the society. The interactive map will be produced, where citizens will be able to mark places and points in the City of Belgrade, where they are fill uncomfortable during the year, in terms of climate parameters. This will help in future planning to pay more attention of local community what adaptation and mitigation measures to apply to these areas.
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, as member of ECSA network, will use citizen science approach to contribute to better understanding what are possibilities of citizen engagement exist through Eco-school network in different parts of Serbia.
EASD is participating in Shaping the future beyond 2020
At the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, from 1 to 4 October 2019, EASD Honorable President participate at IP3 – The Intersessional Process 3 on Strategic Approach and sound management of chemicals and waste (SAICM) beyond 2020 , and technical briefings held on 30 September 2019, as well as IPEN preparatory meetings on 28 and 29 September.
This is the opportunity to engage in a forum that will determine what key strategies and priorities that will be taken by all IP3 SAICM delegates. Focus are themes: Enabling framework as an umbrella adopted at ICCM5 and ensure high-level political endorsement, Governance and institutional arrangement, Financing SAICM with more contributions from the industry sector and Leading indicators for new SAICM should be outcome oriented rather than process oriented.
Relevant SDGs goals are: SDG2 – Zero hunger, SDG3 – Good health and well-being, SDG5 – Gender equality, SDG6 – Clean water and sanitation, SDG8 – Decent work and economic growth, SDG11 – Sustainable cities, SDG12 – Sustainable Consumption and Production, SDG14 – Life below water, SDG15 – Life on land, SDG16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions and SDG17 – Partnerships for the goal.
EASD Honorable member: Milica Momcilovic
EASD Council in September 2019, approved joint proposal by EASD Honorable President and President and acknowledged Milica Momcilovic, science journalist, to become Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development Honorable Member.
It is our honor to have Milica as Honorable Member. As the associate expert, on demand, she is advising and helping us in communication issues. Among others, she was Moderator of Panel, organized by EASD and Serbian Chamber of Commerce.
Milica is President of The World Federation of Science Journalists and a board member of the Balkan Network of Science Journalists a regional network of professionals from Balkan countries. She is a journalist, editor and TV anchor.
More about Ms. Momcilovic at http://wfsj.org/v2/board-members/
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.
Serbia and Agenda 2030 – Shadow Report to Voluntary National Report presented by EASD President in UN New York
Participation at High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) – From July 9th to 18th, at the premises of UN Headquarters in New York, High Level Political Forum (HLPF) was held, with participation of thousands representatives of national and local governments, major groups and other stakeholders. Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (EASD) had opportunity to present the Shadow Report to the Serbian Voluntary National Review, prepared by the Government of the Republic of Serbia, as specific overview regarding implementation of Agenda 2030 in Serbia.
This Shadow Report has been prepared under the project Women2030 (Women and the SDGs), leaded by international organization Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF). During preparation this Shadow Report, EASD organized consultations with some of the representatives of the network Women in Sustainable Energy South-East Europe (WISE SEE), national/local decision makers and representatives of civil societies. The main findings presented in his Report president of EASD, together with other representatives of Major groups, prepared in form of statement towards Serbian delegation at HLPF in New York.
In 2012, the United Nations established High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), as the main platform on sustainable development with the central role to follow-up and to review the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the global level. The Forum replaced the Commission on Sustainable Development, which had met annually since 1993. The first meeting was held on 24 September 2013.
The HLPF is established based on document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), “The Future We Want”. General Assembly resolution 67/290 provides format and organizational aspects of the Forum, while the HLPF General Assembly resolution 70/299 provides further guidance on the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
The Forum meets annually, under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), includes ministerial segment. Every four years Forum meets at the level of Heads of State and Government under the auspices of the General Assembly.
The Forum adopts intergovernmentally negotiated political declarations, using the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development mechanisms for follow-up and review of progress at the national and sub-national levels, which are country-led and country-driven. These national reviews are expected to be voluntary and to serve as a basis for the regular reviews by the HLPF. The forum provides a platform for partnerships among governments, Major Groups and other relevant Stakeholders (MGoS), both from developed and developing countries.
As a general conclusion of major groups and other stakeholder after the HLPF, it was announced that process of preparation of Voluntary National Reviews is not enough participative and different stakeholders apart that were not included in national processes, even did not have opportunity to read VNRs before HLPF.
Draft Shadow Report to VNR Serbia
Aleksandra Mladenovic’s Intervention at HLPF 2019: http://webtv.un.org
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
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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.
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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
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3 schools applied and started process in 2012-13 .
June 2013: International Mentor visited school “Drinka Pavlović” in Belgrade.
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Program activities include summer schools, summer camps, etc.
Related activities: Education for Sustainable Development
Establishment of the South East European Platform to Beat Pollution – SEEPP
Sub-Regional Consultation Meeting on the Establishment of the South East European Platform to Beat Pollution – SEEPP was held on June 24-25, 2019, at the premises of Vienna International Center. The meeting was organised by UN Environment – Vienna Programme Office in the framework of the project “Regional Cooperation in South Eastern Europe to Beat Pollution”, funded by the Directorate for Sustainable Development, Environmental Damage, European Union and International Affairs of the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea. This meeting is continuation of the process started in December 2019, during the Ministerial conference held in Belgrade, and side event, organized in margins of UNEA4, in March 2019, at the premises of UN Headquarter in Nairobi.
The countries of South East Europe and specifically countries from the Western Balkans, should stronger address crucial reforms and complete political, economic and social transformation, in order to fulfill requirements on their respective European paths. This is strong connected with complying with the EU Environmental acquis, what means opening of negotiations on Chapter 27 on Environment and Climate Change, which has not realized yet for some countries. At the global level, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is going to shape national development plans over the next more than 10 years. Progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals targets can be obtained by tackling pollution through existing agreements and synergies with different international initiatives.
Taking into account need for urgent action to beat pollution at all levels, supported by all sectors and involving all relevant stakeholders, South East European Platform to Beat Pollution – SEEPP should be established, with participation not only respective SEE countries, but also with all other actors having interest in this region.
During the Sub-Regional Consultation Meeting, civil society role in the future Platform was discussed among representatives of governments, CSOs and UN bodies. Possible roles of CSOs might be following:
Civil society contribution to the thematic clusters
Preparation of an assessment of possible civil society partners
Platform membership (including Taskforces when relevant)
Using CSOs Networks to communicate the work of the platform and to reach out to citizens
Regarding the last mentioned, Env.net network was presented as good and stable regional network, that can have high impact in future Platform. Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, together with Env.net partners from EEB and Co-plan, presented current state of the progress during seven years of existing of the Env.net. The main discussion, which is still opened, is regarding the self-designation of civil society organisations and a role within the Taskforce of the Platform. In the next period, it is expected that this and other crucial issues will be clarified, with active participation and contribution of CSOs representatives from the SEE region.
Zlatibor Mona hotel – the only hotel in Serbia outside of Belgrade with international ecocertification “Green Key”
The Zlatibor Mona hotel has always been renowned as a business dedicated to upholding the tenets of social responsibility. This has recently been officially recognized with our having satisfied the requirements for the Green Key, the reception of which marks a new epoch in the social awareness of our business operation. Through numerous activities, we continue to contribute to environment protection, raising ecological awareness of staff and guests alike, as well as local community development. We strive to continue to advance in the sphere of sustainable business and to implement all the measures possible toward the realization of the Green Key aims. We proudly point out that we are the first Serbian hotel brand, as well as the only hotel in Serbia outside of Belgrade to receive this prestigious certificate.
“It is with great pleasure that I can say we received the “Green Key” certificate thanks to the dedication of our entire team and that all our employees have recognized the importance of the initiative and came on board of this global environmental movement. With regard to the fulfillment of the certificate requirements, many were completed already in 2007, with the renovation of the hotel, and our operation now accommodates all the criteria, including water consumption control, electrical energy expenditure, and the exclusive use of environmentally friendly chemical products.”
Ivan Vitorović, Chief Executive Officer of Mona Hotel Management
Recap the moments— EnE19
EnE19 Conference / Round table AIR QUALITY IN SERBIA AND REGION, YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW – CLEAN AIR – HEALTHY FUTURE, was held in Belgrade on June 4th, 2019. It was platform for interesting and fruitful statements and discussion.
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″.
Presentations will be posted soon …
Goran Trivan , Minister, Ministry of Environmental Protection of Republic of Serbia / ministar zaštite životne sredine Republike Srbije
□ Stanojla Mandić, Deputy Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection of the Republic of Serbia / zamenik Poverenika za informacije od javnog značaja i zaštitu podataka o ličnosti Republike Srbije
□ Aleksandar Peric, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia , Co-organizer of the EnE19 Conference/ Privredna komora Srbije, koorganizator Konferencije
□ Aleksandra Mladenovic, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development , Co-organizer of the EnE19 Conference/predsednik Ambasadora održivog razvoja I životne sredine, koorganizator Konferencije
Dragan Ðurica, Pomoćnik pokrajinskog sekretara za urbanizam i zaštitu životne sredine – Sektor za monitoring i informacioni sistem životne sredine: Kvalitet vaduha – dela pre reči
dr Elizabet Paunović , bivsa šefica Evropskog centra za životnu sredinu i zdravlje Svetske zdravstvene organizacije (SZO) / former head of WHO European Centre for Environment and Health. Nacionalna implementacija Agende 2030 kao odlicna prilika za smanjivanje negativnog uticaja zagadjenog vazduha na ljudsko zdravlje
dr sci Uroš Rakić, Institut za javno zdravlje Srbije “dr Milan Jovanović Batut” : Aerozagađenje kao faktor rizika po zdravlje
Andrej Šoštarić, Gradski zavod za javno zdravlje Beograd: Monitoring kvaliteta vazduha u Beogradu
Prof dr Svetlana Stanišić, Univerzitet Singidunum: Veza između kvaliteta vazduha u Beogradu i smrtnosti
Marko Kazimirović, Univerzitet u Beogradu, Šumarski fakultet: Uticaj rasta šuma na kvalitet vazduha
Milenko Jovanović, Načelnik Odeljenja za kontrolu kvaliteta vazduha, Agencija za zaštitu životne sredine, Ministarstvo zaštite životne sredine, Republika Srbija: Analiza stanja kvaliteta vazduha u Srbiji u 2018. godini
Dunja Đenić , član gradskog veća zadužen za zaštitu životne sredine i energetsku efikasnost grada Uzica gradska uprava: Aerozagađenje u Užicu
Zoran Živkovic, zamenik gradonačelnika Valjeva: Aerozagadjenje u Valjevu
Ivana Krstić, Sekretar Sekretarijata za zaštitu životne sredine Grada Niša : Aerozagađenje u Nišu
Mirjana Mitrović, Agencija za zaštitu životne sredine, Ministarstvo zaštite životne sredine, Republika Srbija: Polen u Srbiji
#BeatAirPollution: SOS za insekte/oprašivače, Eko-škola “Drinka Pavlović”, Beograd
Aleksandra Mladenović, predsednik, AOR, Refleksija na odluke i dogadjaje u okviru UNEA4, koje su usmerene na zastitu vazduha od zagadjenja: fokus na uzroke
Prof dr Marija Jevtić, Medicinski Fakultet Univerzitet Novi Sad / Institut Za Javno Zdravlje Vojvodine
“Citizens science” – u izazovima kvaliteta vazduha
Aleksandar Macura, suosnivač, direktor programa RES fondacija, Trošenje javnih sredstava za mere smanjenja zagađenja vazduha: Kriterijumi i način sprovođenja
Srđan Kukolj, Health and Environment Alliance: Kvaliteta vazduha i uticaj na zdravlje čovjeka
Dragan Jeremić, Državni sekretar i Predsednik radne grupe za donošenje mera za smanjenje aerozagađenja, Ministarstvo zaštite životne sredine,
Some moments from the event at: https://www.facebook.com/EASD.AOR/
In media:
Round table AIR QUALITY IN SERBIA AND REGION, YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW – CLEAN AIR – HEALTHY FUTURE: draft agenda available
Program /Agenda
Nacrt AGENDE – Finalna agenda će imati dopune
Draft Agenda as on May 22, 2019 –Final agenda will be adopted to the June 4th status
4. jun June 4th
Sala PKS, Resavska 13-15 Beograd Serbian Chamber of Commerce Conference room,
Resavska 13-15, Belgrade
9:30 – 10:00 Registracija učesnika / Registration
10:00 – 10:40 Uvodna obraćanja /
Opening remarks
Predsedavajući/Chair persons: mr Dušan Stokić – PKS, dr Uroš Rakić, mr Aleksandra Mladenović – Ambasadori održivog razvoja i životne sredine
Goran Trivan , Minister, Ministry of Environmental Protection of Republic of Serbia / ministar zaštite životne sredine Republike Srbije
□ Stanojla Mandić, Deputy Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection of the Republic of Serbia / zamenik Poverenika za informacije od javnog značaja i zaštitu podataka o ličnosti Republike Srbije
□ Mihailo Vesović, advisor of president, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia , Co-organizer of the EnE19 Conference/ Privredna komora Srbije, koorganizator Konferencije
□ Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development representative, Co-organizer of the EnE19 Conference/Predstavnik Ambasadora održivog razvoja I životne sredine, koorganizator Konferencije
Note: Competent authorities and international community in Serbia were invited to address the event with opening remarks – the list will be updated when receive official confirmation
Napomena: Nadležni organi i diplomate/međunarodne organizacije u Srbiji su pozvani da pozdrave konferenciju – ova lista će biti dopunjena kada organizatori budu dobili zvanične potvrde o prihvatanju poziva
Grupno slikanje / Group photo
Okrugli sto/Round table
Moderator dr Uroš Rakić
Introductory presentations, by invitation – Uvodna obraćanja, po pozivu
(sugerisano trajanje 10 minuta)
Discussion – Diskusija
10:45 -12:30
Filip Radović, direktor Agencije za zaštitu životne sredine, Ministarstvo zaštite životne sredine,
Republika Srbija, naslov će biti poznat do konferencije:
Dragan Ðurica, Pomoćnik pokrajinskog sekretara za urbanizam i zaštitu životne sredine – Sektor za monitoring i informacioni sistem životne sredine: Kvalitet vaduha – dela pre reči
dr Elizabet Paunović , bivsa šefica Evropskog centra za životnu sredinu i zdravlje Svetske zdravstvene organizacije (SZO) / former head of WHO European Centre for Environment and Health. Nacionalna implementacija Agende 2030 kao odlicna prilika za smanjivanje negativnog uticaja zagadjenog vazduha na ljudsko zdravlje
dr sci Uroš Rakić, Institut za javno zdravlje Srbije “dr Milan Jovanović Batut” : Aerozagađenje kao faktor rizika po zdravlje
Andrej Šoštarić, Gradski zavod za javno zdravlje Beograd: Monitoring kvaliteta vazduha u Beogradu
Prof dr Svetlana Stanišić, Univerzitet Singidunum: Veza između kvaliteta vazduha u Beogradu i smrtnosti
Marko Kazimirović, Univerzitet u Beogradu, Šumarski fakultet: Uticaj rasta šuma na kvalitet vazduha
Discussion interventions by invitation -Diskusione intervencije po pozivu –
(sugerisano trajanje 5 minuta)
Discussion – Diskusija
12:30-13:00 Milenko Jovanović, Načelnik Odeljenja za kontrolu kvaliteta vazduha, Agencija za zaštitu životne sredine, Ministarstvo zaštite životne sredine, Republika Srbija: Analiza stanja kvaliteta vazduha u Srbiji u 2018. godini
Vladimir Savić, Pomoćnik direktora za kvalitet , Zavod za javno zdravlјe Kralјevo:
Lokalni monitoring kvaliteta vazduha na teitoriji grada Kraljeva
Dunja Đenić , član gradskog veća zadužen za zaštitu životne sredine i energetsku efikasnost grada Uzica gradska uprava: Aerozagađenje u Užicu
Zoran Živkovic, zamenik gradonačelnika Valjeva: Aerozagađenje u Valjevu
Ivana Krstić, Sekretar Sekretarijata za zaštitu životne sredine Grada Niša : Aerozagađenje u Nišu
Mirjana Mitrović, Agencija za zaštitu životne sredine, Ministarstvo zaštite životne sredine, Republika Srbija: Polen u Srbiji
13:00-13:10 #BeatAirPollution: SOS za insekte/oprašivače, Eko-škola “Drinka Pavlović”, Beograd
#BeatAirPollution: SOS for insects/pollinators, Eco-schools “Drinka Pavlovic”, Belgrade
13:10 -14:00
Discussion interventions by invitation, continuation -Diskusione intervencije po pozivu , nastavak–
(sugerisano trajanje 5 minuta)
Discussion-Diskusija
Aleksandra Mladenović, predsednik, AOR, Refleksija na odluke i dogadjaje u okviru UNEA4, koje su usmerene na zastitu vazduha od zagadjenja: fokus na uzroke
Prof dr Marija Jevtić, Medicinski Fakultet Univerzitet Novi Sad / Institut Za Javno Zdravlje Vojvodine
“Citizens science” – u izazovima kvaliteta vazduha
Aleksandar Macura, suosnivač, direktor programa RES fondacija, Trošenje javnih sredstava za mere smanjenja zagađenja vazduha: Kriterijumi i način sprovođenja
Vladimir Spasić, Balkan Green Energy News/ Center for Promotion of Sustainable Development: Aerozagađenje i mediji
Srđana Kukolj, Health and Environment Alliance: Kvaliteta vazduha i uticaj na zdravlje čovjeka
Učešće u diskusiji potvrdili su i : dr Tamara Perunović Ćulić, pomoćnik direktora Agencije za zaštitu životne sredine, Dragan Jeremić, Državni sekretar i Predsednik radne grupe za donošenje mera za smanjenje aerozagađenja, Ministarstvo zaštite životne sredine,
14:00 Conference closing (coorganisators) –
Zatvaranje konferecije (obraćanje u ime kooganizatora)
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.
2019 UN Environment : 4th Assembly (and pre- and side-events)
In Nairobi, on March 7, 2019 started Global Major Groups and Stakeholder Forum (GMGSF). GMGSF is unique opportunity for civil society organisations to engage on agenda of the 2019 UN Environmental Assembly. The Forum is focused on INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION.
As UN Environment accredited , EASD is participating. We also participate as the EEB network member and ENV.net regional network member.
After this meeting, we will participate at Science, Policy and Business Forum (9-10 March), UN Environment Assembly (11-15 March) and side events, Green Tent events and Sustainable Innovation Expo.
More in following days…….
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.
WEBINAR – Regional Forum of Sustainable Development (RFSD) for the UNECE Region : we participate
As a representative of the Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (EASD), on 28th of January 2019 (3:00 – 4:00 PM) Honorable member Danko Aleksic participated in the webinar entitled “Civil Society Participation at the Regional Forum of Sustainable Development for the UNECE Region”. Invitation for the webinar was distributed through the EEB network.
The first agenda item was introduction of the RFSD and the UNECE. This year, the RFSD, which is the regional conference in preparation of the High-Level Political Forum, will take place in Geneva 21-22 March. CSOs are among envisaged categories of Forum’s participants. The Forum will be aligned with the theme of the High-Level Political Forum i.e. “Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality” whereas SDGs under review this year are: SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 10, SDG 13 and SDG16.
Among other, agenda item was introduction to the UNECE Regional Civil Society Engagement Mechanism (RCEM) – a civil society platform aimed to enable stronger cross constituency coordination and ensure that voices of all these constituencies in each sub-region of UNECE are heard in intergovernmental processes at regional and global level.
National FEE Council and National Blue Flag Jury Meeting
We participate at UN Environment SEE Ministerial Conference “Innovative Solutions to Pollution in South East and Southern Europe”
UN Environment and the Government of the Republic of Serbia, with the support from the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea, are convening a Ministerial conference on “Innovative Solutions to Pollution in South East and Southern Europe” taking place on 4-5 December 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. Conference is bringing together all relevant stakeholders – EASD participated as UNEP/UNEA accredited NGO .
At the end of the first day, it was the meeting of participating NGOs, in order to finalise text for intervention within the Plenary.
We are so proud when Mr Michael Stanley-Jones, Secretary, United Nations Alliance for Sustainable Fashion, UN Environment, in his speech related Innovative Solutions to Sustainable Textiles and Fashion in South East and Southern Europe, noted as “One example may be cited to illustrate one innovative solution.• Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, the UNEP accredited organization based in Serbia, and their 2018 activity of textile upcycling – collecting used textiles/clothing, donated to schools for the disabled, where they are refashioned into new products, is a model of one promising innovation“.
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (Environmental Ambassadors / EASD) continue preparation for Fourth United Nations Environment Assembly (4UNEA)!
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.
YRE competition: apply before February 1, 2019.; Theme: Energy Efficiency
2019 YRE Competition is open! Theme is Energy Efficiency.
More at Konkurs za Mlade Eko-reportere: rok je 1.februar 2019.; tema; energetska efikasnost
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
FEE busy September 2018: General Assembly and Green Key NOM
In the setting of the national Library in Riga, the President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis launched our two-day 2018 General Assembly (GA). Members from across our FEE global network joined together as the President talked about the need for sustainability and finding solutions to excess consumption. More at……
Just before FEE GA, Green key 2018 NOM was held in Tallinn.
EASD representatives participated on the both events.
Follow FEE Serbia , FEE GA and GK NOM.
In EU a ban on the use of mercury in the dental fillings of children and pregnant women comes into effect on July 1, 2018
In 2017 EASD become the part of Initiative: End mercury use in dentistry by 2022, civil society challenge European Union.
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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
Join us for June 5th: Conference Agenda is available
Pictures from the event:
Otvaranje / Opening
Panel o zastiti prirode / Panel on Nature Protection
UNEP nagrade / UNEP@WED
YRE awwards/ Nagrade Mladih ekoreportera & https://www.facebook.com/mladiekoreporteri/
Prezentacija radova / Presentations
The Fourteenth Regional Conference – EnE18
Environment to Europe
Belgrade, Serbia, June 5, 2018
Nature protection – Nature-Responsive Development
Conference Agenda, draft, as on 22/05/2018
Conference “Environment to Europe” – EnE18 is an official event that marks the UN World Environment Day (WED) in the Republic of Serbia and region. Since its beginning in 1974, World Environment Day has developed into a global platform for raising awareness and taking action on urgent issues from marine pollution and global warming to sustainable consumption and wildlife crime. “Beat Plastic Pollution”, the theme for World Environment Day 2018, is a call to action for all of us to come together to combat one of the great environmental challenges of our time. Chosen by this year’s host, India, the theme of World Environment Day 2018 (If you can’t reuse it, refuse it) invites us all to consider how we can make changes in our everyday lives to reduce the heavy burden of plastic pollution on our natural places, our wildlife – and our own health. In recent years, millions of people have taken part in thousands of registered activities worldwide.
Conference “Environment to Europe” – EnE18 is an official event that marks the European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) in the Republic of Serbia. The ESDW is a European-wide initiative to stimulate and make visible activities, projects and events that promote sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It takes place every year from 30 May until 5 June. The ESDW aims to raise awareness for the 2030 Agenda in Europe and calls upon local stakeholders to actively engage with sustainable development, in general, and the SDGs, in particular.
The Fourteenth Regional Conference EnE18 is thematically focused on Nature protection – Nature-Responsive Development (2018). Since 2005, when we established the Conference, we have around 2.500 participants from 15 countries and presented about 350 research and scientific papers. This year is also fourteen years of partnership between “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development“ with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia“.
Conference Agenda
as on 22/05/2018; possible changes of Agenda when confirmation received
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 Registracija učesnika / Registration
10:00 – 10:50 Uvodna obraćanja / Opening remarks
Moderator: dr Uroš Rakić, on behalf of organisators
- H.E. Ratko Vlajkov, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Serbia – The Bulgarian presidency of the Council of the EU / Ambasador, Ambasada Republike Bugarske u Republici Srbiji
- H.E. Lazar Mirkić, Ambassador, Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Republic of Serbia / Ambasador, Ambasada Bosne i Hercegovine u Republici Srbiji
- Robert Nygård, The First Secretary Responsible for Environmental Issues, Swedish Embassy in the Republic of Serbia / Prvi sekretar odgovoran za pitanja životne sredine, Ambasada Švedske u Republici Srbiji
- Delegation of EU in Serbia, representative / Delegacija EU u Srbiji, predstavnik/ (potvrđeno/confirmed, representative tbd)
- Minister for Environment / Ministar za zaštitu životne sredine (invited/pozvan)
- Stanojla Mandić, Deputy Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection of the Republic of Serbia / Zamenica poverenika za informacije od javnog značaja i zaštitu podataka o ličnosti Republike Srbije
- Dr Deni Porej, Director of WWF Adria, WWF Mediterranean Programme Office / Direktor WWF Adria, WWF Regionalna kancelarija
- Aleksandra Šiljić Tomić, Project Coordination Specialist, UN Environment Republic of Serbia / Koordinator projekta, Kancelarija UN za životnu sredinu, Republika Srbija
- dr Nenad Sekulić, Head of Department for Biodiversity and Ecological Network, Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia / Načelnik odeljenja za biodiverzitet i ekološke mreže, Zavod za zaštitu prirode Srbije
- Goran Krnčević, Assistant Director of the Sector for Legal, Financial and Administrative Affairs, Institute for Nature Conservation of Vojvodina Province / Pomoćnik direktora za pravne, finansijske i opšte poslove, Pokrajinski zavod za zaštitu prirode
- Ljubica Naumović, Environment Executive, Tetra Pak Production / referent za zaštitu životne sredine, Tetra Pak Production
- Dušan Stokić, Co-organizer of the EnE18 Conference, Head of the Department for Environment, Technical Regulation, Quality and Social Responsibility, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia / suorganizator EnE18 Konferencije, Rukovodilac Službe za životnu sredinu, tehničke propise, kvalitet i društvenu odgovornost, Privredna komora Srbije
- prof. dr Dunja Prokić, the EnE18 Conference Chair person, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development / predsedavajuća EnE18 Konferencije, Ambasadorka održivog razvoja i životne sredine
10:50 – 11:00 Aleksandra Mladenović, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development President/ Predsednica Ambasadora održivog razvoja i životne sredine, Plenary, Panel Theme and Panelists / Predstavljanje plenarnog izlaganja, panela i panelista
11:00 – 11:20 Plenary lecture / Plenarno predavanje
Begona Matilla Soloaga, Human Dynamics, Team leader, TA for strengthening the National Nature Protection System for implementation of Natura 2000 requirements / Human Dynamics, tim lider, NATURA 2000 Turska. Focus : NATURA 2000 in Turkey – project outputs / NATURA 2000 u Turskoj – rezultati projekta.
11:20 – 13:30 Panel on Nature Protection and Nature – Responsive Development / Panel na temu Zaštita prirode i razvoj odgovoran prema prirodi
Moderator: Milica Momčilović, journalist, Vice President of World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ) / novinar, potpredsednica Svetske federacije naučnih novinara
Panelists (Plenary Session) / Učesnici Panela (Plenarna sesija) :
dr Deni Porej, Director of WWF Adria, WWF Mediterranean Programme Office / Direktor WWF Adria, WWF Regionalna kancelarija. Focus : WWF and Nature Protection, Nature – Responsive Development / WWF i zaštita prirode, razvoj odgovoran prema prirodi.
prof. dr Predrag Simonović, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade / Biološki fakultet, Univerzitet u Beogradu . Focus: An invasive species of fish and links between fisheries management and aquaculture in Serbia in the process of EU accession / Invazivne vrste riba i veza između ribolovnog upravljanja i akvakulture u Srbiji u procesu pristupanja EU
mr. Danko Jović, Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia / Zavoda za zaštitu prirode Srbije. Focus: State in the Republic of Serbia in respect of nature and oblidations of Serbia in the process of accession to the EU in this area / Stanje u Republici Srbiji u vezi zaštite prirode i obavezama Srbije u procesu pristupanja EU u ovoj oblasti.
Klara Sabadoš, Institute for Nature Conservation of Vojvodina Province / Pokrajinski zavod za zaštitu prirode. Focus: The situation regarding nature protection and the NATURA 2000 network in Serbia / Situacija oko zaštite prirode i mreže NATURA 2000 u Srbiji.
Nikola Stanojević, Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia / Društvo za zaštitu i proučavanje ptica: Protection of birds and obligations of the Republic of Serbia in the process of EU accession in this area / Zaštita ptica i obaveze Republike Srbije u procesu pristupanja EU u ovoj oblasti.
13:30 – 13:40 Technical Break / Tehnička pauza
13:40 -14:00 Awards for the winners of the competition „Beat plastic pollution! If you can’t reuse it, refuse it!“ organized among elementary school classes by UN Environment and partners: Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development and Forestry and Environmental Action for celebration of the World Environment Day 2018 in Serbia / Dodela nagrada timovima iz osnovnih škola u Srbiji, pobednicima na konkursu „U koštac sa plastikom!“ tj. „Pobedi zagađenje plastikom! Ako ne možeš da je ponovo upotrebiš, ne koristi je!“ koji je Agencija Ujedinjenih nacija za životnu sredinu organizovala zajedno sa partnerima: Ambasadori održivog razvoja i zaštite životne sredine i Inicijativa za šumarstvo i životnu sredinu – fea povodom obeležavanja Svetskog dana zaštite životne sredine 2018. u Srbiji.
Obraćanje: Aleksandra Šiljić Tomić, specijalista za koordinaciju projekata Agencije Ujedinjenih nacija za životnu sredinu (UN Environment)
Awarded / Nagrađeni radovi:
1. mesto – rad „Žutoplovac“, OŠ „Sveti Georgije“, Uzdin; Nagradu prima mentor Tatjana Romanov, profesor razredne nastave
2. mesto – rad „Eko brodić – Drugarstvo“, OŠ „Rade Dodić“, Milutovac, izdvojeno odeljenje Poljna; Nagradu prima mentor Suzana Jovanović –Stanisavljević
3. mesto – rad „Brod prijateljstva“, OŠ „Petefi brigada“, Kula; Nagradu prima mentor Marijana Kolarić
Photo exhibition – slideshow of vessels (ships, sailboats, etc.) of all elementary school classes participated in the competition is presented in the front of the Main Hall.
14:00 – 14:20 Awards for the best Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) in 2018: “Energy Efficiency of the Eyes of Young Reporters for the Environment” / Dodela nagrada najboljim Mladim Eko-reporetima u 2018. godini: “Energetska efikasnost očima Mladih Eko-reportera”
Obraćanje: Dijana Šarac, koordinator Programa Mladi Eko-reporteri
Awarded/ Nagrađeni radovi:
Uzrasna kategorija od 11 do 14 godina
– U kategoriji članaka:
- mesto David Bradić iz OŠ „Rade Dodić“, Milutovac, naziv članka: Sunce i ti
- mesto Lena Veličić, Dunja Milijanović iz OŠ „Sveti Sava“, Čačak, naziv članka: Štednja energije
- mesto Milica Đurić, Teodora Nikša, Milica Popović, Živojin Mišić, Marko Kuleško iz OŠ „Marija Trandafilović“, Veternik, naziv članka: Udaljenost Kejptauna je relativna stvar
– U kategoriji fotografija:
- mesto Milan Pavlović iz OŠ Stojan Novaković, Blace, naziv fotografije: Energetska efikasnost saradnjom svih nas
- mesto Jovana Dimitrijević iz OŠ Sveti Sava, Pirot, naziv fotografije: Moj grad vodi računa o energetskoj efikasnosti
- mesto Ilija Radojković iz OŠ Ratko Mitrović, Čačak, naziv fotografije: Sunce na našem krovu
– U kategoriji videa:
- mesto Đina Ranđelović, Iva Ignjatović iz OŠ „Sveti Sava“ Pirot, naziv videa: Unutrašnji bazen u Pirotu
- mesto Nikola Dragić, Ognjen Kostić, Aleksa Vacić, Dimitrije Stanković iz OŠ „Sveti Sava“, Pirot, naziv videa: Vodenica
- mesto Strahinja Marseni, Anja Lazović, Vladimir Konstantinovića, Andreja Đurkovića, Teodora Radivojević iz OŠ Drinka Pavlović, Beograd, naziv videa: Energetska efikasnost
Uzrasna kategorija od 15 do 18 godina
– U kategoriji članaka:
- mesto Jefimija Najdić iz Gimnazija Vranje, naziv članaka: Dozvolite plućima naše planete da dišu
- mesto Marija Dibrani iz MTŠ „14 oktobar“, Kraljevo, naziv članka: Zelena energija i zdrav život
- mesto Stefan Zeremski, Bojan Zakonović, Vasilije Radović iz ETŠ „Rade Končar“, Beograd. Naziv članka: Sekcija za energetsku efikasnost
– U kategoriji fotografija:
- mesto Olga Đurović iz Gimnazije „Takovski ustanak“, Gornji Milanovac, naziv fotografije: Krov
- mesto Vladana Stanković iz Prehrambeno-hemijske škole, Niš, naziv fotografije: Nova rasveta u Doljevcu
– U kategoriji videa:
- mesto Anja Aranđelović, Milica Jovanović, Gordan Mišić iz Tehničke škole, Paraćin, naziv videa: Menjamo navike da ne bude panike
- mesto Natalija Stanković iz Savremene gimnazije, Beograd, naziv videa: Energetska efikasnost
- mesto 14 učenika iz Medicinske škole, Vranje, naziv videa: Odakle dolazi električna energija
– Uzrasna kategorija od 19 do 21 godine
U kategoriji fotografija:
- mesto Tijana Krnjaić sa Fakulteta Političkih nauka, naziv fotografije: Toplotna pumpa
– U kategoriji videa:
1.mesto Anđela Stošić sa Fakulteta Političkih nauka, naziv videa: Solarni paneli
14:20-15:00 Break / Pauza
15:00-18:00 Presentations / Usmena izlaganja radova
Moderatori: prof. dr Hristina Stevanović Čarapina, prof. dr Nataša Žugić Drakulić, prof. dr Dunja Prokić, dr Uroš Rakić
Plenary lecture / Uvodno predavanje
Uticaj Sporazuma iz Pariza o promeni klime na razvoj ekološkog acquis-a i prenošenje pravnih standarda zaštite biodiverziteta i očuvanja šuma u pravni sistem Srbije, MIRJANA DRENOVAK IVANOVIĆ, PRAVNI FAKULTET, UNIVERZITET U BEOGRADU
Oral presentations / Usmena izlaganja
GEOGRAPHIC MONITORING OF FOREST BIODIVERSITY IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, ADI OPERTA, Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mujo Hasanović, Irma Mahmutović-Dizdarević, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
KREIRANJE GIS BAZE O STANJU REČNOG TOKA U FUNKCIJI DIZAJNA ADEKVATNIH REŠENJA OČUVANJA PRIRODE, SLAĐANA ĐORĐEVIĆ, POLJOPRIVREDNI FAKULTET, UNIVERZITET U BEOGRADU, MILOŠ NINKOVIĆ, GEOGRAFSKI FAKULTET, UNIVERZITET U BEOGRADU, DUŠICA PEJIĆ, FAKULTET BEZBEDNOSTI, UNIVERZITET U BEOGRADU, BORIS KATIĆ, OPŠTINA MALI ZVORNIK, SLOBODAN MILOŠEVIĆ, FAKULTET ZA PRIMENJENU EKOLOGIJU FUTURA, UNIVERZITET SINGIDUNUM
CLADOCERANS SEASONAL DYNAMICS AT SNR ”CARSKA BARA”, Martina Mezei, Aleksandra Petrović, Vojislava Bursić, Tijana Stojanović, Jasna Grabić, Branka Ljevnaić-Mašić, FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE, UNIVERSITY OF NOVI SAD, SERBIA
PREGLED VRSTA PRIORITETNIH ZA NATURU 2000 U FAUNI ZASAVICE, MIHAJLO STANKOVIĆ, pOKRET GORANA SREMSKA MITROVICA
PRILOG FAUNI KIČMENJAKA N.P. KOZARA – MEĐUNARODNO ZNAČAJNE VRSTE, Mihajlo Stanković, Pokret gorana Sremska Mitrovica, Dragan Romčević, NACIONALNI PARK KOZARA
ZAŠTITA PRIRODE U GRADU BEOGRADU, MILAN MARTINOVIĆ, GEOGRAFSKI FAKULTET, UNIVERZITET U BEOGRADU
INFLUENCE OF DROUGHT ON WATER QUALITY AT SPECIAL NATURE RESERVE “CARSKA BARA”, Radoš Zemunac, Jasna Grabić, Vojislava Bursić, Aleksandra Petrović, Martina Mezei, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Ildiko Grnya, Special Nature Reserve “Carska bara”, Branka Ljevnaić-Mašić, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad
ŠUME HRASTA LUŽNJAKA (Quercus Robur Lat.) – INDIKATOR KLIMATSKIH PROMENA NA PODRUČJU ŠUMADIJE, SEVERIN ŠIKANJA, FAKULTET ZA PRIMENJENU EKOLOGIJU – FUTURA, UNIVERZITET SINGIDUNUM
MERE ZAŠTITE U SPOMENIKU PRIRODE ”PARK BUKOVIČKE BANJE”, STEFAN dABIŽLJEVIĆ, ALEKSANDAR ĐORĐEVIĆ, MILOŠ TOMOVIĆ, VISOKA ŠKOLA STRUKOVNIH STUDIJA ARANĐELOVAC
ZAŠTITA PRIRODE U TEHNOLOŠKIM GRADOVIMA, MILAN MARTINOVIĆ, GEOGRAFSKI FAKULTET, UNIVERZITET U BEOGRADU
INVESTIGATION OF MACRO- AND MICROELEMENTS IN SOIL, GRAPEVINE AND AIR IN ORGANIC VINEYARD: BIOMONITORING, ECOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS AND HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT, TIJANA Milićević, Mira Aničić Urošević, INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS BELGRADE, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA, UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE, Dubravka Relić, fACULTY OF CHEMISTRY, UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE, Gordana Vuković, INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS BELGRADE, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA, UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE, Sandra Škrivanj, AlekSANDAR POPOVIĆ, UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE, FACULTY OF CHEMISTRY
PRIMENA LCA MODELA ZA DONOŠENJE ODLUKA U OBLASTI ZAŠTITE ŽIVOTNE SREDINE, jASNA STEPANOV, DUNJA PROKIĆ, FAKULTET ZAŠTITE ŽIVOTNE SREDINE, UNIVERZITET EDUKONS, SREMSKA KAMENICA
AIR POLLUTION TAKEN BY HEALTH PROFESSIONALS – CALL FOR PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS AND TANGIBLE CITY LEVEL POLICY CHANGES TO CUT POLLUTION LEVELS, VLATKA MATKOVIĆ PULJIĆ, Srđan kukolj, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT ALLIANCE (HEAL), BRUSSELS, Marija jevtić, UNIVERSITY OF NOVI SAD, FACULTY OF MEDICINE, INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC HEALTH OF VOJVODINA, UNIVERSITÉ LIBRE DE BRUXELLES (ULB), SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, BRUXELLES, CATHERINE BOULAND, UNIVERSITÉ LIBRE DE BRUXELLES (ULB), SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, BRUXELLES, ALEXANDER SIMIDCHIEV, DEPARTMENT OF PULMONOLOGY, UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL LOZENETS, SOFIA
OSIGURANJE KAO FINANSIJSKI INSTRUMENT ODRŽIVOG RAZVOJA, TANJA NOVAKOVIĆ, FAKULTET TEHNIČKIH NAUKA, UNIVERZITET U NOVOM SADU, Marija jevtić, Medicinski fakultet, UNIVERZITET U NOVOM SADU, Institut za javno zdravlje Vojvodine, tatjana tamaš, MEDICINSKI FAKULTET, UNIVERZITET U NOVOM SADU, Institut za onkologiju vojvodine, Đorđe Ćosić , Ljiljana Popović, Mirjana Laban, FAKULTET TEHNIČKIH NAUKA, UNIVERZITET U NOVOM SADU
ELEMENTI MALOLETNIČKOG KRIMINALITETA U KRIVIČNIM DELIMA PROTIV ŽIVOTNE SREDINE U REPUBLICI SRBIJI, Aleksandar Luković, KORIDORI SRBIJE, Brankica Luković, Ljilana Plećević, Vahid Ibrulj, Visoka škola strukovnih studija-Aranđelovac
ZAŠTITA VAZDUHA OD ZAGAĐENJA I ”EURO 3” STANDARD MOTORNIH VOZILA, bRANISLAVA MARKOVIĆ, pRAVNI FAKULTET, UNIVERZITET U BEOGRADU
SRBIJA BEZ FOSILNIH GORIVA, DEJAN DOLJAK, STEVAN GLIGOROVIĆ, MILICA LAZOVIĆ,ĐURĐIJA MARKOVIĆ, ANA MILEUSNIĆ, MIRKO MILIĆEVIĆ, NEMANJA NIKOLIĆ, SINIŠA OBRENIĆ, DANIJELA PAVIĆEVIĆ, ĐORĐE SAMARDŽIJA, JEDAN STEPEN SRBIJA
UTICAJ TURIZMA NA VODNE RESURSE, SNEŽANA ŠTETIĆ, VISOKA TURISTIČKA ŠKOLA STRUKOVNIH STUDIJA BEOGRAD, IGOR TRIŠIĆ, Fakultet za hotelijerstvo i turizam, Univerzitet u Kragujevcu, Fakultet za hotelijerstvo i turizam u Vrnjačkoj BanjI
Značaj planova za sigurno vodosnabdevanje i Bonske povelje, mILKICA Kovačević
KREMIRANJE I ZAŠTITA ŽIVOTNE SREDINE, OSVRT NA SRBIJU I ”OGANJ”, SLOBODAN STOJANOVIĆ, BRANISLAV MATIJAS, MAJA NIKOLIĆ, UDRUŽENJE KREMATISTA ”OGANJ”
Poređenje ekološke svesti učenika osnovnih škola u Nemačkoj i Bosni i Hercegovini, TEA POŽAR, Institute of Geography, University of Bamberg, dIJANA ĐURIĆ, Građevinski fakultet Subotica, Univerzitet u Novom Sadu, LOLA MARKOVIĆ, GEOGRAFSKI FAKULTET, UNIVERZITET U BEOGRADU
Radovi u formi apstrakta
OČUVANJE STANIŠTA VELIKE DROPLJE, MIROSLAVA KRNIĆ, LJILJANA MILEKIĆ, gRADSKA UPRAVA, GRAD KIKINDA
Biodiversity of epiphytic Lichens and Mosses from Pčinja District and Bioindication of heavy Metal Pollution by using Evernia prunastri and Hypnum cupressiforme, SNEŽANA MILOŠEVIĆ, OPŠTINSKA UPRAVA, KLER, OPŠTINA BUJANOVAC, SLAVIŠA STAMENKOVIĆ, PRIRODNO MATEMATIČKI FAKULTET
18:00 Zatvaranje konferencije / Conference closing
Obraćanje: Aleksandra Mladenović, predsednica Ambasadora održivog razvoja i životne sredine
I ove godine Ambasadori održivog razvoja i životne sredine (AOR) nastavljaju sa promovisanjem aktivnosti koje imaju minimalan negativan uticaj na životnu sredinu, te je EnE18 Konferencija prepoznata kao ekološki prijateljska i izbegnuto je bespotrebno štampanje materijala i publikovanje Zbornika radova u štampanom izdanju. Takođe, AOR preporučuju dolazak učesnika na Konferenciju sredstvima javnog prevoza.
Četrnaesta regionalna konferencija EnE18
The Fourteenth Regional Conference EnE18
Životna sredina ka Evropi
Environment to Europe
ORGANIZACIONI I NAUČNO – RECENZENTSKI ODBOR:
ORGANISATION AND SCIENTIFIC – ADVISORY COMMITTEE:
dr Christos Vlachokostas, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece
Prof. dr Anđelka Mihajlov, University of Novi Sad, Serbia
MSc Ljupco Avramovski, Skopje, FYR Macedonia
Prof dr Predrag Simonović, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Prof. dr Nataša Žugić Drakulić
Filip Jovanović MSc
dr Uroš Rakić
Prof. dr Hristina Stevanović Čarapina
MSc Aleksandra Mladenović
mr Dušan Stokić, ko-predsedavajući Konferencije, Conference co-Chair
prof. dr Dunja Prokić, glavna koordinatorka Konferencije, Main Conference Coordinator
Jezik Konferencije
Engleski i srpski (i/ili jezici bivših jugoslovenskih republika); simultano prevođenje je obezbeđeno zaključno sa 13:30h.
Conference language
English and Serbian (and/or languages of former Yugoslav Republics); simultaneous translation will be provided up to 13:30.
Zbornik radova
On-line Zbornik radova objavljenih u celini predstavlja radove koji su recenzirani, razvrstani i dostavljeni u predviđenom roku; autori radova su odgovorni za sadržaj radova i prevod na engleski jezik. Zbornik radova se može preuzeti sa: http://ambassadors-env.com/ene18-zbornik-radova-book-of-proceedings/
Book of Proceedings
Book of Proceedings, with all accepted papers, is available online. Authors are responsible for content and English translation of their papers. Available at: http://ambassadors-env.com/ene18-zbornik-radova-book-of-proceedings/
Recenzentski odbor je, na bazi tematske usmerenosti i načina prezentovanja, razvrstavao radove za Zbornik po kategorijama: radovi u celini i apstrakti radova. Papers are grouped in two categories: full papers and abstracts.
Kontakt: “Ambasadori održvog razvoja i životne sredine”, www.ambassadors-env.com; Email: eneconference@feeserbia.com, cc: office@ambassadors-env.com
Contact: „Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development“, www.ambassadors-env.com; Email: eneconference@feeserbia.com, cc: office@ambassadors-env.com
Participation at the Green Parliamentary Group meeting
Parliamentarians from the Serbian Assembly had opportunity (May 2018) to host their colleagues from FYR Macedonia and Montenegro, who are about to set up informal parliamentary group in their respective assemblies, similar to pro-active Green Parliamentary Group in Serbia.
The speakers and presenters were from different organizations and institutions: Ms. Ivana Stojiljkovic, Chair of National Assembly’s Committee for the Protection of Environment; Ms. Kristina Kujundzic, Manager of GIZ ORF Biodiversity; Prof. dr Andjelka Mihajlov, as an experts and representative of Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, Mrs. Tanja Petrovic from Young Researchers of Serbia and Dr. Biljana Panjkovic from Vojvodina Provincial Institution for Nature Protection.
Prof. Mihajlov presented financing of environmental sector, starting from the Polluters Pays Principle as the oldest environmental principle, as well as the User Pays Principle (applied when resources are being used and consumed) – historical background, functions, substance, principles in international law, EU law and in national law, instruments to implement. She explained possible financial tools (like fees, taxes, payment for ecosystem services, subsidies) and mechanism of collecting the “green money” (in budget), with spending back to environment (dedicated purpose) and/or to other purposes, underlining that environmental sector in region is suffering from sharing “the green money” with other sectors. Prof. Mihajlov pointed out the importance of continuity and long-term sustainability of financial tools in environmental sector, both at national and local levels.
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”
We participate: Consultations of the Committee with NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC regarding the evolving relationship between the NGOs and the United Nations
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, as organisation in Consultative Status with ECOSOC, participated (May 2018) in Consultations of the Committee with NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC .
The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), is holding consultations with organizations in consultative status with ECOSOC to discuss questions of interest to the Committee or to the organizations relating to the relationship between the NGOs and the United Nations in line with paragraph 61 (a) of ECOSOC resolution 1996/31. The ground-breaking consultations will take the form of written submissions and an interactive hearing which will be held in New York on 22 June 2018 . As part of the consultation process all NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC are invited to submit their contributions and views on four key questions ahead of the hearing.
EASD also registered for the meeting of the high-level political forum on sustainable development (HLPF) in 2018 convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council, will be held from Monday, 9 July, to Wednesday, 18 July 2017; including the three-day ministerial meeting of the forum (participation is pending related to possible support) . The theme will be “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies”. The set of goals to be reviewed in depth will be the following, including Goal 17.
For your attention: Ministerial Conference “Innovative Solutions to Pollution in South East and Southern Europe” , Belgrade, December 4-5
UN Environment and the Government of the Republic of Serbia, with the support from the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea, are convening a Ministerial conference on “Innovative Solutions to Pollution in South East and Southern Europe” taking place on 4-5 December 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. Conference is bringing together all relevant stakeholders.
More relevant information about Conference
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (Environmental Ambassadors / EASD) will participate, under own preparation for Fourth United Nations Environment Assembly (4UNEA)
Pavle Pavlović – National Coordinator for GREEN KEY Project
Pavle Pavlović is back to Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development as the National Coordinator for GREEN KEY Project. Welcome back and – we wish success!
Pavle is a professional tourist guide who graduated from the College of Tourism, in Belgrade where he lives. He has been working with leading tourism and sustainable development organisations in the region for more than ten years. Through his work, studies and scientific articles, he is constantly trying to connect tourism with environmental protection. Beside tourist guide licence he achieved in 2015, he owns a mountain leader (UIAA) licence as well.
6th UN regional meeting on SAICM, Poland, February 2018: we participate
EASD participate at the 6th UN CEE regional meeting on Strategic Approach to International Chemical Management, Lodz, Poland, 19-21 February 2018.
SAICM implementation is on the agenda, as well as perspectives on the future and identification of regional priorities towards and beyond 2020. Also, focus is on SAICM and sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020.
From Serbia , beside the Governmental Representative Sonja Roglic from Ministry of Environment, CSOs participants include EASD and AlHem representatives.
Prior to UN SAICM meeting, on February 18, EASD representative participated on IPEN preparatory meeting.
Venue of the event is green city Lodz on 18 rivers and with around 60 parks and green squares.
To note, that EASD participated at previous meeting in Skopje, in the capacity of SAICM NGO Focal Point for country.
ENV.net3 – kick off meeting in Tirana
Project “ENV.net factoring the environmental portfolio for WB and Turkey in the EU Policy Agenda” (reference number 2017/394-372) represents a new round of projects ENV.net1 and ENV.net2, successfully implemented from 2012 to 2016. New project ENV.net3 started in December 2017.
Kick-off meeting with all project partners was held in Tirana, Albania, at the premises of leading partner CO-plan Institute for Habitat Development. In very positive and fruitful atmosphere, nine partners presented their activities planned to be performed during 36 months of the project period. Taking into account previous experience in building strong network of organisations that serve as specific force in advocacy and policy improvement giving the voice to the citizens, next period will be crucial in using bridges built among key stakeholders in accession countries to pay more media and decision maker’s attention on key environmental issues toward EU integration.
Two of partners come from EU countries, Belgium (EEB) and Italy (punto.sud), and will help in better understanding of EU policies, but also will help in transfer of knowledge and experience from more developed countries. Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development is one of the partner, together with: 4X4X4 Balkan Bridges from the former Yugoslav Republic of 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.
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!
The 2018 Vienna UN Conference
The 2018 Vienna UN Conference was organised by ACUNS in January 2018 for the diplomatic community, civil society, NGOs, academics, business leaders and media representatives to discuss actions, potentials, and challenges linked to SDG 5: ‘Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.’
EASD Honorable President participated on January 10, 2018, at Opening Session and Session on Empowering Female Leaders. She is ACUNS Expert; EASD is Institutional ACUNS member.
Participants share best practices and explore potential future collaborations in this multi-stakeholder forum, while spotlighting the International Gender Champions – Vienna initiative.
In the spirit of SDG 17 (specifically, Target 17.17: ‘Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships’) an intriguing mix of international stakeholders participated in the 2018 Vienna UN Conference.
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.
2018!…..With activity highlights from 2017!
Activity important milestones in 2017
EASD activities are focused to 3 thematic groups:
- Promoting sustainable development; Agenda 2030 and SDGs;
- Environment and Natural Resources; Climate action; Advancing policy integration ; Advancing science/technology/innovation integration; Environmental Security and Justice;
- Building partnerships; Raising awareness on emerging issues; Working with civil society and non-state actors
Promoting sustainable development; Agenda 2030 and SDGs:
Initiative: End mercury use in dentistry by 2022, civil society challenge European Union
EASD participate at UNEA3, Nairobi, Nov-Dec 2017
EASD participate: Summit to Plan the End of Amalgam in Europe 2017– November 20-21, Berlin
EASD participate: IPEN Regional meeting, Prague 16-20 October 2014
“Make Mercury History” – EASD participated at Minamata COP1 in Geneva
Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development
2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development
EASD participate at 2017 Vienna UN Conference – Implementing the 2030 Agenda
Environment and Natural Resources; Climate action; Advancing policy integration ; Advancing science/technology/innovation integration; Environmental Security and Justice:
Initiative: End mercury use in dentistry by 2022, civil society challenge European Union
Good signal: Serbia gets (again) separate Ministry of environmental protection
Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development
“EnE17 – The 13th Regional Conference Environment to Europe” announcement: Climate Change Education
Building partnerships; Raising awareness on emerging issues; Working with civil society and non-state actors:
Initiative: End mercury use in dentistry by 2022, civil society challenge European Union
EASD participate at UNEA3, Nairobi, Nov-Dec 2017
EASD participate at 2017 Blue Flag National Operator Meeting
Eko-paket – Eco-Schools annual conference for the school year 2017/2018
EASD participate: IPEN Regional meeting, Prague 16-20 October 2014
EASD become the Member of the Western Balkans Youth Cooperation Platform!
Civil Society Forum in Trieste, 11-12 July 2017 – we (EASD) participate
Good signal: Serbia gets (again) separate Ministry of environmental protection
Serbia: Blue Flag 2017 Ceremony at beach on “Belgrade Sea”
EnE17 Conference and Panel in Media
Mercury Initial Assessment in the Republic of Serbia Workshop – we participate
Initiative: End mercury use in dentistry by 2022, civil society challenge European Union
Berlin, Brussels, Munich, Washington, supported from Belgrade, 4 December 2017
A call to phase out mercury use in dentistry by 2022 in the European Union has been made by health and environmental NGOs.
Mercury is currently used in dental amalgam in fillings and is easily replaceable. Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin which can damage the nervous, renal and cardiovascular systems.
Given that dental amalgam is 50 per cent mercury, the Minamata Convention on Mercury requires each participating nation to reduce its use.
In 2017, the European Union adopted an amalgam ban for children under the age of 15 and for pregnant and breastfeeding women from July 2018. The new rule requires also each Member State to set out a national plan to phasing down amalgam use and requires the European Commission to make a recommendation in 2020 on whether to phase out amalgam entirely.
The call to set a date to end all use in dentistry in the European Union was made as part of the Berlin Declaration to End Amalgam Use in Europe by 2022 at a two day civil society summit on 21-22 November, in Berlin.
Stefan Eck, German MEP, who shepherded the partial amalgam ban through the European Parliament, praised the Berlin Declaration:
“It was important to participate in this summit in Berlin. I will try my best to work with civil societies to accomplish the goal of an amalgam-free dentistry in Europe.”
Charlie Brown of World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry, who organized the summit, said:
“The Berlin Declaration parallels similar civil society goals for Africa and Asia: the Abuja Declaration (2014) and the Dhaka Declaration (2015) respectively.”
Elena Lymberidi-Settimo of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), which hosted the first European conference to end amalgam a decade ago, said:
“The Berlin Declaration highlights a ten-year campaign by the EEB to bring mercury-free dentistry to this entire continent. It’s now time Member States roll up their sleeves and pave the way.”
Florian Schulze of IG Umwelt Zahn Medizin, which hosted the Summit and launched a national campaign, said:
“Germany can end amalgam sooner, in 2019. Amalgam use is now very low, and dentists are ready for the switch. All we must do is make changes in the insurance system that are fair to dentists and fair to consumers.”
Philippe Vandendaele of Health Care Without Harm-Europe, said:
“We co-led the campaign to end mercury in the other two medical devices, thermometers and sphygmomanometers, and now Europe needs to tackle the job on the third one, dental amalgam.”
Dr Silvia Pleschka of Women Engage for a Common Future, said:
“The protection enshrined for children, pregnant women and breastfeeding women needs to be extended across the board, in the EU and beyond.”
Notes to the editor:
Berlin Declaration, https://mercuryfreedentistry.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/berlin-declaration-to-end-amalgam-use-in-europe-by-2022.pdf
EU Mercury regulation 2017, http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/PE-4-2017-REV-1/en/pdf
EEB-WAMFD-Memo on Technical advantages of mercury free dentistry, May 2016
Abuja Declaration, https://mercuryfreedentistry.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/abuja-declaration-for-mercury-free-dentistry-for-africa.pdf
Dhaka Declaration, http://cephed.org.np/pdf/31421052006.pdf
National German Campaign launched: #OpenYourMouthAgainstAmalgam http://ig-umwelt-zahnmedizin.de/mund-auf-gegen-amalgam/
For more information contact:
Elena Lymberidi-Settimo, Project Manager ‘Zero Mercury Campaign’, European Environmental Bureau, 0032 (0)2 289 1301, elena.lymberidi@eeb.org
Ian Carey, Communications Manager, European Environmental Bureau, 0032 (0)2 289 1309, ian.carey@eeb.org
Philippe Vandendaele, Chemicals Policy Advisor, Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Europe, 0032 (0) 2503 0481, philippe.vandendaele@hcwh.org
Aidan Long, Press & Communications Officer, HCWH Europe, 0032 (0) 2503 0481 / 0032 (0)465 100 940, aidan.long@hcwh.org
Johanna Hausmann, Project Management Chemicals and Health, Women Engage for a Common Future, tel +49 173 8010040, Johanna.hausmann@wecf.org,
Florian Schulze, Project Manager, IG Umwelt Zahn Medizin, 0049(0)1781812729 or 0049(0)3055232755, florian.schulze@ig-umwelt-zahnmedizin.de
Charlie Brown, World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry, Attorney and President, Washington, USA, [1] 202 544 6333,
Andjelka Mihajlov, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, Honorable President, Serbia; office@ambassadors-env.com
EASD participate at UNEA3, Nairobi, Nov-Dec 2017
EASD participate: Summit to Plan the End of Amalgam in Europe 2017– November 20-21, Berlin
Environmental NGOs from EU Member States and Europe-wide, dentists, insurers, officials of the Bundesregierung, plus European experts in science, economics, communications, and political science are coming together to plan the end of amalgam in Europe.
The new EU amalgam rules will soon enter into force and it’s time to plan the next steps about how a consequent implementation of the following achievements can be supported: the phase out for children and for pregnant and nursing women in 2018, the duty of each EU Member State to submit its plan for further phase down in 2019, and the requirement that the Commission has to make a recommendation in 2020 whether to phase out amalgam.
Meeting is concluded with Berlin Declaration to End Amalgam Use in Europe by 1 July 2022:
1. We insist that the European Union end all amalgam use on a date to be determined, and in any case no later than 1 July 2022.
2. We urge each Member State to act before that deadline, ending amalgam use by 1 July 2020.
3. We recommend that all non-Member States in Europe likewise end amalgam use by this date.
4. We will work with civil society, governments and other stakeholders in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Island States to accomplish the same goal.
EASD participate at 2017 Blue Flag National Operator Meeting
The Blue Flag NOM 2017 was held in Netanya, Israel on October 23-24, 2017 , organised by EcoOcean, NO from host country. Meeting was chaired by Lourdes Diaz Colón, member of the FEE Board of Directors, with political responsibility for the Blue Flag programme. Great official opening ceremony was on the beach, with children of Netanya holding flags of countries participated.
Attention was at programme activities and developments, as well as sustainable boating tourism operators criteria development and new Blue Flag evaluation requests, presented by Johann Durand.
How to market the Blue Flag programme was presented by Nissim Douek, PR specialist.
Compliance with EU Wastewater Directive and crosscutting issue between this and EU Bathing water Directive is presented and discussed.
Also, Blue Flag Mediterranean week – how to reproduce it as a way for Blue Flag to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, presented by Orly Babitsky, initiated discussion related planning other regional Blue Flag weeks in 2018 around the theme “caring for the Oceans/Seas that unites us”. Presentation about FEE and the Sustainable Development Goals was delivered by Lesley Jones. Blue Flag 30th anniversary celebration and Best practises session was very interesting, in particular Malcolm Powell’s a birthday celebration story: The European Blue Flag transitioning to the International Blue Flag in 2001.
National Operators forum: networking and discussions amongst National Operators is always the value of NOMs.
Blue Flag Sponsors (Semaphore and AccessRec ) also participated.
Eko-paket – Eco-Schools annual conference for the school year 2017/2018
The annual meeting of Eco-School coordinators was held in the Integrated Educational System for Natural and Social Sciences in Belgrade, on October 20th 2017. The Conference was attended by over 100 representatives of Eco-Schools.
After introductory speeches, choir from the institution “Srce u jabuci” from Pancevo had wonderful music performances which completed the atmosphere for the meeting to proceed.
Milena Tabasevic, coordinator of the Eko-paket project presented the results of the project and announced the new season of the Eko-paket project in Serbia.
Afterwards, Ljubica Naumovic held a presentation on renewability and sustainability in the Tetra Pak company, as well about importance and possibilities of recycling used Tetra Pak cartons.
Then the Green Flag awarding ceremony followed. Green Flags were awarded to 21 new educational institutions, 8 educational institutions got their second Green Flag and three educational institutions got their third Green Flag.
Eco-Schools National Coordinator, Aleksandra Mladenovic, pointed out that the number of Eco-Schools in Serbia is constantly increasing and that this year’s Green Flag winners have put great effort in order to improve the environment and to motivate local communities to concrete actions and changes in habits towards cleaner environment.
During the educational part of the Conference, prof. dr. Andjelka Mihajlov held a presentation about the consequences of mercury on human health and which food and products can contain mercury. She introduced to the participants the importance of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. (See ” Sve boje zivota” RadioTelevisionSerbia).
At the end of the conference, Eco-schools Coordinators addressed their experiences and achievements in the implementation of the Eco-Schools programme and Eko-paket project. Presentations were held by coordinators from: elementary school “Stojan Novakovic”, Blace, kindergarten “1001 radost”, Belgrade, elementary school “Rastko Nemanjić – Sveti Sava“, Nova Pazova, elementary school “Sveti Sava”, Pozarevac, elementary school “Dimitrije Todorović Kaplar”, Knjazevac, elementary school “Desanka Maksimović”, Gornji Milanovac, elementary school “Sveti Sava”, Cacak and College of Applied Studies in Management and Business Communication, Sremski Karlovci.
As always, the Conference was an opportunity to exchange experiences and to share many new ideas. We continue to take care of our environment through the Eco-Schools programme and the Eko-paket project.
EASD participate: IPEN Regional meeting, Prague 16-20 October 2014
The International POPs Elimination Network regional meeting for Central and Eastern Europe was organized in period from 16-20 th October by Arnika, in Prague. There were around 20 participants from, Montenegro, Belarus, Slovakia, Check Republic, Netherland, Hungarian, Bulgaria and Serbia.
Meeting was covering topic on the most toxic chemicals, of the high concern as well as some of them already excluded fur further use, which are main subject for Stockholm, Rotterdam, Basel but also Mercury Convention.
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (EASD), as IPEN Participating Organisation (represented by Hristina Stevanovic Carapina) cover all topics especially related to dioxins, waste management of POPs but also Mercury waste.
As a record, Serbia , is in the process of development of MIA for Mercury Convention, but also one of the rear countries drafted NIP for Stockholm convention with new POPs (in 2014) , but unfortunately not adopted yet.
One of the most interested topics was visit to Spolana factory, chlorine -alkali plant which will be closed very soon on 1st November , but also to hazardous waste storage of dioxins waste arising from former production in one of the most top Czech polluters.
Meeting was very useful, and confirm wishes for further cooperation in Region , which has so many experience to share among all countries. The meeting was opportunity to (re-) establish new/old communication links with a lot of wishes for further cooperation.
More about the meeting …and more
Blue Flag for beaches and marinas(and Green Key) among EEA TOUERM (Tourism and Environment Reporting Mechanism) Indicators
European Environmental Agency (2016, 2017) is developing TOUERM (Tourism and Environment Reporting Mechanism) Indicators (also look at Report)
25 indicators were identified and “prioritized” according: data availability, consolidated methodology, processing requirements feasible in the frame of the project, policy relevance, clarity and message) and grouped within 5 groups: 1. Driver indicators, 2. Pressure indicators, 3.State indicators, 4. Impact indicators, and 5. Response indicators.
Response indicators are:
R1-Percentage of destination that is designated for protection
R2 –Tourism enterprises using environmental certification/labeling (EASD Note: among them is GREEN KEY)
R3 – Blue Flags for beaches and marinas
Until now, Serbia have 1 beach with Blue Flag and 2 hotels with Green key.
Environmental Ambassadors messages in advance to UNEA3 and Science for Green Solutions (27 November – 6 December 2017, Nairobi, Kenya)
Pollution is a universal challenge that does not respect national boundaries.
Pollution kills millions of people every year.
We have a responsibility to act. Governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals must all be part of the solution.
Everyone can start by signing the Beat Pollution Pledge ( look also at a brief guide for civil society organisations that wish to engage in the #beatPollution campaign ) EASD invite businesses, individuals, government and local governments, and civil society organizations to join us in making concrete voluntary pledges to clean up the planet. All of these pledges will feed into the formulation of the Environment Assembly’s Clean Planet Pledge and serve as critical fodder for the discussions that will take place at the Assembly. You can do more!
Events around the UN Environment Assembly include:
– Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum organized by Major Groups and Stakeholders accredited to UN Environment (Environmental Ambassadors is accredited) .
– Science, Policy and Business Forum – UN Environment will hold its first Science, Policy and Business Forum on the environment under the banner Science for Green Solutions. The Forum will consist of roundtable and interactive thematic discussions between leading scientists, policymakers, and leaders of private sector and civil society. It provides unique opportunities to promote solutions driven by science to address our planetary challenges and build the alliances necessary to implement them and achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Environmental Ambassadors representative will participate at UNEA3, with focus to Science for Green Solutions.
“Make Mercury History” – EASD participated at Minamata COP1 in Geneva
The first meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP1) was held from 24 to 29 September 2017 at the International Conference Centre in Geneva, Switzerland. The first meeting of the Conference of the Parties has multiple objectives, including procedural, political and celebratory. COP1, as a milestone in the Minamata journey, provides a unique opportunity to raise global awareness of the Convention, in particular at a high level, and to focus attention on the far-reaching impacts that the successful implementation of the Convention will achieve. It is an historic opportunity to celebrate the Convention and the achievements to date and to provide motivation and momentum to all as they take the next steps towards full implementation.
The Minamata Convention addresses all aspects related to the use of mercury and sets out measures to:
• ban new mercury mines and phase-out existing ones;
• reduce the use, emissions and releases of mercury from artisanal and small-scale gold mining and major industrial activities;
• phase-out and phase-down the use of mercury in a number of mercury-added products and processes, specifically its use in dental amalgam;
• restrict trade and prohibit the manufacture, import and export of mercury and a wide range of mercury-added products such as batteries or lights;
• control and reduce air emissions and land and water releases;
• ensure the safer storage and proper management of mercury waste.
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (Environmental Ambassadors, EASD), as accredited organization, participated as the Observer.
EASD representative participated at IPEN Preparatory Meeting, Regional Meeting, Opening Ceremony, Thematic Session focus discussions on mercury as relevant to Land, MIA (Minamata Convention Initial Assessment) Clinics (where countries with UNEP, UNDP and UNIDO and partners showcase their MIA work, including lessons learned), as well as some Showcase Events and Knowledge Labs. To note that MIA for Serbia is under development (EASD contribute as stakeholder…). Also, EASD representative at Minamata COP1 communicate with official delegation of Serbia.
A “Hg-week” (“Mercury” week) coincide with COP1 and physically have its main hub in Geneva starting on Friday, 22 September and ending Thursday 28 September 2017. It featured a series of awareness raising events around the issue of Mercury. The objective of the “Hg-week” is to reach out to participants at COP1, as well as the public, students, and other experts and stakeholders interested in the field of chemicals and health.
EASD become the Member of the Western Balkans Youth Cooperation Platform!
EASD become the Member of the Western Balkans Youth Cooperation Platform! (WB YCP)
The platform is an initiative of Cooperation and Development Institute and is supported by Hanns Seidel Foundation. The main aim of the platform is to offer organisations – youth organizations, CSO-s, informal movements, groups, or young individuals – targeting youngsters, initially from Albania and Serbia and then from all the Western Balkans, a resource center where to find partners for joint activities, exchange initiatives, youth projects, discuss cooperation ideas, build up joint activities, get advice, and implement those projects together.
WB YCP also offers a wide array of existing initiatives, national, regional and EU-supported that aim youth and cover the Western Balkans.
The platform will initially provide the functions of:
- Youth Organizations Repository: Youth organizations, movements, informal groups, young researchers, etc. can register their profile and promote their activities;
- Partner Search: all beneficiaries of the platform that need to find contacts in one of the countries for their next project, can use the filters to search the appropriate partner for their idea.
- Information resource centre regarding the RYCO upcoming activities.
Civil Society Forum in Trieste, 11-12 July 2017 – we (EASD) participate
Civil Society Forum in Trieste, 11-12 July 2017 is organised linked to the 4th intergovernmental Summit of Western Balkans and EU countries and it bring together representatives of civil society organisations with the objective of providing a platform for their impact on the so-called Berlin Process.
The Forum consider the topics high on the agenda of the political Summit: youth cooperation, rule of law and anti-corruption, enterprise development and innovation potentials, regional cooperation and bilateral issues; also, it will initiate debates on questions as environment, energy and climate change (EASD participation is focused to environment and climate change issues, as well as innovation, youth and regional cooperation), migrations, media freedoms, the issue of Brexit in relevance to the Western Balkans and the possible role of civil society in increasing the efficiency of the Berlin Process through communications.
The outcomes of the Civil Society Forum meeting (EnvEnCC MESSAGES) in Trieste will be communicated to the intergovernmental Summit in several ways: at a policy event attended by a number of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and a number of representatives of civil society of the Western Balkans, on July 12; at a press conference organised by the Civil Society Forum; in form of recommendations which will be presented to the Summit organisers and through the follow-up advocacy process. The goal of the Civil Society Forum meeting in Trieste is to support regional cooperation and “Europeanisation” of the Balkans through more active civil society participation in the decision-making process.
The Civil Society Forum Trieste is organised under the umbrella of the Civil Society Forum of the Western Balkans Summit Series, as a joint initiative of the European Fund for the Balkans (EFB), ERSTE Foundation and the Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung, in partnership with the Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF), and in close cooperation with the Central European Initiative (CEI), Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), Centro Studi Politica Internazionale (CESPI) and Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso.
Good signal: Serbia gets (again) separate Ministry of environmental protection
EASD Honorable President noted that separate Ministry for Environment is a good signal …. more at
To recall that Serbian Government established the first Ministry for Environment in 1993. Environment sector in Serbian Government(s):
1.Pavle Todorovic (Minister of Ministry of Environmental Protection, 1993-1994; Note: it was also Federal Republic Yugoslavia Ministry for Environment with Minister Slobodanka Djordan);
2. Jordan Aleksic (Minister of Ministry of Environmental Protection, 1994-1998);
3. Branislav Blazic (Minister of Ministry of Environmental Protection, March 1998 -Oct 2000);
4. Mila Rosic (Minister of Ministry of Environmental Protection, Oct 2000-Jan 2001);
5. Obren Joksimovic (Minister of Ministry of Health and Environment, Jan.2001 – October 2001);
6. Uros Jovanovic (acting Minister of Ministry of Health and Environment, Oct.2001- June 2002);
7. Andjelka Mihajlov (Minister of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, June 2002-March 2004);
8. Aleksandar Popovic (Minister of Ministry of Science and Environmental Protection, March 2004-2007);
9. Sasa Dragin (Minister of Ministry of Environmental Protection, May 2007 – July 2008);
10. Oliver Dulic (Minister of Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning , July 2008-March 2011, and Ministry of Environment, Mining and Spatial Planning, March 2011-July 2012);
11. Zorana Mihajlovic (Minister of Ministry of Energy, Development, and Environment, July 2012-April 2014);
12.Snežana Bogosavljević Bošković (Minister of Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, April 2014-August 2016);
13. Branislav Nedimovic (Minister of Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, August 2016- June 2017);
14. Goran Trivan (Minister of Ministry of Environmental Protection, June 2017- ongoing).
New Minister Goran Trivan opened the 2017 EnE Conference “Environment to Europe”, with strong message where it is and how it should develop the sector of environment and climate change in the Republic of Serbia.
Serbia: Blue Flag 2017 Ceremony at beach on “Belgrade Sea”
On June 26, 2017 the Blue Flag is handed to City of Belgrade and “Ada Ciganlija” for beach “Ada Ciganlija-Savsko jezero” in Belgrade. To note that this beach is awarded with the Blue Flag for the 6th time, by recommendation of FEE National Jury and decision of the Blue Flag International Jury 2017. National Operator for Blue Flag in Serbia is organisation “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” and National Coordinator is MSc Aleksandra Mladenović.
The flag is delivered by National mentor for FEE programs in Serbia Prof Dr Anđelka Mihajlov to Acting Director JP “Ada Ciganlija” Robert Djukic. The President of the Assembly of Belgrade Nikola Nikodijević opened the bathing season on Ada Ciganlija and pointed out that the Blue Flag is “evidence of water quality and services provided by beach”. The event was attended by Head of the City Administration Sandra Pantelic and highest representative of municipality Čukarica Srdjan Kolarić.
Moments with the awarding of the Blue Flag:
Blue Flag Ceremony in Media:
http://www.tanjug.rs/full-view.aspx?izb=339251
http://www.beograd.rs/lat/beoinfo/1736848-nikodijevic-otvorio-kupalisnu-sezonu-na-adi-ciganliji_2/
http://www.danas.rs/beograd.39.html?news_id=349444
http://studiob.rs/otvorena-kupalisna-sezona-na-adi-ciganliji/
http://www.bktvnews.com/info/beograd/otvorena-sezona-kupanja-na-adi-ciganliji-2/118561
…..
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
As ECOSOC Accredited NGOs we submit statement for the event “16th Session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA)”
EASD is organisation accredited in ECOSOC.
Having that mandate, we submit statement for the event “16th Session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) – ECOSOC Accredited NGOs” .
The Committee of Experts on Public Administration held its sixteenth session at the United Nations in New York from 24 to 28 April 2017. Its theme was “Ensuring effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals: leadership, action and means”. A key message of the session was that government and public institutions have the leading role to implement the SDGs and pursue policies to leave no one behind.
The United Nations Committee of Experts on Public Administration, established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in its resolution 2001/45, is comprised of 24 members who meet annually at UN Headquarters in New York. The Committee is responsible for supporting the work of ECOSOC concerning the promotion and development of public administration and governance among Member States, in connection with the UN Millennium Development Goals. Before the Committee of Experts on Public Administration was renamed it was called the Group of Experts in Public Administration and Finance.
The Great Plant Hunt: Eco-Schools Toyota Biodiversity Educational Project
The project is a joint initiative of Toyota Motor Europe and the Foundation for Environmental Education, with focus on biodiversity, especially on plants and their associated species. The campaign was officially launched in November 2015. In Year 1, it was run in ten countries throughout Europe. In Year 2, which started in September 2016, the number of countries increased to 15, including Serbia and EASD participation (participating countries are Serbia, Belgium-Flanders, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain). The campaign includes educational aspects, based on FEE Educational Principles, and practical activities based on resources developed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew with funding from the Welcome Trust.
The campaign aims to educate students about biodiversity, its importance and encourage them to take positive action.
Objectives are:
– Develop young people as advocates for conservation
– Promotion of local biodiversity actions
– Develop science based resources in line with the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) principles to allow teachers to promote biodiversity education activity
– Promote critical thinking by “go and see” study approach (learn by doing)
– Consistent with Convention on Biological Diversity/Green Corridor
– Help meet EU/UN targets for biodiversity education
More about implementation actions in Serbia (in Serbian) and also at (in Serbian).
On June 26, 2020 project is finished.
Athens 2017: Green Key National Operator Meeting
Green Key National Operators from 39 countries as well as Green Key’s corporate partners participated in the Green Key National Operator Meeting on 27-30 March 2017 in Athens. This year Green Key National Operator Meeting is dedicated to the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.
The Green Key National Operator Meeting is an annual event where the status and developments of the Green Key programme are discussed. As the UN designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the NOM was dedicated to the celebration of this special year for sustainable tourism.
Sustainability lies at the heart of Green Key, and with each establishment joining the programme, Green Key helps transforming the tourism sector into a powerful tool for positive change. Tourism providers and tourists alike are becoming more and more aware of the need to change everyday habits to protect today what we would like future generations to enjoy tomorrow. This is why not only the number of Green Key awarded sites is growing year after year, but also the tourists’ awareness of the ecolabel.
During the National Operator Meeting Green Key International presented the planned activities to celebrate the IY2017 and encouraged all members to join the celebration in their countries all over the world.
Green Key is actively participating in the IY2017 both through the daily work of the programme , but also through activities that will be specifically dedicated to the IY2017 this year. One of them will be a best practice competition that will highlight the contribution Green Key awarded sites are making to the sustainable development of their destinations.
EASD President Aleksandra Mladenovic participated at this meeting. EASD is National Operator for Green Key in Serbia.
Call: The Thirteenth Regional Conference ”Environment to Europe – EnE17″, June 5th 2017, Belgrade
We are pleased to invite you to in Belgrade (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Terazije 23, 2nd floor, main hall). Conference is UN WED event.
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development in partnership with Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia organize The Thirteenth Regional Conference ”Environment to Europe – EnE17”. Thematic area this year is Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development. The Conference is an opportunity for institutions, organizations and experts to present their research and exchange viewpoints regarding climate change and environmental education. We firmly believe that your scientific/research results and experience will substantially help a better understanding of these fields. Being aware of the necessity of a close cooperation between science and practice, including the practice within competent institutions, we invite you to take active participation in the Conference “Environment to Europe – EnE17”, either by preparing and presenting your paper or by contributing as an auditor and participant. First, you need to apply to the Conference “Environment to Europe” Program (http://feeserbia.com/ Conference Organizing Committee is pleased to inform you that the registration fee for paper publishing in the CD Conference Proceeding is 50 €. Students are exempt from paying the registration fee. More information: Dunja Prokić, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, e-mail: eneconference@feeserbia.com, web site: http://ambassadors-env.com and http://feeserbia.com/. Environment to Europe Program Coordinator dr Dunja Prokić |
We participate in the dialogue with the head of UN Environment, Erik Solheim
EASD have new President of the Council
From March 2017 President of the Council is Dunja Prokic. Dunja is the 2nd elected President of Council of “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Developments” ( The first President of Council was Hristina Stevanovic Carapina, from organisation establishment)
From 2012 Dunja Prokic is engaged by Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development on EnE program – Environment to Europe (as main coordinator of the Regional Conference “Environment to Europe).
Dunja Prokic, has PhD in environmental protection science, dissertation in the field of contaminated sites remediation was defended at the Faculty of Environmental Governance and Corporate Responsibility, Educons University in Sremska Kamenica in 2012. Finished her Master degree at the Faculty of Technical Science, University of Novi Sad in 2009 (Master of Technical Science). During postgraduate studies, her research focused on waste management and as a scholar of the Ministry of Science, she worked on several projects in the field of energy technologies and renewable energy sources. She finished her basic studies at the Faculty of Technical Science, Environmental Engineering Department, University of Novi Sad in 2005 (Graduate Engineer of Environmental Engineering).
From 2008 to 2012, Dunja worked as a teaching assistant at the Faculty of Environmental Governance and Corporate Responsibility, Educons University in Sremska Kamenica. From 2012. till now, she has worked as a assistant professor for environmental management at the Faculty of Environmental Governance and Corporate Responsibility, Educons University in Sremska Kamenica on the following subjects: Corporate environmental standards, Environmental risk management, Management of technological development, Environmental strategic planning and Revitalization and remediation of the environment. Since 2009, she worked as a expert –associat in NGO “Ambassadors of Sustainable Development” on projects in the area of local environmental security, waste management, eco-communication etc. She was in a team of a national expert for Serbian preparation for the World Conference on Sustainable Development RIO+20.
Since 2008 till now, Dunja has participated in numerous scientific and professional conferences in the country and abroad. She has published more than 50 scientific papers in the following areas: waste management, environmental security, EIA and SEIA, climate change, remediation of contaminated sites, water resources management, LCA and sustainable development. She actively participated in several international, national, regional and local projects in the field of environmental protection. She is currently engaged on the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development project (project number 176019). In recent years, she has worked as a consultant on the study related to waste and wastewater management. During professional development, she is focused on implementation of the values in protecting and preserving our environment through the concept of sustainable development at all levels of governance.
EASD have new President
On the session of EASD Council (Assembly) held on March 9, 2017 Aleksandra Mladenovic is elected for President.
Aleksandra has an in depth knowledge of and high commitment for environmental issues.
From 2015 Aleksandra is engaged by Environmental Ambassadors of Sustainable Development on FEE programs – Foundation for environmental education (as National coordinator of the Eco-Schools and Blue Flag programs).
She holds a master’s degree in biology, acquired at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade. The master thesis was related to animal ecology and biodiversity issues. Her professional research experience is also connected to environmental issues. From 1998 to 2003, she worked as a researcher in the largest Serbian institution dealing with biological research, the Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic”, on long-term research projects, financed by the Ministry of Science of the Republic of Serbia, in the field of animal ecology, biodiversity and environmental protection. Most of the projects she has been engaged in during her work in the Regional Environmental Centre for Central and Eastern Europe (REC), Country Office Serbia (from 2003 to 2009), were also connected to environmental protection and biodiversity. She gained huge experience and specific knowledge working with local communities and public institutions in Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia.
Aleksandra was engaged as local consultant in more projects related to biodiversity and nature protection, managed by international organizations such as ECNC (European Center for Nature Conservation), IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), UNDP (UN Development Program), REC (Regional Environmental Center) and WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature).
Born in 1971. in Gornji Milanovac.
To note that Aleksandra is the 2nd elected President of “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Developments” ( The first President was Andjelka Mihajlov, from organisation establishment until 2014; from 2014 to 2017 organisation was without President and organisation legal representative was executive director).
Mercury Initial Assessment in the Republic of Serbia Workshop – we participate
EASD representative Aleksandra Mladenovic, executive director, participate on February 13-14, 2017 on Mercury Initial Assessment in the Republic of Serbia Workshop.
EASD is NGO Focal point for SAICM.
“EnE17 – The 13th Regional Conference Environment to Europe” announcement: Climate Change Education
It is our pleasure to announce “EnE17 – The 13th Regional Conference Environment to Europe”. This year it is dedicated to Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development.
Traditionally, this Conference (with a success record) is organized by “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. Conference is UNEP WED event.
Conference will be held on June 5th 2017 in Belgrade (at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbian in Belgrade). Within the Conference opening (opening session is usually from 10:00), we plan to organized Panel discussion on the topic of the Conference: ”Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development”.
More information http://feeserbia.com/
Contact email: eneconference@feeserbia.com.
2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development
The United Nations 70th General Assembly has designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development (A/RES/70/193).
This is a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the contribution of sustainable tourism to development among public and private sector decision-makers and the public, while mobilizing all stakeholders to work together in making tourism a catalyst for positive change.
In the context of the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the International Year aims to support a change in policies, business practices and consumer behavior towards a more sustainable tourism sector than can contribute to the SDGs.
Blue Flag International and EASD as the Blue Flag Serbia are proud to partner with UNWTO during the whole year of 2017 and participate to the international year of sustainable tourism for development
EASD participate at 2017 Vienna UN Conference – Implementing the 2030 Agenda
The 2017 ACUNS-UN Vienna Conference—hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)—is a major multi-stakeholder forum for Vienna-based organizations, civil society, the diplomatic community, and academics to discuss actions, potentials and challenges linked to the realization of the Agenda. The conference is an occasion to share best practices, explore potential future collaborations, and engage in inter-sectoral and inter-agency dialogues.
EASD (Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development) honorable president Prof A.Mihajlov participated at session related science and technology: innovative Solutions to challenges in the 21st century.
EASD is institutional member of ACUNS, and Prof Mihajlov ACUNS expert.
Entering year 2017 with highlights from 2016: ENV.net project 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
Education for Sustainability
EASD organized an event “Education for Sustainability” in partnership with EU Info Centre in Belgrade within the campaign “Europe for Green Serbia”, promoting the idea that by participating in YRE and Eco-Schools programmes, we can improve the quality of the environment, not only in schools but also in the wider communities. Young Reporters from Serbia presented their entries and they talked about different subjects. Also some of their works are printed and presented in the hall of the EU Info Centre
http://euinfo.rs/obrazovanje-za-odrzivost-eko-skole-i-mladi-eko-reporteri/?rs=lat
Scientific signals: Waste as the crosscutting issue of SDGs
WASTE AS THE CROSSCUTTING ISSUE OF SDGs, with co-author from Environmental Ambassador for Sustainable Development, presented at ISWA 2016 WORLD CONGRESS, September 2016, Novi Sad, Serbia
The most important expert conference that ISWA (International Solid Waste Association) organizes is the annual ISWA World Congress. This is an event that brings together in one place and connects all the parties interested in the global problem of solid waste. Every year, representatives of scientific and expert community, representatives of global corporations from this area and political and state officials actively participate in the World Congress.
FEE General Assembly 2016 and International Conference on Education for Sustainable Development, Ahmedabad, India
The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is holding its biennial General Assembly on 15-16 September in Ahmedabad, India. At the assembly sessions, member organisations from 75 countries are discussing the most recent developments in FEE and elect new President and Board of Directors.
The General Assembly is arranged and hosted by the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) India, FEE’s Associate Member in India. The first two assembly sessions is addressing the latest developments and strategic planning for FEE and its five programmes, whilst at the Members’ Forum sessions, members are having the opportunity to join workshops on the implementation of programmes, projects and campaigns. 15 new organisations are to be confirmed as members of FEE. EASD, as the FEE member organisation, participate at FEE General Assembly, presented by honorable president.
The assembly will be followed by the CEE Conference on ‘Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for Transforming Education for Children and Youth’, 16–18 September 2016. The Conference aims at bringing together global experience and expertise to highlight and strengthen the role of ESD.
By invitation, EASD honorable president Prof dr Andjelka Mihajlov, is presenting paper Education for Sustainable Development in practice: Eco-Package program in Serbia and SEE region (Presentation ).
EASD is Knowledge Partner with CEE for ESD for transforming education for children and youth
Global Review of Mercury Monitoring Networks
We provide our input on the first draft of the ’Global Review of Mercury Monitoring Networks’. We suggest to add visualized layer of locations “of burning of fossil fuel “ and “small scale mining” (or to make a reference if already exists at global scale).
The review is being developed within the framework of the project “Development of a Plan for Global Monitoring of Human Exposure to and Environmental Concentrations of Mercury”, funded by the Global Environment Facility. It seeks to compile and synthesize available information on existing mercury monitoring networks, including (i) air monitoring, (ii) human biomonitoring, and (iii) biota monitoring. It also seeks to highlight gaps in the coverage and scope of the monitoring networks. Thus the report aims to provide a baseline for future activities, including the promotion of further coordination and cooperation between the various networks.
The draft review will be submitted by UNEP Chemicals and Waste Branch to the interim secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury in response to the first call for information of the seventh session of the intergovernmental negotiating committee on mercury (INC 7), which, among others, invited stakeholders to submit to the interim secretariat information on existing monitoring programmes and how they can contribute to an overall monitoring approach, including availability of baseline information.
EASD and ECOSOC signals: Achieving sustainable development through infrastructure
Infrastructure is a pre-requisite for advances across the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including for reducing poverty, promoting economic growth, addressing inequality and ensuring environmental sustainability. Infrastructure is addressed directly through SDG 9, which commits the international community to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. Moreover, “investments in sustainable infrastructure are recognized as a major cross-cutting driver that can contribute to achieving all the SDGs”, as stated by Under-Secretary-General for UN DESA, Wu Hongbo, at the 2015 Global Forum on Development. Resilient infrastructure is essential for ensuring sustainable development for all. “If we are to achieve our goals, and leave no one behind, we must address large infrastructure gaps in developing countries,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the inaugural Global Infrastructure Forum in April 2016.
“Developing countries, particularly the most vulnerable, need international support to bridge existing infrastructure gaps,” emphasized Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during the Global Infrastructure Forum. Infrastructure gaps pose major challenges to the implementation of the SDGs. The financing gap for infrastructure in developing countries, for example, is estimated to be 1 to 1.5 trillion dollars annually. Through the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA), the international community has committed to support resilient, sustainable infrastructure and to provide a comprehensive framework for mobilising the means to finance it.
Infrastructure that enables countries to adapt to and mitigate climate change is needed to support the Paris Climate Change Agreement. New and resilient infrastructure is also needed to support sustainable urbanization, as the number of people living in cities in emerging economies is expected to double by 2030. Resilient infrastructure is needed, moreover, to cope with the increasing incidence and magnitude of natural disasters.
In recent years there have been several new global, regional and national initiatives aimed at increasing investment in infrastructure. In Africa, for example, infrastructure is a priority element for realizing the vision of Africa’s Agenda 2063. At the global level, the international community committed to support the realisation of resilient, sustainable infrastructure through the AAAA, and created a new Global Infrastructure Forum—which held its inaugural meeting in April—to facilitate access to financing and technical expertise.
The global discussion on infrastructure will continue on 21 July 2016 at UN Headquarters as part of ECOSOC’s 2016 thematic discussion on “Infrastructure for sustainable development for all”. The thematic discussion, part of ECOSOC’s High-level Segment, will engage a broad range of voices in a global dialogue on infrastructure for sustainable development that is inclusive and leaves no one behind. It will offer policy recommendations and inform the Inter-agency Task Force report on Financing for Development, as well as the 2017 Global Infrastructure Forum. For more information: UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
EASD already is addressing the issue of environmental infrastructure as the condition for sustainable development ( 1 , 2 , 3….), as well as by research and promotion ( A, B, C , …)
InWASTEgate
UNESCO GREEN CITIZENS is highlighting 25 amazing game changers in the area of sustainable development as they share their stories. These stories come from around the world .
Among the various initiatives on education for sustainable development throughout the world, our (EASD) activity on Collect, investigate and find solutions for waste management in schools is given as the good example.
InWASTEgate is previously published in FEE publication Blue Flag Program: Environmental Education Activities Handbook 2013.
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (at that time) President (Prof Andjelka Mihajlov) develop this course as the part of her lecture at the Youth Encounter on Sustainability (YES) held in Braunwald, Switzerland and Bratislava, Slovakia.
REPORT FROM EnE16-ENV.net, BELGRADE, SERBIA
The Regional Conference ‘’Environment to Europe – EnE16-ENV.net’’ was held on 6th of June 2016 in Belgrade (Serbia) to address issues related to climate changes and sustainability of resources. Traditionally, this Conference was organized by professional association “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. Conference was 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’’.
EnE16-ENV-net was opened with introductory speeches by Nermina Ljubovic, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Stanojla Mandic, Deputy Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection of the Republic of Serbia, PhD Mirjana Drenovak-Ivanovic from 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 and prof. dr Anđelka Mihajlov, from Environmental Ambassador for Sustainable Development 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. Conference was attended by representatives from government and non-government sectors, international organizations, scientific institutions and business associations.
Conference participants (about 170 registered participants) were unique in that: we have a respectable experts in the field of environment and climate change (both those with experience, and young professionals – who have difficulty finding employment in their profession). As the EU accession a significant priority for Serbia, so will the chapter relating to the environment and climate change (Chapter 27) will be increasingly important in the process that in our country we have European standards. Profession and experience should be the guarantor for the “right” solution to this path. Public participation in decision-making on issues relevant to the environment is one of the pillars of sustainability solutions. Appropriate environmental education is an important factor for the performance of the process of sustainable growth and development. Participants in the discussion have tried to provide answers to questions on how to be more effective in environmental protection and responsive to nature. More information
WED Messages from Serbia: 12th Regional Conference “Environment to Europe”
The Twelfth Regional Conference EnE16–ENV.net was held in Belgrade on June 6, 2016 – traditionally as the main UNEP WED event in country. This year Conference focus are Climate Change and Sustainability of Resources.
More about Conference ; EnE16-ENV.net Zbornik radova/Proceedings of papers
Moments from the Conference – Gallery of pictures.
Key messages from Conference:
1. Conference in continuity shows that we have a respectable experts in the field of environment and climate change (both those with experience and young professionals – who have difficulties to find the job in the profession),
2. As the EU accession is a significant priority for Serbia,the chapter related to the environment and climate change (Chapter 27) will be more and more important in the process of achieving EU standards. Knowledge and experience should be the guarantee for the “right” solution to this path towards EU environmental values
3. This conference contributes to the improvement of citizens’ influence on the process of reform in the environment sector in support of the European Union accession. The participation of the public in decision-making on issues relevant to the environment is one of the pillars of sustainability solutions
4. Adequate education for environment and sustainable development, is an important factor in the performance of the process of sustainable growth and development
At the Conference will hear the voice of young people – the winning article at the international competition “YRE“.
5. As this conference is supported by UNEP, as one of the official events to celebrate World Environment Day , we advocate and promote message that globally, environmental crime rise and it is the strong need to “reverse” performance in order to achieve sustainable growth and development
EASD promoted sustainable tourism (GREEN KEY eco labeling) and organic food consumerism (On June 5), and “Bicycling” promotion by ECO-SCHOOLS children (June 4), merging with Eco-Package exhibition.
EASD Knowledge Partner with CEE for ESD for transforming education for children and youth
The Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) has generated rich experiences of transforming education for children and youth. The Global Action Programme (GAP), an outcome from the DESD has a large emphasis on children and youth as key drivers for change.
he International Conference ‘ESD for transforming Education for Children and Youth’ provide an opportunity for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) professionals, core education professionals, academics, students/youth, government officials, CSR professionals and individuals from across the world to create an informed understanding about the way education is and can support, strengthen and catalyse sustainable development. The proposed International Conference will discuss the outcomes of Goal 4 from the ESDG Conference specifically focussing on good practice examples highlighting innovative strategies and methodologies in pedagogy and curriculum in both formal and non formal settings to engage children and youth. The deliberations from this conference will further enhance cooperation and action around Goal 4.7.(SDG). The International Conference is being organised at Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad, India between 16-18 September 2016. Expected Outcomes include: to share the work being done in the field of EE/ESD. to develop synergies and partnerships, to take forward the Ahmedabad Plan of Action for children and youth in context of Goal 4.7.
Environmental Ambassadors Honorable President Prof. Andjelka Mihajlov, will share our experience in TetraPack Eco Package Project as the tool for ESD in practice.
Towards UNEA-2: background paper for multistakeholder dialogue
The background paper for the multi stakeholder dialogue that will take place during UNEA-2 on Friday 27 May, is prepared and available.
Other information and all relevant UNEA-2 documents are also available . EASD representatives are registered for participation at UNEA-2 (still subject of financial support).
The Second Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly will take place on 23-27 May 2016, at the UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya under the overarching theme “Delivering on the Environmental Dimensions of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. The assembly will be preceded by the Science and Policy Forum taking place on 19-20 May 2016. The two day event will bring together science and policy stakeholders with the aim of addressing challenges and opportunities as well as recommending concrete measures for collective action in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 16th Global Major Groups and Stakeholder Forum (GMGSF16) will take place on 21-22 May 2016. This meeting facilitates the preparations of Major Groups & Stakeholders for UNEA-2 and is open to representatives of accredited and non- accredited organisations. In parallel to UNEA-2 proceedings, a three day Sustainable Innovation Expo (SIE2016) will be held from 23 to 25 May 2016. More information is available at . Furthermore, Greenroom side events which are primarily for and by Major Groups & Stakeholders, and official side events will take place from 23 to 27 May 2016. They will provide an opportunity for dialogue and exchange on a variety of themes.
Aarhus Center Novi Beograd – how to get involved?
In November 2015, Young Researchers of Serbia established the Aarhus center Novi Beograd, the fifth Aarhus Centre in Serbia, as an encouragement for the implementation of the Aarhus Convention and the greater involvement of citizens in environmental protection issues. On 13 April 2016, at the Media Center in Belgrade, Aarhus Centre Novi Beograd, with the support of OSCE Mission to Serbia, organized a roundtable “How to get involved?” about the cooperation between different actors in the environmental protection in Belgrade. At the roundtable, about 30 representatives of institutions and organizations discussed what can be done to improve environmental protection in Belgrade. For more information, please visit website link or facebook link.
Chapter 27: CSOs participation
As a part of the ENV.net project, “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” organized the training session: “CSO Participation in Accession Process”. The course was attended by over 20 participants. On the subject of strengthening the role of CSOs invited speakers were: Andjelka Mihajlov, representative of the Negotiating Team 27, Jelena Pajovic van Reenen, representative of the Office for Cooperation with Civil Society, Natasa Djereg, CEKOR, National Convention on the EU, Mirko Popovic, Belgrade Open School: Coalition 27, and Hristina Stevanovic-Carapina, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development. The main conclusions of the meeting were that the environment is not a priority for the Republic of Serbia and therefore the environmental civil society organizations face a problem of providing funds for their activities, and that stronger civil society can be achieved through more intense sharing of opinions and initiatives ( for example, initiatives related Post-screening document implementation).
ENV.net Course: CSO Participation in Accession Process
9:30-10:00 Registration of participants
10:00-10:10 Short introduction of ENV.net project, Nataša Žugić-Drakulić, ENV.net coordinator for Serbia
10:10-11:10 Andjelka Mihajlov and Mirjana Drenovak Ivanovic, representatives of the Negotiation Team 27
11:10-11:30 Representative of the Negotiation Group 27, invited
11:30-11:50 Jelena Pajović van Reenen, representative of the Office for Cooperation with Civil Society
11:50-12:10 Natasa Djereg, Center for Ecology and Sustainable Development- CEKOR, National Convention on the EU: “Role of CSOs in Accession Process”
12:10-12:30 Hristina Stevanović-Čarapina, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development: “Position papers on Chemicals/Waste/IPPC, as the framework for discussion”
12:30-13:00 Discussion
13:00-14:00 Lunch
14:00-14:45 Richard Filcak, European Environmental Bureau: “Horizontal polices and legislation – lessons learned from the EU accession process, challenges and opportunities”
14:45-15:30 Richard Filcak, European Environmental Bureau: “CSOs in EC Progress Reporting”
15-30-16:00 Mirko Popović, Belgrade Open School: Coalition 27 Report on Serbia’s progress in the Chapter 27 (Environment and Climate Change) of the EU pre-accession negotiation 27: Environment and Climate Change
16:00-16:30 Discussion
* Moderator: Aleksandra Mladenović, Executive Director, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development
EASD participated at the First High Level Ministerial Panel on Responding to Climate and Environmental Challenges in South East Europe
01.04.2016: Climate change and environment – Crucial issues for SEE
Sarajevo/Podgorica – The First High Level Ministerial Panel on Responding to Climate and Environmental Challenges in South East Europe (SEE) took place today in Podgorica. The meeting was opened by the Montenegrin Minister of Sustainable Development and Tourism Branimir Gvozdenovic; the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Goran Svilanovic; the Executive Director of the Regional Environmental Center (REC), Marta Bonifert; United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Regional Director, Jan Dusik and the German Ambassador to Montenegro, Gudrun Elisabeth Steinacker.
Speaking for the RCC, Secretary General Goran Svilanovic warned that SEE is vulnerable to climate change and that its water, energy, food and security of critical infrastructure is threatened by an increase in extreme events such as the catastrophic floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia in 2014. Svilanovic said that “the RCC is focused on providing a concerted regional approach towards climate resilient growth that ensures greater security and economic gains, than isolated unilateral interventions at the national level”. He emphasized that “one of the most important global events last year was the Paris Climate Conference and our task in the region is to make sure we implement the decisions from Paris and the RCC is fully committed to that goal.
The ministers, together with other international partners and representatives of the civil society organisations (with EASD representative participated at event) discussed the state of climate and environment in SEE and reviewed the state of ongoing regional cooperation in this field. The focus was on the advantages and shortcomings of the current initiatives. In a joint declaration titled “The Podgorica Initiative”, adopted at the meeting, the ministers supported a regional approach to environmental and climate change issues and commended the cooperation with the RCC which has supported the establishment of the Regional Working Group on Environment. The chairing of the Working group was passed on from Montenegro to Serbia today. The Ministers also asked the host country of this meeting to convey the declaration to the Paris Western Balkans Summit in the summer of this year.
EASD research: RETHINKING WASTE MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE RESOURCE-EFFICIENT CONCEPT
EASD research published in the Environmental Engineering and Management Journal , December 2015, Vol. 14, No. 12, 2747-2984.
RETHINKING WASTE MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE RESOURCE-EFFICIENT CONCEPT:
Abstract
The paper aims at supporting and catalysing discussions (and possible options) on how the widely common waste management concept could be efficiently transformed to a level where phasing out residual waste becomes technically feasible. As such, this paper presents thoughts on the (possible) future meaning of term “waste”, but it also addresses the important relationship between the terms “waste” and “level of country development”. Although this research greatly deals with policy issues, the analysis shows that the crucial role in delivering the path of development will be in the hands of chemical and environmental engineers. However, it will be necessary to break the link between economic growth and waste growth/management/prevention.
Key words: developed country, developing country, landfilling, waste management, waste policy, waste prevention
Water-food-energy-ecosystems nexus assessment in the Sava River Basin – Lessons learned and further steps
The consultation workshop “Water-food-energy-ecosystems nexus assessment in the Sava River Basin – Lessons learned and further steps”, was held in Belgrade, on 29 January 2016. The workshop was jointly organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the International Sava River Basin Commission (ISRBC), and hosted by the Republic Directorate for Water, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Protection of the Republic of Serbia. At the workshop the results of the nexus assessment and other recent achievements in framework of the ISRBC, as well as follow-up projects and activities, were present to the national authorities and the civil society.
Agenda 2030 and SDGs in the focus of EASD work
Multi-stakeholder partnerships at the national, local, regional and international levels, that are solution-oriented and inclusive of all groups, including women, indigenous peoples and minorities, will be crucial to realizing these joint aspirations and will be a key element of the 2030 Agenda and SDG implementation.
The successful adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals was the result of more than two years of intensive consultation and engagement of all stakeholders.
The UNEP Regional Office for Europe, in partnership with the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Environmental Bureau, organized a multi-stakeholders meeting on the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, combined with the yearly UNEP Regional Consultation Meeting for Major Groups and Stakeholders on 12-13 November 2015 in Brussels, Belgium. EASD participated ( report).
Sustainable Development Indicators data and development for SEE region is underway through Platform Indicators Development. For Serbia, EASD team is focused on Environmental Sustainability, Science and Technology , Health and Hygiene and Energy and Environment . EASD promote The World Environmental Education Day, having the great event in school “Vuk Karadžić”, Surčin.
The 2nd meeting of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) will take place from 23-27 May, 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting will be held under the overarching theme: “Delivering on the Environmental Dimension of the Post-2015 Development Agenda.” There will also be a Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum (GMGSF) held prior to UNEA-2 on 21 and 22 May 2016. Environmental Ambassadors (EASD) is organisation accredited in UNEP/UNEA.
In the preparatory phase, EASD participated in the process of UNEP Redefinition of its Youth Strategy, familiarise with the interactive version of the Bali Guideline Implementation Guide , reviewing new sustainable development agenda (results from open consultation on ‘grey‘ and “green” indicators are now available ).
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development requested the UN Secretary General, in consultation with Member States, to prepare a report in preparation for the 2016 meeting of the High-level Political Forum, which outlines critical milestones towards coherent, efficient and inclusive follow-up and review at the global level, for consideration of the General Assembly. In order to informally contribute to the reflection, Major Groups and other Stakeholders have been invited to provide their views and inputs on these issues by completing an online questionnaire by 15 November 2015. The inputs and responses received is available on the Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform (our organisation is the member of SDKP). In addition, we keep eye on Open-ended Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to UNEP (OECPR) and Preparatory meeting for the 2nd Session of UNEA, 14-19 February 2016 – we registered our representative to participate.
EASD participated in the UNEP’s survey on the involvement of Major Groups and Stakeholders in the generation, utilization and dissemination of environmental information developed by UNEP. Below some of the key findings are highlighted:
· 63% of the organizations contributed to the generation of environmental information by UNEP to a moderate, large or very large extent
· Of contributions made, the greatest percentage, 56%, was to UNEP publications.
· 88% have accessed environmental information generated by UNEP; publications were the most common form of information accessed, with assessments and findings, and emerging issues coming a joint second.
· The most common way in which organizations accessed UNEP information was via the UNEP website, with the second most common mechanism being via email.
· 87%, have made use of information generated by UNEP either to a moderate, large, or very large extent. Organizations primarily used UNEP generated information for educational purposes, as a guide to their own work, or for analysis.
· 86% have contributed to the further dissemination of environmental information generated by UNEP, principally during meeting discussions or through posting on social media.
· 65% experienced no difficulties in contributing to, accessing, using or disseminating environmental information generated by UNEP, but for those who did the main issue was with language constraints.
· The most effective mode for organizations to be involved in the generation, access, receipt and dissemination of environmental information generated by UNEP was email; this was followed by the UNEP website and through social media.
· 85% successfully received the type of information they needed from UNEP either to a moderate, large or very large extent.
· Suggestions on how UNEP could improve included:
o greater interaction from UNEP on social media
o improvements to websites to make them more user-friendly
o sending of hard copies of important reports and documents to resource centers
o the use of shorter bulletin messages to facilitate understanding of the public
o greater dissemination
o more translations
o timely information sharing to allow sufficient time for review and comments
o the use of Google hangouts, online workshops
o more active engagement with mass-media (e.g. TV)
We “keep eye” on the multi-stakeholder dialogue will be held on Friday 27 May 2016 from 12:30 hrs to 14.00 hrs, TO BE HELD DURING THE HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT OF UNEA-2. It will be open to all interested delegations and will be organized as a moderated, interactive dialogue session. The proposed theme for the dialogue is: “Restoring and sustaining healthy ecosystems for people and planet: partnerships to jointly deliver on the environmental dimension of Agenda 2030”.
In February 2016, EASD promote stronger position of Environmental NGOs in the draft UNEP Stakeholders Engagement Policy (SEP) . More in local language
EASD participate at 2016 Vienna UN Conference (Vienna, January 13-15, 2016): sustainable development is the basis for a peaceful world.
Very important institutions are based in Vienna which work for the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear energy (IAEA), the peaceful use of outer space (UNOOSA) and the prevention of terrorism, organised crime, and drug trafficking (UNODC). UNIDO is dedicated to the creation of shared prosperity and inclusive and sustainable development – the basis for a peaceful world. CTBTO Executive Secretary, Lassina Zerbo, has reminded us that the 70th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki recalls the real dangers of nuclear weapons and the need for a total ban on nuclear testing. The recent Vienna Iran agreement and the important role given to the IAEA emphasise the important activities carried out by the Vienna based organisations, including the OSCE. Representatives from these institutions, diplomats, and academics will discuss, in inter- active sessions, the challenges and how the UN system and the international community can deliver to overcome emerging challenges and ensure a peaceful and more sustainable world.
2016 Vienna UN Conference (Vienna, January 13-15, 2016) is focused on New Approaches for a Peaceful and More Sustainable World (Poster).
EASD, as organisation in consultative status in ECOSOC AOR, as well as ACUNS institutional member, participate at this conference. Prof Andjelka Mihajlov, EASD Hon.President participated in the Opening session (chairing by Alistair Edgar, Executive Director, Academic Council on the United Nations System, with speakers: Lassina Zerbo, Executive Secretary, CTBTO, Yury Fedotov, Director General/Executive Director, UNOV/UNODC, Yukiya Amano, Director General, IAEA, LI Yong, Director General, UNIDO, Angela Kane, Former UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs and Keynote speech by Lamberto Zannier, Secretary General, OSCE), as well as in Session Women, Peace and Security (Chair: H.E. Ayoob Erfani, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Austria, Keynote: H.E. Dubravka Simonovic, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, Speakers:Nasra Hassan, Association of Austrian Peacekeepers, Former Director, UNIS, Pericles Gasparini, Chief, Office for Disarmament Affairs, UNODA Vienna Office, Fatou Haidara, Director of the Policy-making Organs Secretariat, Advocacy and Communications, UNIDO, Anna Alvazzi, Research Director, Small Arms Survey Senam Mohamad, European Representative, Rojava Self-Governing Democratic Administration, Alistair Edgar, Director, ACUNS). She noted the importance for SEE countries to recognise multilateralism as the c0-share track to EU accession and sustainable development/resource efficiency/environmental sustainability as the tool and SDGs means of implementation. She promotes Gender Impact Assessment as the indicator for each process.
Save the date and participate: June 6, 2016 – Environment to Europe Conference
We are pleased to invite you to The Twelfth Regional Conference ”Environment to Europe EnE16 – ENV.net”, which will be held on June 6th 2016 in Belgrade (Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia). Conference is UNEP WED event. Conference supports EU Integration process through the 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”.
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development in partnership with Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia organize The Twelfth Regional Conference ”Environment to Europe” EnE16 – ENV.net. Thematic area this year is Climate Change and Sustainability of Resources.
The Conference is an opportunity for institutions, organizations and experts to present their research and exchange viewpoints regarding climate change and sustainable use of natural resources.
We firmly believe that your scientific/research results and experience will substantially help a better understanding of these fields. Being aware of the necessity of a close cooperation between science and practice, including the practice within competent institutions, we invite you to take active participation in the Conference “Environment to Europe – EnE16-ENV.net”, either by preparing and presenting your paper or by contributing as an auditor and participant.
Conference Organizing Committee is pleased to inform you that, thanks to the support of the EU through ENV.net project, there will be no participation fee.First, you need to apply to the Conference “Environment to Europe” Program (http://feeserbia.com/
If you experience problems completing the registration, please send e-mail to: eneconference@feeserbia.com .
More information: Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, e-mail:eneconference@feeserbia.com, web site: http://ambassadors-env.com and http://feeserbia.com/ .
Environment to Europe Program Coordinator
dr Dunja Prokić
EASD contributed to the 3rd UNECE EPR for Serbia
United Nations Environmental Conference on Sustainable Development Goals
In September 2015. United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which established a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030.
A two-day conference on the implementation of the SDGs in Europe and the UNECE region was held on 12-13 November, 2015. in Brussels. The conference was organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and the European Environmental Bureau (EEB). The conference was attended by high-level speakers from the UN and European institutions as well as representatives from civil society organisations and other stakeholders, including a representative from the Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development.
At the conference were discussed major challenges on how to put SDGs into practice set by the new agenda globally as well as for Europe; United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA); and Opportunities for Engagement of Major Groups and Stakeholders (MGS), etc.
At the 2015 UNEP Regional Consultation for Europe (RCM) with Major Groups and Stakeholders (MGS) from the UNECE region discussion was held on how to prepare the positions for the preparation of the second session of the United Nation Environment Assembly (UNEA-2) to be held in May 2016 in Nairobi.
EASD representative at Conference was Nataša Žugić Drakulić.
We participate in an on-line survey on UNEP programme planning and implementation
In November 2015 EASD representative participated in an on-line survey on UNEP programme planning and implementation.
In implementing results-based management, UNEP seeks feedback from civil society to improve the quality of its operations, especially in the context of the Programme of Work 2014-2015, which called for an assessment of the level of satisfaction among stakeholders with UNEP programmes, products and services. The Secretariat encourages the civil society representatives to participate in the survey. The findings of the survey will be communicated through the end-of-biennium 2014-2015 Programme Performance Report.
In December 2015 EASD participated also in Survey on the involvement of Major Groups and Stakeholders in the generation, utilization and dissemination of environmental information developed by UNEP.
Eco-Schools 2015 NOM in Northern Ireland
Aleksandra Mladenovic, National coordinator for Eco-schools program in Serbia participated at ES NOM 2015 (the biggest for Eco-Schools) happen!
More in Serbian , and on the ES International web page.
Waste and health: evidence and needs
In UN campus in Bonn, Germany, WHO-Regional Office for Europe-European Centre for Environment and Health hosted technical meeting addressing waste and health in the context of European Environment and Health Process (EHP), with a view to identify priorities and formulate policy goals to be considered at the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health. Among about 20 international experts and practitioners, EASD hon.president Prof dr Andjelka Mihajlov participated as a Temporary Advisor to WHO. More
EASD at 2015 Blue Flag NOM
NOM Blue Flag is on 21-25 October in The Netherlands. EASD as the National Operator for Serbia participate.
More at
EASD at the United Nations in Vienna
As the organisation with ECOSOC consultative status, EASD in October 2015 had some meetings of the broad spectrum of the work of the UN in Vienna.
EASD representatives participated in the Interactive Human Rights Tour and briefing on human rights for children. We support “Your actions count – be responsible traveller”
Chapter 27: Environment and climate change in the media
Activities of the project include:
• The round table / seminar on 28 October at 12 am in the Media Center: Chapter 27, environment and climate change in the media ,
for journalists, includes Chapter 27, case reporting practices on this issue in our country (compared with reporting in other countries) …. (presentation of the project activities at the fair ECOFAIR 2015, with a public invitation to interested parties to apply for the seminar)
– preparing and making available information on-line brochure for the Press
Activities contribute to the objective of the project to influence the improvement of journalistic skills and knowledge for specialized reporting in the field of environmental protection and climate change, which would contribute to the improvement of ways, the quality and scope of media coverage and better information of the citizens. The project is support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, which in 2015 co-financed ENV.net project.
SDGs as the relevant part of the context within which FEE operates
After a long series of intergovernmental negotiations on various themes,which saw a broad participation from major groups and civil society stakeholders under the guidance of the United Nations State Members, the Goals have been adopted on September 25th at the New York United Nations Summit by 193 Member States. In the same occasion, the UN launched their post-2015 development agenda, in which the Goals are integrated. UN Member States, the civil society and private sector contributors will use this new, universal set of goals, targets and indicators to guide development global efforts over the next 15 years in a concerted international action within the broadest, most ambitious development agenda ever agreed at the global level. The 17 Goals and 169 Targets are meant to be action-oriented, concise and easy to communicate, aspirational, global in nature and universally applicable to all countries, while taking into account the different national realities, capacities and levels of development and respecting national policies and priorities.
The Foundation for Environmental Education with its global network thus needs to frame and highlight its role as a stakeholder and trendsetter in the Sustainable Development process, particularly for environmental, educational and eco-tourism matters. The SDGs will define a relevant part of the context within which FEE operates, thus we are driven to reflect our work in the Goals.
FEE through its mission of fostering awareness, knowledge, participation, commitment, skills, actions and creativity on the environment and on sustainable development, shares the core values behind the set of SDGs. The programmes based on Education for Sustainable Development, such as YRE, Eco-Schools and LEAF show a strong link with the educational Goal (SDG 4) and the Goal on global partnership for sustainable development (SDG 17). FEE’s tourism eco-labels, Green Key and Blue Flag, on the other hand, have a focus on making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable (SDG 11) and on implementing tools for monitoring sustainable development impacts for tourism (SDG 12.b).
Thus, FEE as an umbrella organisation aims at reaching objectives as indicated in the SDGs:
– “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” (SDG 3).
– “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all” (SDG 4).
– “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water..” (SDG 6),
– “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all” (SDG 7),
– “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development” (SDG14), as well as to
– “Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems..” (SDG 15).
– “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth..” (SDG 8), particularly to “..Implement policies to promote sustainable tourism which creates jobs, promotes local culture and products” (SDG 8.9).
– “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” (SDG 11).
– “Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns” (SDG 12).
– “Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts” (SDG 13).
– “..Promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems..” (SDG 15).
– “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development..” (SDG 16), particularly to build transparent institutions and promote non-discriminatory policies for sustainable development (SDGs 16.6, 16.b) with a positive, proactive, democratic modus operandi and a strong synergic support to civil society and third sector.
– “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development” (SDG 17) through a geographically spread, multi-stakeholder approach.
Programmes’ overview:
a) YRE: Young Reporters for the Environment is a network of international youth engaged in environmental journalism and Education for Sustainable Development, where the students investigate an environmental problem and report it to the local community, while, at the international level, they may cooperate with young reporters from other countries for sharing information or data, with the aim of proposing a solution and disseminating it.
The most evident link between the Young Reporters for the Environment programme and the SDGs is found in the Goal 4:
“Ensure inclusive and equitable quality educationand promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” and its subparagraphs“..increase … the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship” (SDG 4.4) with the aim of learning to think critically, “ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skillsneeded to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of cultures contribution to sustainable development” (SDG 4.7) for being able to connectwith concrete issues.
The environmental educational programme thus also wish for taking “action to combat climate change and its impacts” (SDG13), specifically for what concerns to “improveeducation, awareness raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning” (SDG 13.3) through active solution-oriented learning. The programme canalso help to“promote mechanisms for raising capacities for effective climate change related planning and management, in LDCs, including focusing on women, youth, local and marginalized communities” (SDG 13.b).
YRE is a network of young people educating for sustainable developmentand environmental issues in general, thus it also supportsthe aim of many other SDGs, such as:
“Promotesustainable agriculture” (SDG 2).
“Promote well-beingfor all at all ages” (SDG 3).
“Achieve gender equality and empowerall womenand girls” (SDG 5).
“Ensure availability and sustainable management of waterand sanitation for all”, supporting and strengthening the participation of local communities (SDG6)
“Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energyfor all”(SDG7)
“Promotesustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”, developing measures that support creativity and innovation (SDG8)
“Build resilient infrastructure, promoteinclusive and sustainableindustrializationand fosterinnovation”enhancing scientific research (SDG9)
“Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable … Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality, municipal and other waste management”(SDG 11)
“Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns”, raising awareness on sustainable development and lifestyles which are in harmony with nature (SDG12)
“Conserve and sustainably use the oceans seas and marine resources for sustainable development”, aiming to preventmarine pollution and protectmarine and coastal ecosystems (SDG14)
“Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss”, promoting the implementation of sustainable management of the forests (SDG15)
YRE helps to “Promotepeaceful and inclusive societies for sustainabledevelopment..”(SDG16)
YRE can encourage to “..Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development” (SDG17)
The journalistic piece can influence the local communities to take action on various environmental matters
b) ECO-SCHOOLS: A global student-led change process in Education for Sustainable Development which involves also teachers’ training, integration in the school curriculum, environmental reviews, action plans, monitoring and evaluation, informing and involving the local community, setting an eco-code focusing on the various environmental themes (water, energy, waste, global citizenship..).
The programme is fully in line with the Goals:
“Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” increasing the number of youth and adults with relevant skills and ensuring that all learners acquire knowledge for promoting sustainable development, developinga culture of peace and global citizenship while upgrading education facilities to child, disability and gender sensitive ones as to provide a safe, inclusive and effective learning environment for all(SDG 4)
“Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”, strengthening efforts to safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritagewith a focus on schools’ waste management, resource efficiency and climate change mitigation (e.g. Litter Less Campaign) (SDG 11)
“Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development” (SDG 17).
The implementation of the Eco-Schools programme also works towards the achievement of the aim of more SDGs, such as:
“Ensure healthy lives and promote well-beingfor all at all ages” (SDG 3)
“Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”, improving water quality and water-use efficiency with pollution reduction, minimizing the release ofhazardous chemicals, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater,increasing recycling or safe reuse and ensuring sustainable withdrawals together with the strengthening of the participation of local communitiesfor such purposes (SDG 6)
“Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all” increasing the share of renewable energy and energy efficiency, with the result of creating also savings (SDG 7)
“Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”with the improvement of resource efficiency in consumption and production as to endeavour to decouple economic growthfrom environmental degradation (SDG 8)
“Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation” (SDG 9)
“Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns”, using the natural resources efficiently, reducing the waste generation (including the food waste) and managing sustainably the chemical products (SDG 12)
“Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts”specially improving education, awareness raising and capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning (SDG 13)
“Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrialecosystems..” (SDG 15)
“Promotepeacefuland inclusivesocietiesfor sustainable development… and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels” highlighting the theme ofsocial justice(SDG 16).
c) LEAF: Learning About Forests wants to encourage environmental education through awareness raising among students, teachers and the wider school community, to increase knowledge about the key role forests play for sustainable life on our planet, reflecting their cultural, ecological, economic and social functions, with themes as biodiversity, climate, products or services, codes and myths.
The key Goals linked to the Learning About Forests programme are:
“Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”, increasing the number of youths and adults who have relevant skills and ensuring that all learners (referring to the whole school community) acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature (SDG 4)
“Ensure availability and sustainable management of water..”, protecting water-related ecosystems and supporting the participation of local communitiesfor improving water management(SDG 6)
“Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainable manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss”, ensuring a sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, including their biodiversity, in particular forests, wetlands mountains and drylands, preventing the extinction of threatened species(SDG 15)
The principles behind LEAF are compatible with the aim of more SDGs:
“End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promotesustainable agriculture”, implementing agricultural practices, such as the tree-planting events, which help maintain ecosystems and progressively improve land and soil quality (SDG 2)
“Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” (SDG3)
“Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainableand modern energyfor all” (SDG7)
“Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment..”, endeavouring to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation and devising policies that encourage sustainable tourism which promotes local culture and products, such as jobs related to the forest, while learning to respect the forest community as well as its myths, laws and codes (SDG8)
“Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”, strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage while supporting positive links between the urban and the rural areas as to widen the access to inclusive green and publicspaces (SDG11)
“Ensure sustainable consumption patterns” through relevant information and awareness for achieving sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (SDG12)
“Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts” improving education and awareness raising on climatechange and the role of forests (SDG13)
“Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development” (SDG17).
d) BLUE FLAG: The world’s biggest voluntary eco-label for beaches, marinas and eco-tourism boats works towards sustainable development through compliance with criteria dealing with environmental education and information, environmental management, water quality, safety and other services.
The principles and rules of the programme comply with the content of many Goals:
“Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”, improving water quality with pollution reduction and minimization of hazardous chemicals release, increasing recycling, safe reuse and water-use efficiency through the usage of sustainable withdrawals as to protect water-related ecosystems also with the support and participation of local communities (SDG 6)
“Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”improving the resource efficiencyin consumption while devising and implementing policies to promote sustainable tourism which creates job, promotes local culture and products.Blue Flag focuses as well on the protection of labour rights together with the promotion of a safe and secure working environment and the prohibition of child labour (SDG 8)
“Build resilient infrastructure..”upgrading it as to be sustainable and equipped with clean technologies (SDG 9)
“by 2030 empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status”with the aim of reducing inequalities and discriminatory practices for wages as social protection policies (SDG 10.2)
“Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”enhancing capacities for participatory and sustainable human settlements as to strengthen the efforts for safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage while providing universal access to the public spaces particularly for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities(SDG 11)
“Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns”for the efficient use of natural resources, through a sound management and reduction of chemicals and wastes and the promotion of sustainable public procurement practices (SDG 12)
“Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”preventing and reducing marine pollutionalso from land-based activities, addressing the impacts of ocean acidification and conserving coastal and marine areas. Blue Flags also contributes in increasing the economic benefits to SIDS and LDCs with the sustainable use of marine resources through tourism (SDG 14)
“Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems… halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss” for halting the loss of biodiversity and preventing the extinction of threatened species, also through the integration of ecosystem values into local planning policies (SDG 15).
The implementation of the Blue Flag programme also work towards the aim of several more SDGs:
• “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” (SDG3)
• “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”as education has a central role in the programme and reaches out for all the persons involved in it as well as for theusers (SDG4)
• “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”(SDG5)
• “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable,and modern energy for all” to help increasing the share of renewable energy and energy efficiency(SDG7)
• “Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts”(SDG 13)
• “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development..”enforcing non-discriminatory policies for sustainable development (SDG16)
• Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development”through a multi-stakeholder partnership, which involves also public partnersand local authorities,where knowledge and expertise are shared (SDG17)
e) GREEN KEY: This eco-label for tourism facilities (hotels, campsites, small accommodations, tourist attractions and restaurants) is a voluntary award that aims at contributing to prevent climate change and reach sustainable tourism by awarding and promoting best practice, with the goal of changing the environmental practices at the awarded establishments but also the behaviour of tourism actors, including guests, staff, suppliers, authorities, local communities so to involve them in increasingly safeguarding their own environment. The focus is on themes such as environmental management, water, waste and energy saving, involvement and awareness of guests and staff, management of food and beverage and open spaces.
For what concerns the part of the programme related to environmental management, the Goals mainly involved are:
“Ensure … sustainable management of water..” improving its quality, having the proportion of untreated wastewater, increasing recycling, safe reuse and sustainable withdrawals of freshwater (SDG 6)
“Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”setting rules for developing or upgrading quality infrastructures to support economic development and human well-being for an increased resource use efficiency and greateradoption of clean technologies (SDG 9)
“Make … human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”paying attention to air quality, indoor environment and waste management as to tackle climate change(SDG 11)
“Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns”with rules for achieving sustainable management of natural resources,respecting eco-criteria for food and beverages, reducing waste generationand achieving environmentallysound management of chemicals (SDG 12).
This way the programme “develops and implements tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism which creates jobs, promotes local culture and products” (12.b).
As an eco-tourism programme focused on the environmental awareness of staff and guests, the Goals principally involved are:
“Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being..” where the programme has to encourage the users to take part in green activities (SDG 3)
“..ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights..” as part of the “educational Goal” (number 4), whereby the learners are the recipients of the environmental information expected in the implementation of the programme (SDG 4.7)
“Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”, as the Green Key programme sets Corporate Social Responsibility and safety rules for the workers(SDG 8)
“Take urgent action tocombat climate change and its impacts”through a reduced environmental impact but also through the improvement of education and awareness raising for both the facilities’ staff and users (SDG 13)
“..revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development” (SDG 17).
Recognition and encouragement for further work: special consultative status in UN ECOSOC for our organisation
By the decision of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at its Coordination and management meeting of July 2015 granted special consultative status to our organization, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development.
Consultative status for an organization enables it to actively engage with ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, as well as with the United Nations Secretariat, programmes, funds and agencies in a number of ways, as well as the obligations for our organization will be required to meet under this relationship.
For EASD Team it is big recognition, as well as encouragement for further work!!!!
Connecting regions: participation at 10th International Convention on Environment and Development in Havana, Cuba, July 2015
Moments from the Conference …..
The Environment Agency of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment of the Republic of Cuba, together with other agencies and organizations, kindly invited researchers, authorities, educators, specialists, managers, entrepreneurs, professionals, producers and other people around the world working for the sustainability of our planet, to participate in the 10th International Convention on Environment and Development (X CONVENCIÓN INTERNACIONAL SOBRE MEDIO AMBIENTE Y DESARROLLO) , from July 6th-10th, 2015, at the Havana Convention Centre (The nine previous editions of this convention were attended by more than 7,000 people, approximately 50 % of whom came from more than 60 countries on the five continents of the world).
2015 year´s Convention emphatically promotes cooperation among countries, exchange of experiences, sustainable practices, and knowledge transfer, in order to cope with the urgent necessity of creating a new concept for development: integral development agenda that is flexible enough to meet the requirements, priorities and particularities of every country and region around the world.
The 10th Convention is organized around several events. Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development research presentation is on the agenda of the 7th CONGRESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT.
Paper “Scoping the future trends in natural resources availability using selected indicators as measures of progress: the links with interests and values” (authors: Andjelka MIHAJLOV, Danko ALEKSIC, Filip JOVANOVIC, Khumo Sakgabe JOVANOVIC, Aleksandra MLADENOVIC, Dunja PROKIC and Milena TABASEVIC) is presented by Prof Andjelka Mihajlov, on July 7, 2015, in Havana Convention Centre.
Post Rio+20 busy July 2015
29 June 2015, UN Headquarters, New York, HLPF Stakeholder Consultation: This event present the results of an international stakeholder consultation on the mandate and means of stakeholder engagement in the HLPF.The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is proposed as the institutional “home” for follow-up and review of the post-2015 development agenda; and therefore presents a critical entry-point to ensure delivery of the post-2015 agenda and sustainable development more broadly.
26 June – 8 July 2015, UN Headquarters, New York, High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (The 2015 meeting of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)): The theme of the meeting is “Strengthening integration, implementation and review – the HLPF after 2015.” The first part of the meeting consist of moderated dialogues on a variety of issues, including how to move from vision to transformative action, the role of the private sector in implementation, how the HLPF can support national action, involvement of scientific communities in implementation, regional support for national implementation, small island developing states (SIDS) and investment in sustainable development. The second part of the meeting comprise a ministerial segment, which is expected to include dialogues on developing a transformative integrated agenda, emerging issues for the future, communicating and implementing a universal agenda, shaping the HLPF for the next 15 years, reviewing and monitoring progress, realizing the sustainable development goals (SDGs), and transitioning from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the SDGs.
EASD is pleased to share with you document: Towards an Integrated and Inclusive Follow-up and Review of Natural Resources. Two recommendations aim to ensure that the effective follow-up and review of natural resources in the post-2015 development agenda is aligned with the principles of integration, participation and inclusion: 1) Thematic reviews of natural resources as a crosscutting issue, from tenure to their use, should be carried out under the HLPF; 2) National multi-stakeholder and rights-holder initiatives for follow-up and review, within the context of a renewed global partnership for development, should be established or strengthened.
20-22 July 2015, Economic and Social Council Meeting: Will consider and take action on the Committee’s recommendation at its Coordination and Management Meeting. The Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations at its 2015 Resumed Session, held from 26 May to 3 June 2015, decided to recommend Special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council to our organization EASD – Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development.
We participate!
- -The highly anticipated Zero draft of the outcome document for the UN Summit to adopt the Post-2015 Development Agenda is available for Stakeholder feedback . EASD teams carefully read document. The programme for the sixth session of the intergovernmental negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda, to be held from 22-25 June, has been posted online .
- – In preparing the MTS 2018-21 and Programme of Work (PoW) for 2018-19, UNEP wishes to consult with Major Groups and Stakeholders to solicit views and ideas on what is expected from UNEP in the future, where UNEP should direct its efforts to serve best interests of all stakeholders and the environment, and which challenges UNEP should be well prepared to meet. EASD is preparing respond.
- – EASD acknowledge Initiatives by Non-State Actors to Curb Emissions Can Help Win the Fight against Climate Change – New UN Report The full report may be downloaded here.
- – The 2015 Resumed Session of the Committee on NGOs took place from 26 May to 3 June (and will adopt its report on 12 June), reviewing a total of 388 applications (including 176 applications that had been deferred from previous sessions), 7 reclassifications and 215 quadrennial reports. A total of 160 applications were recommended for consultative status with ECOSOC. The Committee closed, without prejudice, the consideration of 27 applications. Pending receipt of answers to questions posed by the members, the Committee deferred a total of 200 applications to its next session. EASD is looking forward to the decision related our application – expected to be taken up by ECOSOC at its next Coordination and Management Meeting, between 20-22 July 2015.
First European-wide Sustainable Development Week
The ESDW is a European-wide initiative aiming at stimulating and increasing the visibility of activities, projects and events that promote sustainable development.
The European Sustainable Development Week ensures that European citizens can take an active part in shaping the concept of sustainability in a bottom up approach. I am delighted that so many projects can be regarded as Best-Practice models and contribute to our common, sustainable future.’
The ESDW builds upon existing national sustainable development weeks and acts as an umbrella for new European wide projects. Public authorities, individual citizens, businesses, educational institutions, museums, foundations, civil society organizations, etc. can register their projects. All the activities and events will be displayed on the ESDW website (www.esdw.eu), in order to give organizers of innovative activities the opportunity to promote their initiatives.
Currently, more than 1500 initiatives in 18 countries have been registered as part of the ESDW (THE ELEVENTH REGIONAL CONFERENCE ENVIRONMENT TO EUROPE – ENE15 – ENV.NET is one of the registered events).
EASD will be in Brussels for ESDW events!
June 5, 2015: REGIONAL CONFERENCE ENVIRONMENT TO EUROPE – ENE15 – ENV.NET Conference
THE ELEVENTH REGIONAL CONFERENCE ENVIRONMENT TO EUROPE – ENE15 – ENV.NET
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, traditionally organizes the Regional Conference Environment to Europe. Through the years, the EnE Conference has grown into traditional gathering of experts and stakeholders in the field of environment and sustainable development, promoting adoption of the EU standards. Thematic areas this year is Horizontal Legislation: Methods, Standards and Tools toward EU Environmental Values. Traditionally, about 150 authors and co-authors of scientific papers, published in the form of the Conference Proceedings CD, participate at the EnE Conference every year. The Conference is an opportunity for institutions, organizations and experts to present their research and exchange view points regarding methods, standards and tools toward EU environmental values and challenges on the road to EU.
Conference is UNEP WED event, suporting EU Integration process through ENV.net project (EuropeAid/132438/C/ACT/Multi 2014/351-610).
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
Toxic pesticide globally banned after (un)precedented vote at UN meeting on chemicals
Delegates from more than 90 countries took the unprecedented step of voting for a global ban on pentachlorophenol – a proven toxic pesticide and contaminant found in wildlife and human biomonitoring studies worldwide. The historic vote came at the combined meetings of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions – which usually make decisions by consensus – after India repeatedly blocked action.
The delegates of the Stockholm Convention also supported international bans on two other industrial chemicals that harm the global environment and human health: chlorinated naphthalenes and hexachlorobutadiene.
Economic strengthening of Roma families
Project Economic strengthening of Roma families in the municipalities of Knjaževac and Ljubovija , under the Project „Technical Assistance to the Office for Human and Minority Rights in the implementation of the National Strategy for Roma Inclusion“ started on May 2015, supported by OSCE Mission in Serbia and having EASD as the Implementing Agency.
Project activities:
First Young Reporters for the Environment Competition Launched in Serbia
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…..
For your attention: 2015 ACUNS Conference
In June, 2015 the ACUNS Annual Meeting commemorates the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. In cooperation with our host institutions,The Hague Institute for Global Justice and the International Institute of Social Studies, ACUNS invites its members, and other interested scholars and practitioners, to join us in The Hague to engage in critical, informed discussions of the achievements, the deficits and the ongoing challenges of the United Nations system in nurturing, developing, promoting and defending ideas and practices of security and justice in global governance. We do so, as we also return to “The City of Peace and Justice”, where ACUNS last held an Annual Meeting in 1994.
The title for this year’s Annual Meeting clearly reflects aspirations rather than accomplishments, and should be understood broadly. Today, just as the nature and scope of the UN system’s activities have expanded greatly since 1945, so too security and justice and their intersection in global governance are taken to include a far wider array of concerns than were debated in San Francisco. Preventing and resolving conflicts, promoting international peace, and pursing new norms of global justice now also can involve issues of sustainable development, economic crisis management, climate change, human rights and gender, the rule of law and transitional justice, as well as conflict management and resolution. From wars and crises in Ukraine, Syria, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Gaza, to promoting efforts to prevent and stop violence against women everywhere, to highlighting the plight of small island states facing climate change-induced rises in sea levels, and responding to cross-border financial shocks, the UN system is called on frequently by Member States, NGOs and civil society organizations to assist or even to lead in global efforts to understand and address these problems. Too often, it is called on to do so when States and other bodies are themselves unable or unwilling to agree on the measures and resources needed, or sometimes even the cause(s) of the problems.
Plenary Titles
- The Role of The Hague Institutions in Promoting International Justice
- Balancing Law and Politics: What are the Tensions between Peace and Justice?
- The Future of Global Governance and the UN: Ensuring Security and Justice
- Global Equity and Global Justice: How Far will the SDGs Deliver?
EASD is ACUNS member. Prof Andjelka Mihajlov is in one of the ACUNS experts. Prof Mihajlov participated at ACUNS Vienna Conference , UN Colloquia Session II, 28 February 2011.
ENV.net Serbia Seminar: Environmental Education in Schools
ENV.net team Serbia, organised the Second Annual Seminar for Teachers, on December 12, 2014., in Belgrade. Over 50 participants were present from all levels of education institutions from pre-schools, elementary and secondary schools, to higher educational institutions (college and university). The main topics discussed include different ideas and methods on how environmental education in schools could be enhanced and better represented in school curriculum.
Eco-schools National Operators Meeting 2014
This year’s NOM took place in Cardiff, from 4th to 6th Decemeber, and was organized by Keep Wales Tidy team in the premises of Maldron hotel. Workshops, presentations, group discussions and many interesting sessions made all participating National Operators fully involved.
After the warm welcome from Lesley Jones, Chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, Laura Hickey (Member of the Board with responsibilty for Eco-Schools) introduced Peter Davis – Wales’ Commissioner for Sustainable Futures. Sessions related to 7 steps were being introduced either by Brid Conneely, International Eco-Schools Director or Laura Hickey and facilitated by Team Wales. Several Eco-Schools’ showcases presented the good practice in Welsh schools. The Environmental review session, Action planning, Monitoring and evaluation, Social media connections, 21st century skills: linking to the classroom and Eco-Schools report session were followed by FEE Environmental education principles presentation and group work. Decade for ESD, conference update, was given by Lesley Jones, Yukiko Tsuburaya, Kenza Khallafi and Paul Pace. FEE’s new flags supplier, Semaphore, introduced themselves. Conference dinner was served in the beautiful banquet hall of Cardiff Castle. Young Reporters for the Environment were involved in the Meeting as well.
NOM was filled with positive attitude and cooperation, sharing of knowledge, experience and fresh ideas among operators. Many attendees returned to their home countries with precious suggestions and materials for further improvements of the Programme after successful 20 years.
Dragana Grujičić
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
ENV.net on the margins of ECF Annual Meeting in Brussels with European Commision
Some of ENV.net partners participated on ECF Annual Meeting in Brussels with European Commision (24-25 November 2014), using that opportunity to promote results of ENV.net project and to promote partnership. ENV.net broshure publish by Albanian partner is distributed.
Agenda of the Meeting includes:
– NGO SESSION: Self-organizing and preparatory meeting for discussion with the EC
– DIALOG WITH DG ENVIRONMENT REPRESENTATIVES: Mr Nicholas Hanley (head of Unit of International, Regional and Bilateral Relations), Mrs Madalina Ivanica (Policy officer-Unit of International, Regional and Bilateral Relations), Ms Marta Moren Abat (Policy Officer-Unit of International, Regional and Bilateral Relations), Mrs Slavitza Dobreva de Schietere (Policy Officer-Unit of Enforcement, Cohesion Policy and European Semester), Ms Iris Valkovic (Policy Officer-Unit of Enforcement, Cohesion Policy and European Semester), Mr Dimitrios ZEVGOLIS (DG Climate Action) and Mrs Ivana Mijatovic (DG Climate Action ), on thematic issues:
- – Water
- – EIA/SEA
- – Climate Change
Annual Meetings build on the outcomes of all Environment and Climate Forum (ECF) activities and the events represent the key opportunity for the civil society to get engaged into dialogue with high representatives of the European Commission. The agenda for the annual meetings is prepared in a bottom-up manner, with key input from the NGOs, as well as in consultation with the EC. The annual meetings are planned in a way to allow enough room for NGOs to self-organize , to provide state-of-the art information on EU policies and legislation, to develop capacities of NGOs, and allow time for bilateral meetings . Following preparatory steps at country level, the organisation of annual meetings builds on the outcomes of 8 conducted in-country preparatory meetings and wider consultations.
Key objectives of the meeting:
(i) To disseminate information (to the broad NGO community and other relevant stakeholders) about recent development, planned climate and environment policies and legislation of the European Union and evaluation of progress and bottlenecks in the EU accession process from the EC perspective;
(ii) To increase capacities of the regional NGOs to actively participate in EU enlargement;
(iii) To bring to the attention to the EU the enlargement points and concerns of civil society and discuss how to address issues and cases identified by the NGOs;
Participants: Representatives of 21 NGOs selected for ECF-ECRAN, Representatives of the European Commission, ECF Support Team and ECRAN experts.
ECF TRAINING MODULE 1 TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE EU ACCESSION PROCES
TRAINING MODULE 1
TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE EU ACCESSION PROCES: IMPROVING THE KNOWLEDGE BASE ON SCOPE AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR CIVIL SOCIETY INVOLVEMENT
Date: Nov 20-21, 2014
Place: Premier Best Western Hotel Conference Center, Podgorica, Montenegro
Draft Agenda Outline
Day 1: 20 Nov, 2014
Start | Finish | Topic | Facilitator/Speaker | Sub topic/Content |
08:30 | 09:00 | Registration and coffee | ||
9.00 | 09.10 |
Opening |
Richard Filcak, ECRAN ECF Expert |
Welcome/agendaECRAN and civil society involvement
Introduction of the participants and keynote speakers |
09.10 | 09.30 | Address by the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism |
Ivana Vojinovic, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism |
Reflections on the progress of Montenegro in the EU enlargement process and role and involvement of the civil society |
9.30 | 10.00 | The EU enlargement and the civil society |
Alberto Cammarata, Head of Political Section in the EU Delegation to Montenegro |
The EU enlargement process and involvement of the civil society: goals and experience |
10.00 | 11.00 |
West Balkan, Turkey and the enlargement process |
Mihail Dimovski, ECRAN Team Leader |
ECRAN experience from progress monitoring and project activities: Situation, challenges and opportunities for public participation |
11.00 | 11.30 | Coffee Break | ||
11.30 | 12.30 | NGOs opportunities to contribute to country EU accession process |
Andjelka Mihajlov, ECRAN ECF expert
|
Accession to the EU and Negotiation with the EU (Chapter 27): 1. Accession steps, 2. Progress Monitoring, and 3. Negotiation |
12.30 | 13.30 | Lunch | ||
13.30 | 14.15 | Civil society and the enlargement – new member state experience | Fedor Cerne, ex member of negotiation team for Slovenia | The EU accessions and civil society involvement: Slovenian experience |
14.15 | 15.00 | EU accesion and Croatia: NGO perspective | Zeljka Leljak Gracin, Green Action Croatia | NGO perspective on the most recent EU enlargement: Lessons learned |
15.00 | 15.30 | Coffee Break | ||
15.30 | 16.30 | Negotiations and public involvement – Country experience Montenegro | Olivera Kujundzic, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism, MontenegroNatasa Kovacevic – Green Home Montenegro | Experience from the enlargement process in Montenegro: existing models for cooperation with CSOs, challenges and future perspectives |
16.30 | 17.00 | Closing of the day | Richard Filcak, ECRAN Expert | Wrap up of the day, key issues for the 2nd day, AOB |
Day 2: 21 Nov, 2014
Start | Finish | Topic | Facilitator/Speaker | Sub topic/Content |
9:00 | 9:30 |
Opening |
Richard Filcak, ECRAN ECF Expert |
Summary of topics discussed day 1, goals of the day 2 |
9:30 | 10:30 | Strategic Planning and public involvement | Nadya Boneva, ECRAN Expert | The main needs of the approximation process, role of strategic planning in organising approximation process, experience from old and new Member States and Candidate Countries, the most important planning documents for the approximation process. |
10.30 | 11.00 | Coffee Break | ||
11.00 | 13.00 | Advocacy and the EU enlargement – short introFocusing the future (Group Work) | Richard Filcak and Lidija Zivcic, FOCUS Slovenia | Starting from SWOT, groups of NGOs identify key issues and challenges, outline strategic plans for the upcoming period and present their strategies reflecting inputs from the training |
13.00 | 14.00 | Lunch | ||
14.00 | 15.00 | Civil society and the enlargement process– Panel Discussion with short intro inputs from ECRAN and NGO experts presented | Moderator to be confirmed | Experiences, lessons learned and key messages for the NGO involvement |
15.00 | 15.30 | Wrap up, open issues for the future and evaluation | Richard Filcak, ECRAN Expert | Revisiting key issues, discussion on drivers, barriers and challenges and future of the EU accession process |
15.30 | Departure |
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.
Regional training on the process of designation of potential Natura 2000 sites
Aleksandra Mladenovic of EASD, participated as ECF ECRAN regional representative at the Regional training on the process of designation of potential Natura 2000 sites, November 4-5, 2014; Podgorica, Montenegro.
Training was very useful and interesting, experienced presenters provided quality and sufficient information and discussions were simply and informative.
The training was moderated by Mr. Petr Roth, with experts-presenters from EU: Carlos Romao, EEA; Michael Hošek, Krkonose NP, Ministry of Environment, Czech Republic; András Schmidt, Ministry for Rural Development, Hungary; Erika Stanciu, ProPark Foundation, Romania; Jasminka Radović, SINP Croatia. Specific objectives of the meeting were to provide staff of public administration and expert bodies of ECRAN beneficiary countries responsible for preparation of (future) Natura 2000 network with exhaustive information about the particular steps of its building, their logical order, data, expertise, time and funding requirements, to make them familiar with the requirements of the European Commission, and to provide them with practical examples from current EU MS. All these information have been shared and will serve as a background for preparing roadmaps for each particular country, but also for formulating their requirements for funding, personnel and time needed for accomplishing their tasks.
Conference “EU accession in the field of environmental protection and the role of local authorities”
Conference “EU accession in the field of environmental protection and the role of local authorities” was held on 30 October 2014 in Belgrade. The conference was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection and the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities, as a part of the project ENVAP2 – the program “Support to local authorities in Serbia in the European integration process” funded by Sweden. At the conference, representatives of local authorities were introduced to the process of accession to the European Union in the field of environmental protection.
ENV.net training in Belgrade
On October 22-23 2014 in Belgrade, ENV.net team conducted ENV.net Training: Environment in the EU: Funding Mechanisms and Policy Processes
First day – gallery of pictures
Second day – gallery of pictures
Certificates are awarded to: Berlekovic Danica, Bjelobrk Ana, Djuric Predrag, Djuricic Jovanka, Drasko Zlatko, Đurić Milan, Jovanovic Khumo Sekgabo, Kelember Marko, Kostic Milan, Kostic Sanja, Kukučka Andrej, Lanji Hnis Izabel, Lukovic Brankica, Momcilovic Milica, Randjelović Dragana, Starović Boris, Strugar Aleksandra, Tosic Sandra and Vujović Ivan. Congratulation to ENV.net and ENV.net Serbia Teams fo organisation!!!!
We participate on Green Key national operator meeting 2014
Green Key national operators from 31 countries gathered on 20-21 October 2014 to discuss the future development of the Green Key programme.
The 2014 Green Key national operator meeting took place on 20-21 October 2014 in Rethymno, Crete, Greece.
The Green Key national operators from 31 countries from Europe, Caribbean, Mexico, Africa, Middle East and Japan gathered for two days to discuss the status and the future development of Green Key.
The main issues for the cooperation were the revision of the Green Key criteria, Green Key audits, environmental education and awareness raising in Green Key, PR of Green Key, international cooperation partners and the sharing of best practise examples from different countries.
Green Key International would like to thank the Municipality of Rethymno and the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (the organisation in charge of Green Key in Greece) for organising and hosting the event.
We participate in consultation related the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2016-2020
We participate in consultation related the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2016-2020 , Belgrade October 13, 2014. The session was opened by First Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic and UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia Irena Vojackova-Sollorano.
More at UNDP and Government sites.
You have to know before you act: Call for participation to ENV.net e-learning courses
TITLE: FPA 306642 : Call for participation to new ENV.net e-learning course: Get funding from the EU
After the success of the e-learning course Social Media, Activism and Participation launched in June 2014, ENV.net team decided to develop a new course: Get funding from the European Union.
The course provides an understanding of the EU funding and programming system with a brief presentation of the main EU Institutions involved in this process. It also presents the funding opportunities available for CSOs from Western Balkans and Turkey to implement their projects. Moreover this course focuses on the necessary steps to carry out in order to apply for Grants under the EU Calls for proposals system.
Course modules
The course is designed for beginners in EU-funded projects and the calls for proposals system and does not require a preliminary knowledge of the subject. It is delivered through the ENV.net e-learning platform and it is divided into four modules:
- The EU Institutions: this first module will give participants a broad idea of the most important EU Institutions involved in the decision making process, with a special focus on the role of the EC and its DGs involved in the external aid programmes. The role of the EU Delegation and of the EEAS will be also explained in this module
- EU Funding & Programming: the focus of this module is on the financial framework under which the European Commission and EU Delegations work to deliver aid to partner countries. It explains how the programming system works, from the Multi-annual Financial Framework with most interesting Financial instruments, to Country Strategy Papers, to the Annual Work Programme. This will help participants to understand how to align their actions to the objectives established by these programmes and consequently to get funding.
- The Calls for Proposals system: in this module, participants will get practical information on how CSOs from Western Balkans and Turkey can look for and apply to calls for proposals launched by the different DGs of the European Commission, in particular DG Enlargement and DG EuropeAid, to get contributions (Grants), for the execution of their projects.
- 4. Applying to a call for proposals: in the last module, participants will briefly look into the documents to be submitted to the EC to apply for a Grant. i.e. the application form, the budget and the logical framework
Additional information
The course offers video-lessons, tests, exercises and also additional material (e.g. toolkits, official EU documents, useful links) for gaining insight into the proposed topics.
The participation to this on-line course requires a computer with a reliable internet connection and a web-browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Firefox). The course materials are provided in the course modules. Participants are not required to purchase any additional software, materials, resources, or books.
This is an on-line self-learning course and offers high degree of flexibility to participants who are free to follow the lessons at any time, but are requested to complete the course within its global duration of 15 days. The average duration of the course is 3 days.
The course is in English and it is free of charge.
Application procedures
There are 3 periods in which interested users can attend the course Get funding from the EU
- 14th October – 28th October 2014
- 4th November – 18th November 2014
- 25th November – 9th December 2014
Moreover ENV.net course Social media, activism and participation is also still running and next sessions will be on the following dates:
- 4th November – 18th November 2014
- 9th December – 23rd December 2014
New e-learning sessions will be launched in 2015 for both courses.
To apply in one of these courses, you should first registered in the ENV.net e-learning platform from this link: http://dl.env-net.org/ by clicking on ‘Register’ and then follow the registration and subscription procedure.
Once chosen the course from the course catalogue, this will be accessible from the first day of the course period.
Please contact ENV.net staff (env.net-helpdesk@puntosud.org ) and see ENV.net website for additional information concerning these courses and the registration process.
This news item has been published with TACSO assistance. The contents of this news item are the sole responsibility of the FPA which is listed in the contact details, and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of TACSO and the European Union.
In Serbia “little progress has been made in the areas of environment and climate change” in 2014
The final 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
In the Outcome Document from the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals, session held on 19 July 2014, there are 17 SDGs:
Environmental Leaders from 70 Countries gathering in Copenhagen: FEE General Assembly June 2014
Over 100 representatives from environmental organisations from all over the world gathered in Copenhagen from 19-21 June. The occasion is the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) General Assembly (GA) at UN City in Copenhagen. Many topics concerning environmental education and education for sustainability were discussed and decisions taken concerning the future direction of FEE. The meeting will be attended by the Danish Minister for the Environment, Kirsten Brosbøl, and by Professor Hans Bruyninckx, Executive Director of the European Environmental Agency.
EASD, represented by Prof Andjelka Mihajlov, National FEE Mentor for Serbia, was approved as the FEE FULL MEMBER ORGANISATION.
Daniel Schaffer CEO of FEE, Professor Hans Bruyninckx, Executive Director of the European Environmental Agency and Andjelka Mihajlov, Environmental Ambassador for Sustainable Development.
More images from GE and side events
FEE is a non-government, non-profit organisation promoting sustainable development through environmental education worldwide. FEE is mainly active through its five environmental education programmes: Blue Flag, Eco-Schools, Young Reporters for the Environment, Learning about Forests and Green Key. The programmes engage over 14.5 million students from kindergarten through to university in environmental education. More than 4000 Blue Flag sites and 2100 Green Key sites have been awarded with these prestigious eco labels.
FEE is an umbrella organisation with one member organisation per country in charge of implementing FEE programmes nationally. Currently, FEE has member organisations in 68 countries worldwide including the USA, Africa, China, India, Australia and most countries in Europe, including Serbia.
FEE holds a GA every two years. The GA is the highest authority of the organisation and is used for determining the overall policy and direction of the organisation. For the FEE GA 2014 in Copenhagen, the staff at the FEE Head Office aims to provide the delegates with an impression of Copenhagen as being one of the most environmentally friendly capitals in the world.
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
World Environment Day – Raise the voice!
EASD is contributing to WED with activities:
– Interview with Prof Andjelka Mihajlov, Environmental Ambassador for Sustainable Development in daily newspaper POLITIKA (announcement)
– Media Conference on June 4 at 12:00 in Media Center ( announcement ) Moments from the Conference for Media
– EnE14/ENV.net Conference “Environment to Europe”, June 5 , starting at 10:00 in Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Belgrade
BE A PART OF SALVATION
The heaviest rains and floods recorded in 120 years have struck the people in Serbia, leaving thousands of children homeless, without food, water, warm and dry clothes. This project will provide immediate relief assistance to the children and their families. The assistance will help about 1000 children and youth get the essentials to continue education and rebuild their lives. It will also support their parents to concentrate on repairing the houses and businesses.
Help is needed: Help to Serbia, Support Serbia, Change , …..stay informed and – help. Just do something what you can! Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia really need your help. We are all struggling with disastrous floods that have hit our countries like NEVER BEFORE IN HISTORY. Thousands of people have lost their homes, belongings and everything else they worked for their entire lives. For the first time after the war, people of Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia are united in one goal – to survive. Please, BE A PART OF OUR SALVATION.
What is the issue, problem, or challenge?
The heaviest rains and floods recorded in 120 years have struck the people in Serbia, leaving thousands of children homeless, without food, water, warm and dry clothes. More than 10,000 people have been evacuated, but because of destroyed roads and bridges, it is difficult to reach all the victims. About 5,000 children have been displaced, left without any clothes, shoes and other necessities. Their parents have lost all produce, businesses and jobs.
How will this project solve this problem?
This project will enable Pomoc deci to respond quickly and help affected children and their families with immediate assistance in clothes, shoes and basic necessities. Your support will allow Pomoc deci also to provide textbooks and other school supplies to the children for September when the new school year starts. As relief moves into recovery, assistance will help victims regain their livelihoods and will help children continue with education.
Potential Long Term Impact
Major disasters always require a huge amount of support to provide both immediate relief and recovery. Organizations that are deeply-rooted in local communities are often the in the best position to provide long-term support for disaster victims.
Research: Waste Technology Transfer
In Istanbul, Turkey, from 26 to 28 April 2014, EurAsia Waste Management Symposium was held. Environmental Ambassadors researchers and experts (A.Mihajlov, H.Stevanović-Čarapina and N. Žugić-Drakulić) presented paper Waste Technology Transfer from Developed to Developing Countries: Challenge at the Opening Plenary Session.
In addition, A.Mihajlov was the Member of Scientific Committee, and H.Stevanović-Čarapina was chairing Session.
EU Delegation to Serbia: Consultative Meeting with CSOs on progress towards EU in 2014
EU Delegation to Serbia organised the Economic Criteria Consultation with the CSOs representatives from Serbia on April 4, 2014. At this meeting, which is a part of the preparation for the 2014 Progress Report, Mr. Freek Janmaat discussed the progress since the last Progress Report with CSO representatives from Serbia.
You may find link to the 2013 Progress Report at the Delegation’s website.
You may find link to EASD opinion on Progress in 2014 in sector Environment.
ECRAN NGOs Environment and Climate Change Forum – Evaluation Outcome
On April 2, 2014, we are informed of the results of the evaluation process which was done by the European Commission (following the call for interest published in January 2014, a number of 63 applications have been submitted from Croatia and the EU candidate countries (FYRoM, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey) and potential candidates (Albania, BiH, Kosovo*[1])).
The score received by Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development during the evaluation process qualifies our organisation to join the NGOs Environment and Climate Forum. EC congratulate us for our achievement and look forward to working with us for the next three years in the framework of the ECRAN NGOs Environment and Climate Forum.
We congratulate to our Team!!!
ECF NGOs are in alphabetic order :
- Association of Young Ecologists of Niksic, Montenegro
- ATRC, Kosovo
- CEKOR, Serbia
- Center for Climate Change – Skopje, FYROM
- Center for ecology and energy, BiH
- Center for Environment, BiH
- Center for environmental research and information Eco-sense, FYROM
- Co-PLAN Institute for Habitat Development, Albania
- Eco Movement Group Albania, Albania
- EDEN Center, Albania
- Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, Serbia
- Friends of the Earth Croatia, Croatia
- Instituti i Kosoves per Politika Zhvillimore, Kosovo
- KADOS Kadikoyu Friends of Science Culture and Art Association, Turkey
- LIR Evolution, BiH
- Macedonian Green Center , FYROM
- Milieukontakt Macedonia, FYROM
- NGO Center for Protection and Research of Birds of Montenegro, Montenegro
- NGO Green Home, Montenegro
- TEMA, Turkey
- Young Researchers of Serbia, Serbia
[1] This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
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 |
EASD written contribution to the 2014 Progress Report
In the context of preparations for the 2014 Progress Report, the Delegation of the European Union in Serbia is currently launching the round of consultations with the civil society. In this respect, they invited NSA to submit a written contribution to the to the 2014 Progress Report on the economic criteria and/or European standards.
EASD representative will participate to the Economic Criteria Consultations which will take place at the at the EU Delegation to Serbia premises, on Friday 4 April.
Participation on UNECE consultation related to the 3rd EPR for Serbia
On March 26th, 2014., the United Nation Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) organized the meeting with representatives of NGOs from Serbia at the Ministry of Energy, Development and Environmental Protection premises. NGOs working in environmental-related projects talked with the Environmental Performance Review (EPR) Team of UNECE, and it was a great opportunity to discuss some of the major environmental issues and to share experiences of our NGOs in carrying out environmental projects. Representative from Environmental Ambassadors gave a brief presentation of ENV.net project.
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.
Main Organizers: Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, Serbian Chamber of Commerce, UNEP and Ministry of Energy, Development and Environmental Protection of Serbia.
This year, participation and support is already confirmed by: Arunas Kundrotas, Lithuanian former minister of environment, Professor Vlachokostas from University of Thessaloniki, Serbian Ministry for Environment, Serbian Agency for Environment, Institute for Nature Protection, Public Policy Institute Podgorica/Beograd/Ljubljana, as well as “Eptisa“.
We are inviting you to participate on the Conference Environment to Europe – EnE14-ENV.net, either by preparing and presenting your paper/statement, or by contributing as an auditor and participant.
Application Form should be sent to email: conference.ene14@gmail.com
Important dates:
Deadline for submission of applications form and abstract: April, 20
Abstract acceptance notification: May, 6
Deadline for submission of paper (extended abstracts): May, 15
Paper acceptance notification: May, 27
Early registration deadline: May, 23
Late registration deadline: May, 31
Deadline for submission of application form for participants without paper: May, 25
UNESCO Serbia: integration of diversities
We participate in Zagreb on Workshop on Water-Food-Energy-Ecosystems Nexus Assessment in the Sava River Basin
Workshop on Water-Food-Energy-Ecosystems Nexus Assessment in the Sava River Basin was organised by the International Sava River Basin Commission (ISRBC) from March 4-6, 2014. in Zagreb. Among more than 60 representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, as well as representatives from UNECE, ISRBC, ICPDR, FAO, RCC, and other international organisations, representative from ENV.net team from Environmental Ambassadors, prof. Natasa Zugic-Drakulic, was also present.
Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition (age 15-30) – submit ideas by June 30, 2014
Knowledge based advocacy: Environment should be within priorities in the negotiations with EU
Public Policy Institute organized on 18 February, 2014 in Belgrade the Panel discussion „Negotiations as a priority – priorities in the negotiations“.
Panelists were:
– representatives of the PPI : Prof. Nikola Samardzic, Prof. Stevan Lilić, Prof. Mijat Damjanovic, Prof. Anđelka Mihajlov, andGordana Lazarevic.
– representatives of the Government of Serbia: Dr. Tanja Miščević, Head of the Serbian negotiating team with the European Union,Nikola Selaković, Minister of Justice and Public Administration, and Lazar Krstic, Minister of Finance.
Moderator of the panel was Selena Tasic.
The important issues of priority in the negotiations were addressed, including the background information why environmental sector should be among the priorities.
Prof. Anđelka Mihajlov raised the question: If the knowledge is used as a tool and we know that one-third of the EU acquis is in environment sector, should that sector be among the priorities of European integration?
She pointed out that the answer is self-explanatory and that Chapter 27 should be among priorities. She underlined that Chapter 27 is very difficult to negotiate, among other things, because it affects the competence of many ministries with the significant responsibility of the Ministry of Finance. In addition, she pointed out that other sections of the negotiation, such as food security, rural development and agriculture, fisheries and energy, in many areas depend on the infrastructure achieved in waste management, waste water management and industrial pollution control. She also said that now it will be good to take advantage of momentum when we are because after more than ten years of “ knocking on the EU’s door, have the door opened,” and mobilize teams for each chapter.
Representative of the ENV.net project participated at this meeting.
Environment in youth policy in Serbia
Presentation of the project “Environment in youth policy in Serbia” was done on 13. February, 2014. , at the Youth Center in Belgrade. The idea of the project is to strengthen the capacity of local youth offices and youth organizations, as well as raising the awareness of young people in Serbia about the environmental isues, specific problems in Serbia, the possibilities of participation and practical contributions in preserving environmental values at the national and local levels. After the presentation of the project, the winners of the competition “Green stamp” and “Green activist” were awarded.
Call of proposals for ENV.net sub-granting in Serbia “EU: we watch and learn to be ready!”
The deadline for submission of the applications is 28th February 2014 at 23.59. ( 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).
We are announcing the call for proposals under EU funded ENV.net project for the CSOs in the Western Balkans and Turkey: Development of the ENV.net in West Balkan and Turkey: giving citizens a voice to influence the environmental process reforms for closer EU integration, PROJECT CODE: 2012/306-642.
- EU: we watch and learn to be ready!
- EU: we watch and learn to be ready!
- EU: we watch and learn to be ready!
Framework of the action is to support environment education activities and promotion of EU environmental values in schools and for youth, considering today’s children and youth in Serbia as the future EU citizens.
Priority thematic categories are:
a) waste related actions- as the outreach of ENV.net Serbia 2013 Survey, and
b) promotion of EU environmental values
Activities that may be financed under this call
Only the following types of activity are eligible for funding:
– Organisation of public events aiming at sensitise environmental educational activities in schools.
– Preparation and publication of leaflets, brochures, booklets, web sites, focused to promotion of EU environmental values
Size of Grants
Any grant requested under this Call for Proposals must fall between the following minimum and maximum amounts:
– minimum amount: € 1,000
– maximum amount: € 3,000
Organisation that is awarded with a grant must contribute to the overall budget of the proposed action with 5% from their own sources (example: for the grant of 3000 euros, your contribution should be 150 euros).
Who can apply?
In order to be eligible for a grant, the applicant must:
– be legal persons and
– be non-profit-making and
– be specific types of organisations such as: Non-Governmental Organisations/Community Based Organisations (NGO/CBO), social partners (trade unions, employers’ associations), universities, cultural associations, media, etc. and
– be established in Serbia.
Location
The project should be implemented in Serbia.
Project duration
The project will start upon signature of the contract; tentative date is March 10, 2014.
Activities started prior this date cannot be funded.
Maximum duration of the project is 6 months.
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Detailed guidelines , application form , budget form 1, 2 (budget form in excel is available on request, or downloaded from ENV.net site), contract , narrative report form , Financial Report Form
Download APPLICATION PACKAGE
Posted on February 1, 2014.
Participation on public hearing by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Study Group
By invitation of the Delegation of the European Union in Serbia, EASD -ENV.net Serbia representative participated to the public hearing by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Study Group , held in Belgrade on 30 January 2014. The main purpose of this public hearing was presentation and discussion of EESC opinion on The role of civil society in EU Serbia relations adopted in July 2013. In addition, CSOs were informed about the EU-Serbia Joint Consultative Committee (JCC).
The EESC Study Group Delegation was composed of Dimitris Dimitriadis, Former President of the EESC and President of the Study Group on The role of civil society in EU-Serbia relations (Employers’ Group, Greece), Ionut Sibian, President of the Western Balkans Follow-up Committee and Rapporteur for this Opinion (Various interests’ group, Romania), and Christoph Lechner, Co-Rapporteur for this Opinion (Employees’ Group, Austria).
Thematic meeting of the SECO mechanism on IPA II programming
On January 30, 2014 in the premises of the Government of Serbia Office for European Integration held a thematic meeting of the SECO mechanism. EASD is the leading organization for SECO sector environment and energy, together with CEKOR – Center for Ecology and Sustainable Development and the Center for Civil Society Development Protecta.
Topics discussed include:
1 Presentation documents IPA 2014-2016 intervention logic: discussion on priority topics and the order of the sectoral support for IPA 2014-2016 (link to the objectives, priorities and measures over the document) – document was presented at the meeting;
2 Program support to the sector and the further course of programming;
3 The participation of civil society in the programming of IPA II – Indicative calendar of events for programming in 2014. year.
Representative AOR at this meeting was Filip Jovanovic. Representatives of other leading CSOs were presented, as well as representatives by competent Ministry (of Energy, Development and Environmental Protection) and Office for European Integration.
EASD refresh the leadership team
At the EASD Council on January 29, 2014, Dr Nataša Žugić-Drakulić, executive director, is elected as the Legal Representative of EASD. At the same meeting, the Report on activities in 2013, as well as Plan of core activities for 2014 were approved.
EASD refreshed team is with the new energy to continue EASD Mission!
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
EASD / ENV.net Team reading of European Parliament Resolution, January 2014
EASD / ENV.net Team reading of EP Resolution (European Parliament resolution on the 2013 progress report on Serbia 2013/2880 RSP) with focus on ENV.net related issues :
- the role of civil society organisations, i
- environment and climate change.
CSOs – Calls on Serbia to engage civil society through a constructive consultative mechanism during the entire accession process since it has a major role to play as a critical observer of the continued implementation of European reforms, while ensuring that dialogue and good neighbourly relations with Serbia’s neighbours take firm root within society; stresses the central role of active and independent civil society organisations (CSOs) and civil society’s role as a watchdog; underlines the importance of dialogue with CSOs and stresses the crucial role of civil society actors in contributing to enhanced regional cooperation on social and political issues; welcomes the government’s improved cooperation with NGOs, but calls for their broader consultation in policy making, including the formulation of policies and legislation and the monitoring of the authorities’ activities; calls on the Serbian Government to work increasingly with European institutions in order to ensure better access to European funds made available to civil society organisations, with a view to supporting their work as essential actors in Serbia’s European integration process; insists that state institutions must act in a transparent and accountable manner; urges the Serbian authorities to consult civil society and the business community and to include them in working groups on the drafting of new legislation.
Environment and Climate change– Considers it regrettable that too little progress has been made in the areas of the environment and climate change and calls on the Serbian authorities to adopt a comprehensive climate strategy in line with EU targets as quickly as possible; urges the authorities to step up reform efforts in the area of sustainable management of natural resources.
Regrets the lack of progress and continuing delays in the practical implementation of the renewable energy framework; notes that Serbia lags behind other applicant countries in the utilisation of renewable energy sources and expresses concern that Serbia’s 2020 renewable energy targets will not be met; emphasises the need for transparency in government consultation processes and regrets the Serbian authorities’ failure to take account of the views of international financial institutions in the adoption of the Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA); Urges the Serbian authorities to improve consumer protection policies, in particular with regard to general food safety principles and the establishment of a national reference laboratory; considers it regrettable that the law on genetically modified organisms has not yet been aligned with EU legislation; Supports the Belgrade city authorities’ campaign for Belgrade as European Capital of Culture 2020, and encourages related projects aimed at bringing Belgrade and Serbia culturally closer to the EU, in particular with regard to interethnic coexistence, multicultural understanding and interreligious dialogue.
For your attention: Europa Diary in Serbian, p.51-61
Centre of the European Union publishes its fifth edition of the Europa Diary. Seventy six thousand copies of this specific textbook will be distributed to the 2nd grade students of all high schools in Serbia at the beginning of the 2nd semester. Europa Diary users are 2nd grade students in almost 500 four- and three-year high schools in Serbia. The Diary contents topics on Serbia’s European integration process, but also other topics that are important to the students, such as environment, consumer protection, sport, travel, and human rights. All topics are adapted to the age group. In addition to the Diaries 3,200 Teacher’s Guides will be delivered to the teachers. The Guides are designed to complement the Diary providing a selection of activities, worksheets and class preparations for the teachers. Serbian edition continues to be the only edition published outside the European Union and therefore the only edition in non EU official language. Europa Diary project is funded by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia and has been implemented in the schools for several years with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Development of the Republic of Serbia. A substantial support was also given of drafting some of the texts by the Office for European Integration of the Government of Serbia. A copy of this year’s edition of the Europa Diary and Teacher`s Guide is available on the EU Delegation website or EU Info Centre website .
Text from EU Delegation in Serbia.
In accordance with EASD Mission to environmental educate future EU citizens in Serbia (as the outreach of ENV.net Survey and “Serbia we want” process), we are sharing this publications, with special attention to p.51-61 of Europa Diary.
Workshop for strategic planning of further work SECO mechanism
In the Palace of Serbia, on 16 December 2013th , Workshop for strategic planning of further work SECO mechanism is organised. Workshop organizers are: the Office for European Integration of Serbia – Department of Planning, Programming, Monitoring and Reporting on EU Funds and Development Assistance, Office of cooperation with Civil Society – Government of Serbia, TACSO project and TRAG foundation. Agenda includes reviews the functioning of SECO mechanism, a discussion on the current mode and define recommendations for improvement of the mechanism. EASD is the leading organization in SECO mechanism for Environment and Energy. The representative of the EASD-ENV.net Serbia in the workshop is Filip Jovanovic. The meeting is also attended by organisations in the same cluster, i.e. representatives of organizations CEKOR and Young researchers if Serbia.
Environmental Education for future EU citizens
On December 20th, 2013, at the premises of Journalists’ Association of Serbia (UNS), Environmental Ambassadors are organizing the seminar „Environmental Education for Further EU Citizens“. Almost 20 schools participated.
This participatory seminar was extremely successful! Motivated teachers were interesting in all topics; however recycling and upcycling, as well as involving children as the environmental reporters, as the tool to educate youth (future EU citizens), had the most attention. ENV.net lecturers, as well as presenters from Slovenia and Macedonia, contributed to the success of the seminar.
With the students from the Faculty of Security Studies
EASD President Prof dr Andjelka Mihajlov, on December 3, 2013, talked with the master students from the Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade. Conversation is focused on Environmental and Energy Security, including some actual problems. Among others, the goals of ENV.net project were presented.
Eye on SEE regional cooperation
Key agreement in South-Eastern Europe puts natural capital at the heart of economic development – December 2, 2013 in Budva, Montenegro – Representatives of the governments of eight countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo*, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia – have endorsed a key agreement for the protection of the environment in the Adria region in South-Eastern Europe. The eight countries have committed to assess the economic value of their natural capital, while integrating nature conservation goals into economic development plans for fisheries, forestry, agriculture, energy, spatial planning, and cross-sectoral cooperation. More
Recently, South East Europe 2020 strategy for creating 1 million jobs in the region ( SEE2020-Strategy ), was adopted in Sarajevo.
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*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the IJC opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
Eye on EU integration process: Parliament of Serbia
Parliament of Serbia
26th Sitting of the European Integration Committee , At the sitting held on 28 November 2013, following a discussion and debate on the amendments to the text of the Resolution, the Committee members adopted the proposal of the Resolution on the role of the National Assembly and principles in the negotiations on the accession of the Republic of Serbia to the European Union.
Committee on Environment – December 2, 2013 – Public Hearing on NATURA 2000
Previously, EASD president, participated on Meeting.
Meeting FPA project grantees with DG Enlargement representative
As FPA project grantee, EASD-ENV.net Serbia Team presented project update and further project strategy to Mr. Nicola Bertolini (Head of Section, European Commission, DG Enlargement, Unit D3, Regional Cooperation and Programmes) and task managers and political officers of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia on November 28, 2013.
Round-table on waste management in marinas, integrated water management and EU integration
Under the umbrella of ENV.net activities, on November 22 in the premises of Tourist Organisation of Belgrade, successful Round-table on waste management in marinas, integrated water management and EU integration was organised. After presentations, it was fruitful discussion, focused on national laws implementation gaps, as well as international and EU environmental related standards.
Participants includes marine managers, different CSOs, city public enterprises and researchers.
EASD acknowledged as IPEN network Participating Organisation
IPEN is a global network working to establish and implement safe chemicals policies and practices that protect human health and the environment around the world. IPEN’s mission is a toxics-free future for all.
On November 15, 2013, IPEN Secretariat based in Barkeley, USA, welcome EASD as an IPEN Participating Organization (PO). Activities in SAICM and Against Lead Poisoning, contributed to decission.
Right now IPEN has approximately 700 POs around the world. IPEN has eight Regional Hubs, which (among many other things) help to communicate with POs around the world.
A nice little introductory video about POPs and IPEN.
CSOs at the First constituting meeting of European Union-Serbia Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee
The First constituting meeting of the European Union-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, was held on 15 November 2013, at the National Assembly House in Belgrade ( co-chairs statement can be viewed here ). Recommendations .
CSOs representatives are invited to this important event for Serbia’s EU accession, and among them Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development representative Prof dr Andjelka Mihajlov.
Serbia and EU Emissions Trading System
Environmental Ambassadors representatives attended the presentation of the Twinning project „Creation of a monitoring, reporting and verification system for the successful implementation of the EU Emissions Trading System“ held in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia on November 13, 2013.
In addition, we would like to to underline UN climate talks in Warsaw side event: Opportunities and Challenges for Climate Action in Western Balkans and Turkey, held on November 11 in Warsaw.
The third ENV.net partnership meeting in Milan, November 2013
The third partnership meeting of organizations from six countries participating in ENV.net project is being held from 5-8. November, 2013., in Milan, Italy.
The first day was dedicated to presentation of activities undertaken in the last months and description in details how each partner organisation is planning to implement activities foreseen in the project strategy in 2014. In the afternoon of the 1st day a practical training session on the use of social networks was delivered by Claudia Vago, consultant.
The 2nd day was dedicated to the EEB Training session on advocacy and monitoring the approximation process to the environmental acquis. In the 3rd day, a Training of Trainer (ToT) was organised in order to identify a common methodology to be used, followed by a short information session on how to use the website, to add pages and posts. The 4th day was focused in defining the project strategy and specific activities for 2014.
EASD in the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint: 2013 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action
EASD, as the CSO National SAICM focal point, active participated in the 2013 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action, October 20-26, 2013 (Color pencils with and without lead).
On October 22, at 11:00, EASD/ENV.net Serbia Team participated in the central event in Serbia in, the Institute of the Public Health of Serbia – Agenda of the event : program skupa
On October 23. from 9:45 in Eco-School OŠ “Drinka Pavlović” ,Beograd , EASD team, in partnership with the APOS , gave a public lecture on “The sources of lead in the environment” , related lead in environment and lead poisoning (by different pencils and paint products). Our hosts and audience were biology professor Tatiana Tursijan, chemistry professor Dragana Ilic, and 7. and 8. grade students.
EASD presentation on lead from environmental angle : AOR Olovo 22.10.2013.
Events have media attention, for example.
Lead is well-known toxic chemical with ability to harm human health and cause wide range of health disorders including neurological disorders, anaemia, tiredness and muscle weakness, paralysis, kidney and liver damage and stomach upsets. According to WHO assessments lead exposure is estimated to account for 0.6% of the global burden of disease, with the highest burden in developing regions.
In children, the potential for adverse effects of exposure to lead is increased because of their physiological, metabolic and behavioural specificity. Lead can pose the risk to unborn child due to its possibility moves through placenta. Childhood lead exposure causes cognitive functions disorder resulted in about 600,000 new cases of children with intellectual disabilities every year. Latest scientific findings confirmed that there is no safe threshold for lead and that lead poisoning is entirely preventable.
The phasing out of lead from petrol, first in western Europe and later in central and eastern Europe, has resulted in a significant fall in blood lead levels in children over the last two decades. Nevertheless there are still a lot of sources of lead releases into environment such as industrial processes, paint, solder in canned foods and water pipes. It is still necessary to further reduce the levels of lead in the blood because there is no known safe level in children and pregnant women.
To facilitate action aim preventing of lead poisonings globally and especially exposure to lead from paint WHO together with UNEP created Global Alliance to Eliminated Lead from Paint (GAELP) that includes United States Centres for Diseases Control, US EPA and International Paediatric Association as well as Who and UNEP. The GAELP aims to elimination of lead from paint till 2020 in the majority of countries.
To raise awareness about lead poisoning, highlight countries and partners’ efforts to prevent childhood lead poisoning and urge further action to eliminate lead paint WHO through the GAELP will facilitate an international campaign on lead poisoning prevention (with a focus on lead paint), to take place 20-26 October 2013. This will be a campaign involving voluntary country-led activities, and we are now at the stage where countries (and NGOs) can volunteer to take part.
In WHO European Region four public health institutions and poison centres in Albania, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, and Serbia and a number of non-governmental organizations located in Armenia, France, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Republic of Moldova and Serbia registered events that they will organize during Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The diversity of events that are planned reflect countries priorities in elimination of lead poisonings that for WHO/ Europe Member States includes awareness raising workshops with decision-makers, legislators, industry representatives, TV events and mass media publications, distribution of booklets, national conferences are planned in the participating countries. Interesting events such as exhibition on lead poisonings and screening of the preventive movie will take place in France. Clinical toxicologists will inform from CHRU Lilly (France) Poison Control Centre will send mail to approximately 1500 City halls and to Paediatricians and Child Professionals.
Action to eliminate leaded paints should take place in all countries.
Marshall Memorial Fellow working visit to EASD
On October 22, 2013, Mijo Vodopic as a Marshall Memorial Fellow of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, an American non-partisan, non-profit organization that works on strengthening transatlantic cooperation on regional, national, and global challenges and opportunities in the spirit of the Marshall Plan, visit Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development office in Belgrade. Currently, Mijo Vodopic is a program officer at the MacArthur Foundation, a US-based philanthropy. His portfolio includes scaling energy efficiency across the built environment, with a particular emphasis on low-income residences, urban sustainability and mitigating climate change.
Working meeting was focused on exchange experience, primarily related to renewable resources—solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, biomass, as well as other environmental and sustainability issues. EASD Team is always learning from international experience, towards new possible partnerships and cooperation.
“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
Research results presented to scientific community
EASD experts presented research results at international conferences.
Papers:
– Rethinking Waste Management within the Resource-efficient Concept, Anđelka Mihajlov and Hristina Stevanović-Čarapina, key note lecture
– Identification and characterization of Marinas in Vojvodina, Serbia, Nataša Žugić-Drakulić, Hristina Stevanović- Čarapina and Anđelka Mihajlov
were presented at the 7th ICEEM Conference: Challenges for Sustainability, Vienna, September 2013 ( full program).
Paper:
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA): meaning and framework , Nebojsa Pokimica and Andjelka Mihajlov
was presented at the FIRST REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT, Zadar, Croatia, September , 2013.
2013 ISWA world Congress – October Vienna. Almost 1,300 delegates from 84 countries gathered in the beautiful city of Vienna, which constitutes once again a new record participation for the ISWA World Congress. The participants were offered a lot during the 3 congress days, from the inspiring opening to the tropical closing ceremony, e.g. 250 speeches in 56 sessions, 180 poster presentations. EASD / ENV.net team participated. EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR LOCAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANS, Hristina Stevanovic Carapina and Andjelka Mihajlov was presented.
Presentations are ENV.net study related.
Minister for Education and Science underlined the importance of drinking water for development
The First SEE Regional Science Promotion Conference (SCIPROM), is opened on October 2, 2013 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 Tomislav Jovanovic 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. ENV.net team participated.
This conference justify the path of ENV.net Serbia development linking European Integration, Knowledge based activities and sectors : Education, Science and Environment/Natural Resources.
Education for Sustainable Development: UNESCO call for contributions
The monitoring and evaluation process for the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) is designed to capture a variety of activities related to ESD and take stock of the growth of ESD throughout the DESD. The final assessment and report will summarize and highlight the accomplishments of the DESD, convey lessons learnt and point the way for post-Decade efforts.
UNESCO call for inputs by answering before 31 October 2013 the online questionnaire.
SAICM Regional Meeting, Skopje, September 2013
EASD representative participate at the 5th CEE regional meeting on SAICM in Skopje, Macedonia FYR, from 23 to 26 September 2013. EASD is National NGO/CSO Focal Point for SAICM. Besade the EASD representative, the representative from Cleaner Production Center – Belgrade participated. Overall, the dynamic of the meeting was very positive with a total of 48 people participating, including 11 Governments, 6 IGOs, 3 regional centres and 9 NGOs. List of participants is available ( CEE Rm 5 INF15_LOP ),
First day : CEE regional workshop on endocrine disrupting chemicals, lead by UNEP in collaboration with WHO and OECD.
Second day: Technical Information Sharing session – featuring information on Chemicals in Products, Lead in paints, Children’s environmental health, nanotechnologies and nanomaterials and other themes of interest for the region
Third day – SAICM priority setting workshop, looking at progress to date, identifying gaps and regional priorities and setting the course of action to reach the 2020 goal in the framework of the Overall Orientation and Guidance exercise mandated by ICCM3.
4th day: 5th Central and Eastern European regional meeting on SAICM.
Some of the key highlights of the meeting outcome include:
(i) Selection of Poland as the Regional Focal Point for the remainder of the term until ICCM4;
(ii) identification of priority Strategic Approach implementation activities for the region (that will also feed into the Overall Orientation and Guidance document);
(iii) request to review synergies from a Strategic Approach perspective; and
(iv) identified need and request for WHO to build capacity in the region for Poison Control Centres.
Documents from the meeting are available.
In the corridor of the Meeting, ENV.net networking meetings took place.
The first GREEN FLAGS in Serbia
The Constitutional National FEE Committee Meeting was held in Ministry for Education, Science and Development of Serbia, on September 6, 2013.
Prof. Dr. Ivica Radovic, Assistant Minister, opened the meeting, followed by presentations from FEE Serbia Team: Prof. Dr. Andjelka Mihajlov (national mentor for FEE programmes), Dragana Grujicic (assistant Eco-Schools national operator and acting YRE national operator), Prof. Dr. Natasa Zugic-Drakulic (assistant Blue Flag national operator) and Petar Marinkoic (assistant Green Key national operator).
Strategic decisions were approved, like starting Green Key and YRE programmes, approval of the first 3 Green Flags for Eco-Schools, as well as the rules for Committee functioning.
The first Eco-School Ceremony was in the school “Drinka Pavlovic”, Belgrade on September 19, 2013- Minutes from ceremony in gallery of pictures and video.
The second Eco-School Ceremony was in kindergarten “1001 radost”, Belgrade, on September 25, 2013.
At the both ceremonies City of Belgrade Secretary for Environment Mr Goran Trivan officially gave green flags to school officials.
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development accredited to attend the High-level event on the Millennium Development Goals and Post-2015 Development Agenda, 25 September 2013 at United Nations Headquarters, NY
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, accreditation to attend the High-level event on the Millennium Development Goals and Post-2015 Development Agenda, to be held on 25 September 2013 at United Nations Headquarters, NY, approved by the Office of the President of the General Assembly/ Office for ECOSOC Support and Coordination, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations.
The programme of the event, as well as an official information note, can be found on the official web page of the event: http://www.un.org/
EASD selected by GEF Secretariat for ECW Eastern Europe meeting in Sarajevo, September 2013, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
EASD representative participated on GEF Expanded Constituency Workshop (ECW) for the constituencies of Eastern Europe (Sarajevo September 5-6, 2013).
GEF Expanded Constituency Workshop (ECW) for the constituencies of Eastern Europe comprising the following countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine. The GEF Eastern Europe Expanded Constituency Workshop (ECW) is a component of the GEF Country Support Programme. The ECW will bring together GEF focal points, focal points from the main Conventions (Biodiversity, Desertification, Climate Change and POPs), representatives from civil society and representatives from GEF agencies. The purpose of the meeting is to keep these stakeholders abreast of GEF strategies, policies and procedures and to encourage coordination. There will be an opportunity to interact with staff from the GEF Secretariat and the GEF Agencies to discuss priority issues and share lessons and experiences from the development and implementation of GEF projects and their integration within national policy frameworks. The ECW is an opportunity to discuss priority issues and share lessons and experiences from the development and implementation of GEF projects and their integration within national policy frameworks.
Documents and more details related to Meeting at organizers web site.
National FEE Committee Meeting, September 6, 2013
The Constitutional National FEE Committee Meeting was held in Ministry for Education, Science and Development of Serbia, on September 6, 2013. Strategic decisions are approved, like starting Green Key and Young Reporters for Environment, approval of the first 3 Green Flags for Eco-Schools, as well as the rules for Committee functioning.
Information posted at FEE site
Education power: Ranking of universities in 2013
Center in Shanghai (Center for World-Class Universities at Shanghai Jiao Tong University), published a ranking of all universities in the world for the 2013 (The 2013 Academic Ranking of World Universities – ARWU), presenting the top 500 universities in the world each year, according to a transparent methodology and the data available.
EASD review team made the outline view, which shows that the “educational leader “on a world level are universities in the United States (listed), and in Europe are: United Kingdom, Switzerland and Germany (according to the number of universities that were in the top 100).
Belgrade University is in a group of 301-400 ( best ranked university in the former Yugoslavia), and in a group of 401-500 the University of Ljubljana and the University of Zagreb.
Tara 2013: Summer Camp for children from diaspora
On August 16, 2013 started Camp on Mountain Tara for Serbian children from the Diaspora. Camp involved 15 children from Romania. Children already learned about nature of Tara Mountain. Planned activities include: to meet with Serbian tradition and culture, to spend the day at the farm., as well as to join “the spinning class” of Serbian women.
Tara 2013 Summer Camp is organised within the the Project “Serbia to the children from Diaspora“. Moments from the Camp are in the Gallery of pictures.
ENV.net snapshot analysis: While waiting for EC 2013 Progress Report
ENV.net snapshot analysis
Legislation: In terms of the degree of compliance with the EU environmental acquis, intense legislative activity of the Ministry in charge of Environment and other institutions with responsibility in this area has led to a significant level of transposition of the relevant EU regulations. According to the Progress Monitoring Report for the year of 2012, the majority of EU directives relating to the so-called horizontal issues, nature protection, management of chemicals and noise are completely or almost completely transposed into national legislation. In other areas (air quality, waste management, water protection and industrial pollution control) the bulk of EU legislation has largely been transposed into national legislation. With regard to the obligations of the Republic of Serbia as a non-Annex 1 country in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the complexity and cost of implementation of these regulations, the compliance with the acquis in the climate package has just started. National Environmental Approximation Strategy, with the assumption that the Serbia will be a member of the EU by 2019, provides for the achievement of full transposition of most of the acquis by the end of 2014.
Administrative and institutional capacity: The existing administrative capacity, especially at the local level are assessed as insufficient for adequate implementation. Given the complexity of the environmental acquis, and the fact that the jurisdiction of the EU is divided between a numbers of institutions in this area, there is a strong need to further strengthen inter-agency cooperation and coordination.
Environmental infrastructure: Given the state of the infrastructure, as well as the experience of the new EU member states in this process, the Strategy estimates that full implementation of EU regulations will be completed by 2030, and that the total cost of full implementation of EU legislation in the field of environment will be around 10.6 billion euros.
Financial investments: Given the institutional complexity and multidisciplinary nature of the field of environment, full transposition of the acquis may require a longer time frame, especially in the case of directives that require large financial investments (heavy investment directives).
Year 2013: The activities in the sector stagnated in 2013, and it is to be seen how it will be reported in the 2013 Progress Report, as well as to see the further “speed” to implement commitments in environmental sector.
EASD participated in the process towards Progress report for 2013 (2013-Progress-Report-EASD-contribution).
BLUE FLAG
The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. National operator in Serbia is EASD.
EASD Activity circles represent the scope of our activities. EASD was approved as the FEE FULL MEMBER ORGANISATION at FEE GA in June 2014.
Related documents for application , as well as activities, are posted in Serbian , and on separate FEE Serbia web page.
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Blue Flag NOM 2018 in Greece: EASD participate
EASD participate at 2017 Blue Flag National Operator Meeting
Serbia: Blue Flag 2017 Ceremony at beach on “Belgrade Sea”
2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development
November 2016: Serbian Visions 2016 : Blue Flag and Green Key programs presented by FEE SERBIA (EASD)
October 2016: Blue Flag NOM 2016: EASD participate
June 2016: Blue Flag for Ada Ciganlija beach
January 2016: National jury and Committee for FEE programs in Serbia
October 2015 EASD at 2015 Blue Flag NOM
October 2015 SDGs as the relevant part of the context within which FEE operates
Blue Flag 2015 National Jury Meeting, January 2015
Blue Flag 2014 National Jury Meeting , February 2014
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National FEE Committee Meeting, September 6, 2013
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In 2013 Ada Ciganlija-Sava Lake Beach in Belgrade deserved the second time this important international certification.
Activity on Blue Flag Beach in Serbia among the five continental winners of the 3rd IOC Sport and Environment Awards. This is recognition for outstanding initiatives in the field of environment and sustainable sport, in particular cleaning the bottom of the lake. See also FEE site.
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In the publication ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ACTIVITIES HANDBOOK 2013, 3 pages are examples from Serbia: Serbia, p.18, Serbia, p.28 and Serbia, p.71
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2013 Blue Flag National Jury meeting held in February 2013.
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In 2012 only Ada Ciganlija-Sava Lake Beach in Belgrade deserved this important international certification. Nominated by National Jury to be awarded with Blue Flag in 2013 (noted in media )
Green Key
Green Key is presently the largest global eco-label for accommodation and has a national administration center (in Serbia this is organisation “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development”) in each participating country.
Green Key is an independent Programme recognized and supported by the World Tourism Organization and UNEP.
National operator is planning starting implementation of the program in Serbia in 2014. International criteria reflect the various fields of tourism facilities (hotels, hostels, camp sites, conference and holiday centers) and specialized national criteria reflect each country’s legislation, infrastructure and culture.
More information at FEE Serbia site, in Serbian
EASD was approved as the FEE FULL MEMBER ORGANISATION at FEE GA in June 2014.
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FEE busy September 2018: General Assembly and Green Key NOM
Pavle Pavlović – National Coordinator for GREEN KEY Project (2017/2018)
2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development
Serbian Visions 2016 : Blue Flag and Green Key programs presented by FEE SERBIA (EASD)
WED Messages from Serbia: 12th Regional Conference “Environment to Europe”
October 2015 SDGs as the relevant part of the context within which FEE operates
Radisson Blu Old Mill Belgrade – The first GREEN KEY HOTEL in Serbia , February 2015
We participate on Green Key national operator meeting 2014
National FEE Committee Meeting, September 6, 2013
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Plenary lecture at the SYMPOSIUM „RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT“
By invitation, Prof dr Hristina Stevanovic Carapina, had plenary lecture: RELIABILITY OF DATA ON WASTE GENERATION IN THE APPLICATION OF LCA AS A PREREQUISITE IN DECISION-MAKING PROCESS ABOUT THE INTRODUCTION OF RECYCLING IN MUNICIPALITY OF BOR (coauthors: Jasna Stepanov, Dunja Prokić, Ljiljana Ćurčić, Nataša Žugić Drakulić, Anđelka Mihajlov – majority of research team are EASD experts and members), at the eight Symposium “Recycling Technologies and Sustainable Development”, held in July 2013 in Bor. Presentation addressed some concerns raised within the ENV.net process.
EASD accepted as the member in Sustainable Development Solutions Network -SDSN
The UN Secretary-General announced the launch of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) on August 9, 2012. The Solutions Network mobilizes scientific and technical expertise from academia, civil society, and the private sector in support of sustainable-development problem solving at local, national, and global scales. This Solutions Network accelerates joint learning and helps to overcome the compartmentalization of technical and policy work by promoting integrated approaches to the interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges confronting the world. The SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, as well as other international organizations. The Network is structured around 12 Thematic Groups of global experts that work to identify common solutions and highlight best practices. They also provide technical support to the High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda.
Executive Committee approve EASD membership in July 2013 ( Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development Acceptance ).
Participation in two-day study tour for CSOs representatives
Office for Cooperation with Civil Society with the support of the OSCE Mission to Serbia organized a two-day study tour for CSOs representatives who are engaged in the field of protection and conservation of the environment,especially in terms of raising public awareness of the need to seal the flood as well as in activities related to the mapping of risks and developing plans to protect the environment from these natural disasters .
Purpose of this study tour was the promotion of enhanced mechanisms of public participation in the prevention and flood protection and mitigation of their consequences. The aim of these visits was CSOs capacity building for their greater involvement in decision-making related to water management. Dragana Grujičić, as the EASD representative, participated in this action.
Participants visited the following locations in Central and South Serbia: Lake Gruža, gravel pits near Kruševac and municipality Trgovište.
EASD approved as the member of UN Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform
Since the first UN Conference on Environment and Development in 1992 – the Earth Summit – it was recognized that sustainable development could not be achieved by governments alone. This notion is reflected emphatically in the landmark outcome document of that Summit, “Agenda 21”. Section 3 underscores the criticality of harnessing expertise and capacity from all sectors of society and all types of people: consumers, workers, business owners, farmers, students, teachers, researchers, activists, indigenous peoples, and other communities of interest.
Sustainable development goes together with allowing people to broadly engage in development policy making. UN Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform serves to provide wide access to information and knowledge for sustainable development, through its online and social media. EASD involvement in process is approved by UN. It also helps build the capacity, knowledge and skills base of Major Groups. It supports, facilitates and monitors voluntary Partnerships for Sustainable Development and monitors the more than 750 voluntary commitments registered at Rio+20. It also promotes online and face-to-face knowledge and skills acquisition by stakeholders through its SD-Learning programme.
FEE Serbia International Mentor in Monitoring visit to Serbia, June 2013
Mr Riza Epikmen, member of the FEE Board of Directors , as the International Mentor for FEE Serbia (Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development), visited Serbia from June 14-16, 2013. The FEE Board responsibilities include ensuring compliance with the organisation’s objectives/values, recommending policies/plans, approving membership applications and monitoring performance in relation to plans, budgets, etc. In 2011 and 2012 International Mentor for FEE Serbia was Michael Ierides.
On June 14th he visited FEE Serbia office, where he had the first meeting with EASD core team, including National FEE Mentor Andjelka Mihajlov, National Blue Flag Program Coordinator Sandra Radunovic and Assistant to National Eco-Schools Coordinator Dragana Grujicic.
In order to be informed of Eco-Schools Program implementation, he visited school “Drinka Pavlovic” , applied for “Eco-School” award and waiting for Jury decision. Dedicated teachers and director presented how the school is implementing program.
On meeting in the premises of Tourist of Organization of Serbia, members of FEE National Council and ministries competent for environment and tourism representatives have constructive discussion with Mr Epikmen, focused on his advice related to Green Key Program implementation and plan of FEE Serbia to become FEE full member in 2014.
On June 15th, he has site visit to 2013 Blue Flag Beach (Ada Ciganlija-Sava lake) and participated in ceremony for Blue Flag 2013 season opening.
Minutes from Monitoring visit are in the Gallery.
More than 120 participants at EnE13 conference/ENV.net Roundtable: 10 June, 2013 in Belgrade
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 Commision for UNESCO. Draft Agenda ( Agenda FINAL on 06 06, strane 2-8 ) and CD Proceeding of Papers are published. This Conference is UNEP WED event.
At the opening session, Mrs. Prof. dr Zorana Mihajlović, Minister of Energy, Development and Environmental Protection of Republic of Serbia, Mr. Christoph Eichen, First Secretary Economic Cooperation, Embassy of Germany in Serbia, Mr Andrew Headey, EC Delegation in Serbia, Mr Jürg Staudenmann Deputy Resident Representative UNDP Serbia, SEIO Representative, European Integration Office, Government of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Prof dr. Ivica Radović, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia, Mr Klaus Schmidt – Team Leader of IMPACT project – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Representative of Eptisa Regional Office for SEE, as well as Mr Dušan Stokic of Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, shared the views related environmental sector and EU Integration. Event is officially oppened by Mr. Goran Trivan, Secretary for Environmental Protection, City of Belgrade.
Municipal Infrastructure Support Programme (MISP), EU-IPA Project, EPTISA, is presented by Dragana Vasić, Deputy Team Leader. MFA, LCA and Cleaner Production as Analitical Tools in Environment are presented by , prof. dr Hristina Stevanović Čarapina, IMPACT project- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH representative.
The Importance of the Participation of Civil Society Organizations in Decision-Making Process is addressed by Milena Banović, Office for Cooperation with Civil Society, Government of the Republic of Serbia Representative .
Analysis of current status of EU Environmental Integration and ENV.net project is presented by Prof dr Nataša Žugić Drakulić, National Coordinator, ENV.net Project .
Coordinator for Conference is Doc dr Dunja Prokić. Conference chair person is Prof f dr Andjelka Mihajlov.
Conference is supported by: Eptisa Regional Office for SEE, Hemofarm fond i Coca Cola Hellenic.
Selected presentation: Dragana Vasić EnE13 -MISP for Serbia
More selected presentations in Serbian.
Minutes from event are posted in gallery.
Reported by ACUNS, UNEP, FEE.
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On behalf of Organizing Committee of the ninth Regional Conference “Environment to Europe-EnE13”, we want to inform you that the conference will be held on 10 June, 2013, presenting one of the events for World Environment Day (UNEP), as well as conference supporting EU accession process in sector Environment 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”. Serbian Ministry of Energy, Development and Environmental Protection acknowledged the importance of this Conference.
The theme for this year’s World Environment Day celebrations is Think.Eat.Save. Think.Eat.Save is an anti-food waste and food loss campaign that encourages you to reduce your foodprint.
Focus thematic issue this year is Local Environment. Each year EnE Conferences have different thematic focus.
We are inviting you to active participate on the Conference Environment to Europe – EnE13, either by preparing and presenting your paper, or by contributing as an auditor and participant (f application form_EnE13, Gidelines for paper preparation EnE13) .
Invitation is also distributed through FEE and ACUNS.
Application forms (with or without paper) and abstracts-papers send using email contact: conference.ene13@
Important dates:
Deadline for submission of applications form (for participants wishing to participate with paper): April, 15th
Deadline for submission of abstracts: April, 25th
Abstract acceptance notification: May, 6th
Deadline for submission of paper (extended abstracts): May, 15th (3-6 pages, in English or in Serbian / other language from former Yugoslavian Republics with Abstract in English)
Paper acceptance notification: May, 27th
Early registration deadline: May, 27th
Late registration deadline: May, 31st
Deadline for submission of application form without paper: May, 31st
Conference: June, 10
Participation fee :
Registration fee paid by May, 23 is 55 €
Regular price registration fee is 100 €
Payment: for details / account, please contact organizers by Email
Students are exempt from paying the registration fee.
Conference (EnE conferences) contributes to: EU and Accession, Regional Cooperation, International Cooperation, UNEP promotion , represent Scientific and other Conferences, Educational Signals and Courses, Scientific Signals and Projects, Promotion of Science, as well as Environmental Experts’ Networking
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WED: “Do not waste the food – avoid unresponsive consumption”
On June 5th, Association of Consumers (APOS) and Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development (EASD), in Media Center, Organize Conference dedicated to UNEP WED message: “Think. Eat. Save”. Presentation by: Andjelka Mihajlov, Lela Tasic, Jovanka Nikolic, Nina Milos, Igor Damjanic.
Main messages includes:
1. Quantity and the type of food consumed by each of us, is indicator of responsible use of natural resources
2. Environmental sector, as well as consumers protection, should be within national priorities
Minutes from the Conference available in Gallery of photos.
2013 EC and Partners: growing together – Framework for Partnership Agreement, Belgrade, May 23-24
The Regional Conference “CSF Framework for Partnership Agreement Inception Conference” titled “EC and Partners: growing together – Framework for Partnership Agreement” held in Belgrade on May 23-24 at Palace of Serbia, Yugoslavia Hall.
Over 200 representatives of CSOs that are awarded with EU funding within IPA SCF projects took part in this conference. Among 18 awarded projects ENV.net had its representatives (9 participants from 6 countries).
Environmental Ambassadors had 2 representatives present on this important meeting with other CSOs, as well as EU and National Authorities representatives.
More information about the Conference and minutes could be find.
The second ENV.net partnership meeting
The second meeting of the ENV.net project is organized in Belgrade on May 21. and 22., 2013. (ENV.net is EU funded project, EuropeAid/132438/C/ACT/Multi, 2012/306-642). Meeting is taking place in the Hotel Tulip Inn, Putnik, where representatives from the „Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” are participating.
EDUCATION and ENVIRONMENT, among priorities for citizens: National consultation “The Serbia We Want”
On May 13, 2013, in Palace Serbia in Belgrade, the final discussion of preliminary results within National Consultation u process of National Consultation “The Serbia we Want” took place.
Discussion was moderated by prof. dr Slobodan Cvejić, followed by statements of prof. dr Mladen Lazić, prof. dr Mihail Arandarenko, prof. dr Anđelka Mihajlov, doc. dr Danilo Vuković and dr Svetlana Stanarević.
Concluded remarks contributed to UN process related to recommendation for Sustainable Developmet Goals – SDGs after 2015, to follow MDGs. UNDP launched an unprecedented global conversation through which people can help shape the future development agenda after 2015 when the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) expire.
Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE)
Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a network of passionate young people educating for sustainable development by producing, engaging, creative, environmental journalism. Coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
Aged between 11 and 21, young reporters investigate and highlight environmental issues and problems, wherever possible proposing solutions, via articles, photographs and videos.
The young reporters must: 1.Investigate a local environmental issue, 2.Submit an article, photographs, or video, 3. Share that work with a local audience
From 2019/20 project is not active in Serbia…..More information at https://www.yre.global/
…..we do have more information in Serbian.
Some selected information:
October 2018: YRE competition: apply before February 1, 2019.; Theme: Energy Efficiency
2018. Join us for June 5th: Conference Agenda is available
May 2017: Winners of the YRE 2017 national competition announced ; Draft Agenda for Environment to Europe EnE17 Conference (Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development), June 5, 2017, Belgrade
September 2016: Education for Sustainability
June 2016 – YRE Serbia have one 1st place – International Jury meeting for the 2016 ; WED Messages from Serbia: 12th Regional Conference “Environment to Europe”
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National FEE Committee Meeting, September 6, 2013
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Environment and Climate Forum – ECRAN
ECRAN (Environment and Climate Regional Accession Network), financed by EU and managed by the European Commission, assists the beneficiaries in exchange of information and experience related to preparation for accession.
EASD is member organisation in the project ECRAN (ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE REGIONAL ACCESSION NETWORK) – ASSISTS THE BENEFICIARIES ON THEIR WAY TOWARDS THE TRANSPOSITION AND IMPLEMENTATION THE EU ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE POLICIES AND INSTRUMENTS AS A KEY PRECONDITION FOR EU ACCESSION.
Within the ECRAN project, it is the component ECF.
The overall objective of the Environment and Climate Forum (ECF) is to strengthen the role of public participation in the approximation and accession process. In doing so, the ECF provides wide ranging opportunities for the civil society and its active involvement in the approximation process, assist in capacity development of the NGO sector and provide opportunities for improving the stakeholders dialogue. In doing so, there are four main activities to be implemented within the frame of the project.
Activities could be followed on the ECRAN web site.
ENV.net snapshots from CSOs responds to questionnaire
42 CSOs responded to ENV.net questionnaire (March-April 2013). 80% were NGOs (majority having interest in environmental issues “among the others”, and minority established as “environmental” NGOs ) while 20% belonged to other categories of the CSOs.
As one of the main interests, need for education is identified. Most of the CSOs agreed that teaching/learning about environmental issues, environmental problems and solutions throughout informal education for adults as for example are seminars, and semi-formal education as for example are implementation of international program Eco-Schools, might be the most fruitful way to improve status of their knowledge about environmental issues in our country. Most CSOs were interested to hear more about ENV.net project.
Regarding different segments of environmental acquis, most of the CSOs which answered ENV.net questionnaire were interested to waste management (i.e. recycling), nature protection, and public access to environmental information.
Workshop “ Chemical and Product Safety in the Western Balkans”, April 2013
Belgrade, April 11, 2013 – The conference address consumer products and chemicals on the market in the Western Balkans which could contain hazardous substances ( Agenda ). It is organized in the frame of the project “ Product and Chemical Safety in the Balkans – civil society cooperation on EU acquis and values for consumer protection and corporate responsibility“ and organised by the International network Women in Europe for a Common Future (WECF), together with UNDP -Serbia. Presentation includes : the first findings of post-2015 national consultation in Serbia (http://www.worldwewant2015.org/serbia2015 ) , Toy safety in Serbia (the presented findings base on a two year IPA EuropeAid project, which took place in FYR of Macedonia, Albania and Serbia ), as well as need for capacity building and knowledge based actions ( +Prof Mihajlov PRESENTATION – Capacity building for chemicals safety ). EASD is the National NGO SAICM Focal point.
In the capacity of NGO SAICM Focal point, EASD participated with comment to the Concept Note for developing the Overall Orientation and Guidance (open for comment from SAICM stakeholders until 16 May 2013).
In the same process, SAICM organize side-event at the Triple COP: Towards the 2020 Goal of Sound Chemicals Management (4 May 2013 at the International Conference Centre Geneva).
2013 Consultative Meeting on Environment and Climate Change – EPD preparation
The Delegation of the EU to Serbia organized, together with the DG Environment colleagues, a consultative meeting with the NGO representatives on 7th March 2013, in EU Delegation premises in Belgrade. The purpose of the meeting is preparation for the Enhanced Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change. Ms Madalina IVANICA, DG Environment, Mr Dimitrios ZEVGOLIS, DG Climate Action and Mr Rainer FREUND, Delegation of the EU to Serbia, lead the meeting.
Among the invited CSOs participants, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development representatives at the meeting were: Andjelka Mihajlov (who was Thematic Expert in Environment Forum Project http://www.envforum.eu ) and Dragana Grujicic. Within the context of the CSOs role in supporting environmental and climate change EU accession, A. Mihajlov informed on potentials of ENV.net project (See http://www.tacso.org/doc/130110_information-sheet-ENV.NET-project_REVISED.pdf for more information).
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.
The first ENV.net partnership meeting
The fist ENV.net partnership kick-off meeting is organised in EEB premises on January 22 and 23 in Brussels (ENV.net is EU funded project, EuropeAid/132438/C/ACT/Multi, 2012/306-642). Nataša Žugić-Drakulić, Hristina Stevanović-Čarapina and Andjelka Mihajlov, represented EASD on this meeting.
ENV.net – Serbia team include: Dr Nataša Žugić Drakulić –National Coordinator and Filip Jovanović – assistant , 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 and Sandra Radunović is an expert.
BLUE FLAG: INTERNATIONAL ECO-CERTIFICATION FOR BEACHES AND MARINAS
National Jury Session was held on February 8, 2013, in premises of Tourist Organisation of Serbia.
Ada Ciganlija- Sava lake Beach was approved to be nominated for Blue Flag in 2013.
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An interested should contact the national for Serbia fee.serbia@gmail.com.
In 2012 only Ada Ciganlija-Sava Lake Beach in Belgrade deserved this important international certification.
This program is within FEE – Foundation for Environmental Education scientific signals and projects.
ECO-SCHOOLS: CALL FOR SCHOOLS TO PARTICIPATE
In 2012/13 one elementary school and 2 pre-schools applied and Eco-Schools Program is in the process to be applied in these schools.
Schools interesting to participate should contact National Operator by Email: fee.serbia@gmail.com
This program is within FEE – Foundation for Environmental Education educational signals and courses.
Summer schools , organized by EASD are good examples of education for sustainable development.
Western Balkan Civil Society Forum
The 4th Western Balkan Civil Society Forum was organized from 26-27 November 2012, in Zagreb, Croatia.
The Western Balkan Civil Society Forum is a part of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) activities in the Western Balkans.
The main topics of the Forum were:
- The relations between the European Union (EU) and the countries of the region;
- How to improve media freedom and freedom of expression in the region?
- How to involve civil society organizations in the process of accession to the EU?
- What is the role for civil society organizations in rural development and employment issues?
- Possibilities for future cooperation.
This Forum is organized every two years since 2006, with the main goal to provide an opportunity to exchange views on the current situation of civil society in the region, its needs and its future development. This year the Forum brought together about 150 participants from Western Balkan countries, the EESC members, EU institutions representatives, NGOs, and diplomats.
On behalf of the Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, our representative was Natasa Zugic-Drakulic.
Consumers eco-protection
”Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” representative, participated on TAIEX Workshop “Green voluntary mechanisms – EMAS and Eco Labels” (29-30 May, 2012)
Organization “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development”, by the partner organization “Association of Consumer Serbia – APOS” is involved in the implementation of the project ” Responsible consumer for the sustainable future.” “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” representative Danko Aleksic participated in the Round table on 29 March 2012. in Novi Sad. On this occasion, he gave a presentation on “Ecological footprint from the perspective of consumers.” This activity is within thematic areas: EU and Accession, Educational Signals and Courses, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Production and Consumption
Summer Eco-School
“Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development”, in cooperation with City of Sombor administration – Department of Public Services and Utilities organised Summer Eco-School in UNESCO Biosphere Reservate Golija (MAB – UNESCO) – Studenica (27-31 August 2012). Participated students from Sombor attending different faculties. Lectures and educative workshops include concept of protection of natural and cultural heritage within biosphere reservate, biodiversity and sustainable use of plant resources, Sustainable tourism and possibilities for development of rural areas, Ecological footprint, as well as walking tours (“Learning by Walking”). Ecological footprint is developed through support by UNESCO, and represents educational signal and courses.
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.
Eco-responsible Consumer
”Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” representative, participated on TAIEX Workshop “Green voluntary mechanisms – EMAS and Eco Labels” (29-30 May, 2012)
Organization “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development”, by the partner organization “Association of Consumer Serbia – APOS” is involved in the implementation of the project ” Responsible consumer for the sustainable future.” “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” representative Danko Aleksic participated in the Round table on 29 March 2012. in Novi Sad. On this occasion, he gave a presentation on “Ecological footprint from the perspective of consumers.”
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.
Environmental Education for students from Sombor
“Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development”, in cooperation with City of Sombor administration – Department of Public Services and Utilities organised Summer Eco-School “2012 Golija Summer Eco-School” in UNESCO Biosphere Reservate Golija – Studenica (27-31 August 2012). Participated students from Sombor atending diferent faculties. Lectures and educative workshops include concept of protection of natural and cultural heratage within biosphere reservate, biodiversity and sustainable use of plant resources, Sustainable tourism and possibilities for development of rural areas, Ecologycal footprint, as well as walking tours (“Learning by Walking”).
In December 2013, 3 workshops were held for preschool children in Sombor.
Western Balkan Civil Society Forum
The 4th Western Balkan Civil Society Forum was organized from 26-27 November 2012, in Zagreb, Croatia, as the event promoting regional cooperation.
The Western Balkan Civil Society Forum is a part of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) activities in the Western Balkans.
The main topics of the Forum were:
- The relations between the European Union (EU) and the countries of the region;
- How to improve media freedom and freedom of expression in the region?
- How to involve civil society organizations in the process of accession to the EU?
- What is the role for civil society organizations in rural development and employment issues?
- Possibilities for future cooperation.
This Forum is organized every two years since 2006, with the main goal to provide an opportunity to exchange views on the current situation of civil society in the region, its needs and its future development. This year the Forum brought together about 150 participants from Western Balkan countries, the EESC members, EU institutions representatives, NGOs, and diplomats.
Our representative was Natasa Zugic-Drakulic.
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.
SECO: Establishing a partnership to promote the use of international assistance
Within the project “Support to the Department of Planning, Programming, Monitoring and Reporting on EU Funds and development assistance to the Office for European Integration of Serbia, for establishing a partnership to promote the use of international assistance “in March 2011 the mechanism was established, enabling civil society participation in planning and monitoring of EU and other international development assistance.
SEKO leading organization for the sector of environment and energy is a consortium of organizations (selected in a public competition):
CEKOR-Centre for Ecology and sustainable development,
ENVIRONMENTAL AMBASSADORS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, and
Center for Civil Society Development PROTECTA.
SEKO Leading organizations are forming network NGO SEKO Forum “Environment and Energy” to work together to provide opinion related to official documents in the programming process, the identification of priority programs / projects, defining the strategic basis for defining priority projects for international assistance. 48 CSO are the member of this network, and it is open for the new members.
More information can be found (in Serbian) http://www.cdspredlaze.org.rs/
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January 30,2014 – Thematic meeting of the SECO mechanism on IPA II programming
December 16, 2013: Workshop for strategic planning of further work SECO mechanism
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Activities include:
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 .
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More details on activities in Serbian language……..
Participation to EC meeting in Brussels, January 2013
Eighteen projects (selected out of 172 applications) will be funded for the next two years by the European Union as a part of Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) and Civil Society Facility (CSF) funds. More about these projects at (https://sites.google.com/site
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development is participating as a partner in one of the selected projects: Development of the ENV.net in West Balkan and Turkey: giving citizens a voice to influence the environmental process reforms for closer EU integration.
On the 21st of January, 2013, the European Commission organized a joint kick-off meeting in Brussels, for the project leaders and partners of the 18 selected projects. The purpose of the meeting was to give project coordinators detailed information on administrative and financial aspects of managing their projects. It was also an opportunity to meet EU and TACSO representatives and to network with other project coordinators.
Together with five other partners participating in the ENV.net project, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development representative (Natasa Zugic-Drakulic) attended this meeting.
Regional Environmental Cohesion
REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL COHESION, from Initiative to Process
Initiative – Environmental Cohesion Initiative as the strategic concept is visionary perspective, promoting “environment as the no-borders concept” and “environmental soft diplomacy” tool for regional cooperation. Initiated in Western Balkan in 2003 by at that time Serbian Minister for the Protection of Natural Resources and Environment, through different Project implementation, become Process.
Our projects implemented (2005-2011)
Project | Partners | Snapshots | |
2005/2006 |
Building a common ‘green’ future in Europe (Regional Initiative for cohesion in the field of environment), project supported by Open society Fund |
Environmental Ambassadors-Serbia,Biosfera – Macedonia,Most – Montenegro,Konak-Kosovo territory,Center for Energy Efficiency – Bosnia and Herzegovina,Sun of Liquenas – Albania |
The platform SEE Regional Delaration on Environmental Cohesion as the tool to EU integration and Sustainable Development is approved in 2006 (on Regional FORUM EfE07 Preparatory Meeting in Belgrade, June 5th). Further, Declaration is presented at UNECE Committee on Environment Policy, Ad Hoc Preparatory Working Group of Senior Officials “Environment for Europe”, Second meeting, Geneva, 29-30 June 2006, with request to include it in Belgrade 2007 Conference. |
2007/2008 |
RENCO – Regional Environmental Cohesion: Towards sustainable development strategy for urban South-East Europe, project supported by Sida and Serbian Ministry of Environment |
I. Čarapina, N. Azemovski, S. Stevović, M. Apostolovski, M. Šarić, L. Bratić, A. Jovanović, T. Knez-Milojković, Z. Moravčević, A. Knez-Milojković, A.Mihajlov, REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL COHESION: TOWARDS SEE URBAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (RENCO), Sustainable Spatial Development of Towns and Cities, Thematic Conference Proceedings, Volume 1 (M. Vujošević, ed.), Institute or Architecture and Urban&Spatial Planning of Serbia, ISBN: 978-86-80329-51-2, Belgrade, 2007, pp.279-296 ( In Serbian rad ICarapina i dr RENCO-final) |
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2009-2011 |
Regional environmental advocacy and cohesion of the Western Balkans (abbreviation: REA), Project supported by the the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. |
„ Urban Research Institute (URI)“ (Tirana),„Center for ecology i energy“ (Tuzla),„Advocacy Training and Resource Center“ (Pristina),„4x4x4 Balkan Bridges“ (Skopje),„Green Home“ (Podgorica),„Center for modern skills“ (Beograd)„Environmental Ambassadors“ from Belgrade, as the Regional coordinator. |
SnapshotsBells movementNeeds for Tailored Knowledge and Skill-Based Education for Sustainable Development: Balkan Environment Life Leadership Standards Courses |
Process, since 2003
From 2003, when initiated, though project implemented, Regional Environmental Cohesion toward EU integration and Sustainable Development become Process, having different paths of implementation in years 2012+.
With our activities in years 2013+, Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development, is further supporting this strategic mission, through project implementation (like ENV.net, Environment to Europe)
Projects 2004-2011
- Sustainable Development and Environment towards EU: “EnE – Environment to Europe” Conferences 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, in cooperation with Serbian Chamber of Commerce
- E-communication standards , 2011, supported by Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning
- “Support to the Department of Planning, Programming, Monitoring and Reporting on EU Funds and development assistance to the Office for European Integration of Serbia, for establishing a partnership to promote the use of international assistance “, participant as the member of leading SEKO Consortium for Environment and Energy, 2011 ,
- Ecological footprint: analysis and training, project supported by UNESCO, 2011
- Possible aspects of environmental protection and natural resource management for Rural Development, supported as advisory project in the “Project on Transitional Agriculture Reform,” World Bank , 2011, 2011/2012, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia
- Environment Forum , project supported by EC (DG Environment)
- Analytical study of the impact of air pollution on the population in selected urban locations (Pancevo, Vrsac, Bor), (participation in the project with the questioning of citizens in selected locations on the subject), a project supported by the ministries responsible for the environment and for science
- Hazardous Waste Management, TAIEX DG Enlargement INFRA 32384 project, 2009
- Say Yes to Palilula , project supported by City of Belgrade Municipality Palilula
- Modify habits – keep Belgrade clean!, the project supported by the Secretariat of Environment of Belgrade
- Hit the right tone by use environmentally friendly rules , project supported by City of Belgrade Municipality Vracar
- Regional environmental advocacy and cohesion of the Western Balkans (abbreviation: REA), Project supported by the Embassy of Nederland (2009-2011) , REA Project Snapshots , Courses
- Children – the guardians of municipality, project supported by City of Belgrade Municipality Vozdovac
- Local Environmental Security (abbreviation: LES), project supported by OSCE in Serbia, LES Brochure
- Keep it healthy, keep it green, keep it European , project supported by NDI
- Involvement of NGOs in Serbia in the research of renewable energy sources, a project supported by the EU
- My Belgrade – My Environment , the project supported by the Secretariat of Environment of Belgrade
- Local strategic planning , project supported by City of Belgrade Municipality Stari Grad
- Technology Transfer Partnerships, project supported by CIDA
- Sustainable development and environmental leaders for tomorrow, 2006/2007, MATRA
- Building a common ‘green’ future in Europe (Regional Initiative for cohesion in the field of environment), project supported by Open society Fund
- RENCO – Regional Environmental Cohesion: Towards sustainable development strategy for urban South-East Europe, project supported by Sida and Ministry of Environment
- Women as the Voice for Sustainable Development and Environment , project supported by CIDA, WAVE_Report_2007-draft
- Education courses for provincial and local authorities on public participation in decision-making related to the Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Impact Assessment , Project supported by Ministry of Environment