The official launch of the fifth cycle of the ECO-SYSTEM Supporting Programme to Civil Society for Environmental Protection, implemented by Young Researchers of Serbia, was marked by a contract signing ceremony on May 15th.

Within this cycle of the programme, 15 new supported projects will be implemented by civil society organizations working on environmental protection from across Serbia – independently, in partnership, or through networks, all aimed to strengthening environmental protection. The new cycle of the ECOSYSTEM programme will support six organizations, two networks, and seven partnerships, including:

Center for Modern Skills, Environmental Improvement Center, and Renewables and Environmental Regulatory Institute –RERI from Belgrade; UNECOOP from Paraćin; IDA – Ibar Development Association and the Volunteer Fire Department from Kraljevo; Ekomar from Kragujevac; Forum for Civil Action – FORCA from Požega; The Ecological Movement of Novi Sad; Eco Infinity from Sjenica; PROACTIV from Niš; iRevolution from Valjevo; and Ecological Center “Stanište” from Vršac; as well as the networks Green List of Serbia from Raška and the National Forest Owners Association “DendroSrbija” from Užice.

Ms Tanja Petrović, Executive Director of Young Researchers of Serbia, handed over the contracts and emphasized the importance of continued support for organizations that contribute to nature conservation and improving the quality of life in local communities.

“Protection of biodiversity and nature conservation have been our core themes for nearly 50 years. Yet, we still face profound misunderstanding – both globally and in Serbia – about how closely human well-being, health, and survival are linked to the state of nature. That is why it is crucial to support civil society organizations that work every day in the field, raising awareness, mobilizing communities, and driving real changes. Without their energy, knowledge, and presence in local communities, our efforts to stop biodiversity loss and respond to climate change simply wouldn’t be possible,” emphasized Tanja Petrovic.

During the ceremony, representatives of the organizations presented the themes and activities they will focus on – ranging from work in protected natural areas, through education and citizen engagement in decision-making processes, to initiatives strengthening partnerships between the civil and public sectors. Special attention was given to knowledge exchange, mutual cooperation among organizations, and opportunities for networking.

These projects will be implemented throughout Serbia to address numerous issues – from removing barriers to citizen participation in policy making, to highlighting the need for transparency in public institutions, empowering women in environmental roles, and encouraging greater youth involvement.

Without raising awareness about the state of the environment and establishing a functional system based on cooperation, transparency, and active citizen participation, there is no foundation for good environmental governance. That is why the upcoming cycle of the ECO SYSTEM program represents an opportunity for civil society and institutions to jointly open new questions, test solutions, and take a step forward toward a healthy environment and a more sustainable society.

The ECOSYSTEM supporting programme to Civil Society for Environmental protection is a continuation of the ECO SYSTEM project, implemented by Young Researchers of Serbia, from January 2020 to December 2024.