The introduction training took place from June 9 to 11, 2025, at Srebrno jezero, as part of the fifth cycle of the ECO SYSTEM Supporting Programme to Civil Society for Environmental Protection.

Young Researchers of Serbia organized training sessions to provide organizations supported through the ECO SYSTEM program with key guidelines and tools for the successful implementation of their projects over the next six months. During the three-day program, representatives of civil society organizations received training in financial management, project implementation and reporting, monitoring the implementation of public policies in environmental protection, as well as improving the visibility of their activities.

On the first day, participants had the opportunity to briefly present their projects, creating space for idea exchange, networking, and identifying potential synergies among organizations working on related environmental topics.

On the second day, Young Researchers of Serbia presented the goals, structure, and expectations of the program, along with practical guidance for participating in all phases of implementation. Participants also worked with experts in the fields of gender equality and institutional transparency. Biljana Maletin, an independent consultant, spoke about the gender perspective, the challenges faced by women, and the importance of gender-sensitive budgeting and increasing the visibility of these issues at the local level. In the afternoon session, Nemanja Nenadić, Program Director of Transparency Serbia, discussed with CSO representatives the transparency of local governments in decision-making that affects the environment. He emphasized the importance of improving national standards as well as the potential of local governments to serve as examples of good practice.

On the third day, during a session dedicated to legal aspects of environmental protection, lawyer and environmental law expert Sreten Đorđević spoke about the legislative framework in the field of nature protection in Serbia and the role of civil society in monitoring and improving it, with a special focus on the “Jadar” project case.

The introduction training within the ECO-SYSTEM program serves as preparation for the implementation of project activities and aims to empower organizations to take a more active role in decision-making processes and to strengthen their long-term impact within local communities. Throughout the three-day program, participants gained practical knowledge and tools for efficient project management, policy monitoring, financial reporting, legal engagement, and communication with communities and the media.

In addition to the training, mentoring support will be provided to organizations throughout the project implementation period, in order to further strengthen their capacities and ensure long-term results. Support through the ECO SYSTEM program represents a key step in empowering civil society organizations engaged in environmental protection, thereby laying the groundwork for increasing the influence and recognition of the civil sector in shaping and implementing environmental public policies.

These activities are part of the ECO SYSTEM Supporting Programme to Civil Society for Environmental Protection, implemented by Young Researchers of Serbia and supported by Sweden.