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:
Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, is about to start – EASD is participating
Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, is about to start ( 28 November – 2 December 2022) in Punta del Este, Uruguay.
EASD is participating virtually, starting on November 26 with participation at Multi-stakeholder Forum of INC-1 . The Forum aims to facilitate the exchange of information and gather perspectives from different stakeholders across the plastics life cycle and is open to all stakeholders, including governments, the private sector working on different stages of the plastics life cycle, scientists and researchers, the finance sector, civil society groups, including the informal sector, indigenous people, and youth.
EASD is associated with IPEN ; IPEN has been working on toxics in the life cycle of plastics for many years, including initial work on dioxins in the Stockholm Convention, and then scaling up with more explicit work related to POPs in plastics in the Stockholm Convention, as well as Chemicals in Products and Hazardous Substances in the Life Cycle of Electronic Products in the SAICM process. IPEN’s toxic plastics work has escalated and evolved especially over the last 5 years.
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!
UNEP@50 and World Environment Day
EASD is participating in Stocholm@50 preparatory meetings and conference 2-3 June 2022 . Also, celebrate with activities World Environment Day on June 5, 2022 .
Stocholm+50 mandate is to enable resolutions A/RES/75/280 of 24 May 2021 and A/RES/75/326 of 10 September 2021. Stockholm +50 offers an opportunity to reinforce the 1972 principles, opportunity for stakeholders to cooperate, share expertise and address complex issues for urgent actions.
EASD stay with whole-of-society approach; participated at Regional Multi-stakeholder Consultations (for Europe and North America) on May 5, together with different stakeholders, including youth, Indigenous Peoples, governments, and non-governmental organizations, who identified and highlighted some of the key messages, such as need to phase out fossil fuel subsidies in order to transition away from reliance on fossil fuels towards a more sustainable energy resources, or call for a declaration recognizing “the rights of nature,” as well as for governments to recognize “ecocide” as an international crime.
Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development participated in the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development for the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Region, held in Geneva on 6 and 7 April 2022 . Within the Side Event, together with other partners on the project “Water and Sanitation Safety Planning in the Balkan Region: Albania, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia (WatSanPlan)”, presented the results of a year of work on the project.
EASD representative also participated at One Planet Network to accelerate the implementation of SDG12: The One Planet Network Forum, taking place 31.5. – 1.6. 2022.
Being a part of strong global and regional networks, EASD is actively contributing to position development of certain issues ( NGO Major Group, Women Major Group, Science and Technology Major Group, IPEN, EEB, WECF). Also, EASD participated on number of Towards Stockholm+ 50 Webinars as well as side events .
EASD also follow national preparation of Serbia, within 3 Leadership Dialogues. On outputs and outcomes of Stockholm+50 see more… Among others, about:
- United Nations Foundation/Unlock the Future Coalition
- Ministerial Statement on Future Generations led by Sweden and signed by other 14 countries
- Global petition for a UN Declaration of Rights of Mother Earth
- The People’s Environment Narrative, Stakeholder Forum for a Sustainable Future and the Norwegian Forum for Environment and Development, with the support of UNEP and the Swedish Government
- Stockholm+50 Interfaith Statement, Faith, Values and Reach – Contribution to Environmental Policy
- The Global Youth Policy Paper
- Declaration for Stockholm+50: Restoring Our Common Home
- Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Declaration
The 2022 World Environment Day campaign #OnlyOneEarth calls for collective, transformative action on a global scale to celebrate, protect and restore our planet. This year’s campaign, #OnlyOneEarth, highlights the need to reset the balance with nature through transformative changes in how we eat, live, work and move around. This guide presents actions that communities, organizations and people everywhere can take. It spotlights the key responsibility of governments, cities, business, faith groups and finance to make sustainable living possible by transforming consumption, production, infrastructure, investment and land use. It also includes examples of personal decisions to effect change and push for action.
EASD contributed with activities focused on water safety, sanitation and hygiene, which included activities with children with special needs through the Eco-schools program in Serbia, under the knowledge-based campaign “Safety water for all”. The activities are realized during the EU Green week, from May 30th to June 3rd, using this annual opportunity to pay attention of local and national decision and policy makers to support inclusive environmental education, by using knowledge based advocacy. This activity relies on decades of achievements of the event “Environment to Europe”, which EASD organized as part of celebration of the World Environment Day.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
Towards UNEA-2: background paper for multistakeholder dialogue
The background paper for the multi stakeholder dialogue that will take place during UNEA-2 on Friday 27 May, is prepared and available.
Other information and all relevant UNEA-2 documents are also available . EASD representatives are registered for participation at UNEA-2 (still subject of financial support).
The Second Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly will take place on 23-27 May 2016, at the UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya under the overarching theme “Delivering on the Environmental Dimensions of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. The assembly will be preceded by the Science and Policy Forum taking place on 19-20 May 2016. The two day event will bring together science and policy stakeholders with the aim of addressing challenges and opportunities as well as recommending concrete measures for collective action in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 16th Global Major Groups and Stakeholder Forum (GMGSF16) will take place on 21-22 May 2016. This meeting facilitates the preparations of Major Groups & Stakeholders for UNEA-2 and is open to representatives of accredited and non- accredited organisations. In parallel to UNEA-2 proceedings, a three day Sustainable Innovation Expo (SIE2016) will be held from 23 to 25 May 2016. More information is available at . Furthermore, Greenroom side events which are primarily for and by Major Groups & Stakeholders, and official side events will take place from 23 to 27 May 2016. They will provide an opportunity for dialogue and exchange on a variety of themes.
EASD acknowledged as IPEN network Participating Organisation
IPEN is a global network working to establish and implement safe chemicals policies and practices that protect human health and the environment around the world. IPEN’s mission is a toxics-free future for all.
On November 15, 2013, IPEN Secretariat based in Barkeley, USA, welcome EASD as an IPEN Participating Organization (PO). Activities in SAICM and Against Lead Poisoning, contributed to decission.
Right now IPEN has approximately 700 POs around the world. IPEN has eight Regional Hubs, which (among many other things) help to communicate with POs around the world.
A nice little introductory video about POPs and IPEN.