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:
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
________________________
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
New EASD online course in English and Serbian – FOSTERING FEMALE LEADERSHIP: TRAINING WOMEN TO ADDRESS CHEMICALS AND WASTE IN THE PUBLIC SETTING
Within the IPEN Online Program Examines Impact of Toxic Chemicals on Women’s Health, EASD developed course FOSTERING FEMALE LEADERSHIP: TRAINING WOMEN TO ADDRESS CHEMICALS AND WASTE IN THE PUBLIC SETTING, presented by experts: Aleksandra Mladenovic, Andjelka Mihajlov, Dragana Petrovic and Hristina Stevanovic.
The course is presented in Serbian (with English subtitles) and available from 16 November, 2021.
Start learning! Course is free, with 3 modules and when finish the entire course you should get the option to print your Certificate by yourself and do not ask IPEN to send you certificate after.
Course in Serbian enrolment ( with English subtitles).
At the end of each course is an English feedback survey. Please complete these to help us as we design courses in the future.
Tips for Teachable – Women and Chemicals courses are available here. The Teachable platform works best in the following browsers: Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
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
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.
EASD publication on circular economy acknowledged by European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform
European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform , a joint initiative by the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee, in “Knowledge Hub” – Knowledge, acknowledged EASD publication on circular economy, as study/report/presentation/position paper….. submitted by stakeholders.
As noted, publication “Circular economy in Serbia – process started” sets out the state of play of the circular economy concept in Serbia and identifies the main obstacles that may hamper the shift to the circular economy paradigm. It also includes circular economy initiatives in Serbia and an analysis of linkages between the circular economy concept and the Sustainable Development Goals. Addressing the circular economy only through waste management shows that the circular economy concept is still in its infancy in Serbia. According to the conclusions, the circular economy goes beyond.
Key words: waste management, SDG12 and the environmental sector.
#CEstakeholderEU
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.
Gender and Chemicals
In 2020 IPEN decided to create a few an online course on IPEN’s learning platform on a specific topic agreed, within IPEN Gender and Chemicals Project. Based on expertise, EASD is chosen to develop and prepare webinar course “Fostering female leadership: training women to address chemicals and waste in the public setting”.
Course will be hosted on the IPEN website.
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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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.
Revision of the local plan for the waste management for the City of Sombor
EASD experts team proposed new revised Local waste management plan for the City of Sombor, consisted of new regulation requirements and based on previous achievements in waste management at the local level. The revised plan also proposed new and possible activities to secure sustainable management of waste, based on circular economy principles. Plan is approved by local authorities.
EASD fully complied with the procedure required based on local and national regulation in official documents preparation and adoption.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
“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 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.
We participate at WHO meeting Waste, health, sustainability: what way forward?
WHO meeting Waste, health, sustainability: what way forward? take place in Bonn, 5-6 October 2016.
The meeting convene experts and representatives from Member States of WHO Regional Office for Europe, to discuss the policy orientations on waste and health that can be identified and proposed in view of the 6th Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, taking place in 2017 .
The meeting is build on last year’s expert consultation on available evidence on waste and health.
EASD honorable president Andjelka Mihajlov participated as WHO expert on issue.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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
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).
European Western Balkans Interview: Andjelka Mihajlov, Environmental Ambassador for Sustainable Development
European Western Balkans Interview: Andjelka Mihajlov, Environmental Ambassador for Sustainable Development
Prof dr. Anđelka Mihajlov, Environmental Ambassador for Sustainable Development, is a Full Professor at Faculty of Technical Sciences, the University of Novi Sad and Coordinator for environment and green economy at the Public Policy Institute. UN and EU expert, scientist and consultant. She has more than 300 published scientific papers. In last 20 years, her frameworks of the professional orientation are the environment and sustainable development.
European Western Balkans: What are in your opinion, the biggest ecological problems in Serbia?
Andjelka Mihajlov: The decades in which values and prosperity were/is created based on the principles of traditional economic models not managed to change ever-growing excessive consumption of natural resources and to fight marginalization of environmental issues. This is diagnosis for all over the Western Balkan region. My opinion is, that despite some good and very good snapshots and flagship cases relevant for environment sector, the highest environmental problem in Serbia, as well as in all countries in region, is “position” of sector in agenda of development: not among priorities and priority concerns.
EWB: Serbia expects one of the most difficult chapters in the negotiations with the EU, Chapter 27 relating the environment. In what extent is Serbia preparing for the opening of this chapter?
Serbia is having now 14 years of commitment to EU membership. In environmental sector it was, and it is a great challenge, especially having in mind “grey and brown environmental heritage”. In the frame of these more than ten years of actions, I could tell that improvement is respectable. However, a lot of issues remain unsolved.
In 2012 Serbia became a candidate for EU membership, and on 21st of January 2014 officially opened accession negotiations. Environmental negotiation process in Serbia started with Explanatory screening in September 2014, and followed with bilateral screening in November 2014. Screening report is expected by EC sometimes in 2015. Progress towards EU in the sector Environment (and Climate Change) vary from limited progress (2005), to moderate advanced (2006), little progress (2007, 2008, 2013,2014), some progress (2012), progressed well (2011), the establishment of ambitious legislative program (2002-2004), and to good progress (2009,2010).
And coming back to the question, Serbia is prepared and preparing to open negotiation in Chapter 27, with strong message from my side: it is crucially important to include people/experts with appropriate knowledge, skills and experience, as well as to effective coordinate actions with other sectors.
EWB: What will pose as a major challenge in this chapter?
AM: One of the main challenge is to harmonize socio-economic development with EU’s Resources-Efficient and Low-Carbon Policies and to implement in national legislation, already transposited EU environmental acquis at large extend.
I would like to underline a few national strategic documents: Strategy towards EU accession (2005), National Environmental Program (2010), with Action Plan (2014/15) and the 2011 National Environmental Approximation Strategy. The last one sets three goals: full and high quality transposition of the EU environmental acquis; maintenance of effective and affordable environmental infrastructure and services; and institutional arrangements for efficient approximation.
EWB: How much are events such as IV International Miteco Forum important in this process?
AM: I should acknowledge the intention of the Miteco Forum to bring professionals and experts to the floor, together with governmental official, international organization representatives and all interested in subject. I am very happy that I had opportunity to share reflection from 2014 European Resources Forum, just finished in Berlin, where I participated. I talked on Panel, promoting sustainable use of natural resources in hand with climate change actions. The part of my presentation was short introduction of the Seventh Environmental Action Program to the Miteco Forum audience.
And one more value of Miteco Forum – this is starting to be growing “family gathering” of professionals interested in environmental and waste issues. My pleasure is to see among them, my colleagues, followers, former and current students and civil society fellows.
EWB: What do you think is a good model for solving the problems of industrial and hazardous waste in companies that are in the process of restructuring?
AM: It is known, that personally I “entered” environmental sector through “hazardous waste door”. For years I was technical expert on Basel convention issues.
I do support main principles of preventive measures and environmentally friendly measures for and future generations’ well-being.
I do not support “one model fit all” in solving historical and existing pollution, mainly related to the industrial and the hazardous waste, in companies changing ownerships.
Environmental Due Diligence and environmental liability tools, combined with technical feasible solutions, could serve as the guideline frame. For now, when country do not have licensed hazardous waste facility, technical feasible solution is the export of hazardous waste (as it is practice in Serbia). It has to be understand, that when changing the ownership of company it should go hand-in-hand with proposed solutions and decision who is paying.
EWB: What are benefits of Serbia joining the European Union when it comes to the field of environmental protection?
AM: With EU accession and membership, Serbian citizens should have great benefits to share the same, high environmental values.
Empowering the environment sector, including promoting knowledge based actions and straightening expert capacities, as well investment in infrastructure that supports all aspects of sustainable development (sustainable/green growth) with socially sensible job creation, are challenges we are facing. We should “position” environment sector much higher in the agenda of development!
Andjelka Mihajlov was a member of the Serbian Government as the Minister for Protection of Natural Resources and Environment from June 2002 to March 2004, commencing significant reforms in the environmental sector in the country, with significant results in international and regional cooperation. In 2006, UN Environment Program identified her as the woman “environmental leader of the Western Balkans”. Prof. Mihajlov headed the expert team which prepared the Study on Green Economy for Serbia which was the basic platform for participation of the Serbian delegation at Rio+20 UN Conference in Brazil. In the period from 2005 to 2010, she was the member of the Environmental and Social Advisory Council to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in London. She is a member of the National Committee for UNESCO and the Committee for Environment and Sustainable Development of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. She is national mentor for Foundation for Environmental Education with the seat in Copenhagen
ERF 2014 – European Resources Forum, Berlin November 2014
EASD representative Prof Anđelka Mihajlov, participate on the 2nd ERF 2014. Thematic issues include: Europe’s responsibility for a sustainable use of natural resources, Targets for a sustainable resource use, Natural resources – to whom do they belong?, Resources for the “Energiewende”, UNEP’s International Resource Panel (IRP) on Decoupling & Circular Economy, Sustainable development goals and post 2015 process , Sustainable resource use and the role of the financial system, Resource efficiency in business – experiences from EU member states, How can Europe reach a sustainable use of natural resources?.
In Opening Plenary session participants were: Barbara Hendricks, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, Maciej H. Grabowski, Minister of the Environment, Poland, Chris Kuijpers, Directorate General, Ministry for the Environment, The Netherlands, Karl Falkenberg, General Director, European Commission, DG Environment, Maria Krautzberger, President, Federal Environment Agency, Germany, Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker, Co-Chair, UNEP International Resource Panel; Co-President, Club of Rome; Germany, Marina Fischer-Kowalski, Head, Institute of Social Ecology, Alpen Adria University; member of UNEP International Resource Panel; Austria, Arjen Hoekstra, Professor in Water Management, creator of the water footprint concept, University of Twente, The Netherlands,and Harry Lehmann, General Director, Division Environmental Planning and Sustainability Strategies, Federal Environment Agency, Germany.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eye on environmental laws changes: monitoring compliance with EU directives
On November 5th, 2013, ENV.net Serbia representative participated in the Meeting where draft changes on Law of Waste was presented by Ministry of Energy, Development and Environmental Protection. Meeting was organised by Serbian Chamber of Commerce. Presentation was followed by discussion and about 140 persons participated. The day before, draft changes on Law of Environment were presented.
EASD / ENV.net Serbia is concerned that some of changes should be carefully checked related to compliance with relevant EU directives.
“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.
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 )
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.
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.
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.
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.
We have expertise and deliver results related issues:
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