2026
Name of the network/organization: ENECA
Project title: “AgroBiodiversity 360” – Integration of Biodiversity-Friendly Principles into Business Models of Agricultural Holdings in Southeast Serbia
Project partners: /
Project duration: May – November 2026
The project “AgroBiodiversity 360” enables the wider application of biodiversity-friendly practices on farms with the aim of strengthening women-led farmers’ associations. The core of the project is the improvement of agrobiodiversity protection and sustainable resource management within the agricultural sector through the modernization of business models.
The primary focus of the project is on connecting agricultural associations, youth, women, and decision-makers through the analysis of existing production models and educational workshops. The project develops practical tools such as biodiversity impact self-assessment checklists, organizes volunteer activities on farms, and prepares a “Green Paper” document containing recommendations for local policies. Activities will be implemented in the Jablanica, Nišava, and Pirot districts.
Name of the network/organization: Association of Private Forest Owners “DendroSrbija”
Project title: “Hidden Value of Forests” – Participatory Valuation of Forest Ecosystem Services
Project partners: /
Project duration: May – November 2026
The project “The Hidden Value of Forests” contributes to improving forest planning practices through the establishment of a model for valuing services such as CO₂ sequestration and recreational functions. The essence of the project is to improve the quality of forest management by strengthening transparency, public participation, and the integration of the ecosystem services concept into decision-making processes.
The project places emphasis on connecting private forest owners, the tourism sector, local self-governments, and youth through stakeholder mapping and the organization of focus groups. The project enables the analysis of forest management plans, the preparation of a comparative study (timber mass versus ecosystem services), volunteer reforestation campaigns, and the public presentation of recommendations to relevant institutions. It is primarily intended for communities in Western Serbia and the Zlatibor District, including the area of Tara National Park.
Name of the network/organization: Alternative for Safer Chemicals (ALHem)
Project title: From Labels to Informed Choices: Youth for Safer Chemicals and Ecosystem Protection (SMARTCHEM Choice)
Project partners: /
Project duration: June – October 2026
Through the project “SMARTCHEM Choice,” secondary school students will be educated about eco-labels and hazard pictograms, while new educational content will be developed within formal education. The essence of the project is to encourage young people and citizens to make informed purchasing decisions regarding chemical products. In this way, the project indirectly reduces the negative impact of chemicals on nature, as well as their direct impact on people as primary users of chemical products.
The main focus of activities is on connecting students from the secondary chemical school in Šabac, teachers, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, and the wider public through online surveys, educational workshops, and roundtable discussions. The project provides experiential learning through fieldwork in which students analyze product labels in stores and prepare an expert report on cleaning agents. The project has nationwide outreach through a digital campaign on the EU Ecolabel, while field activities are focused on Šabac and its surrounding area.
Name of the network/organization: Volunteer Firefighting Association Kraljevo (DVD Kraljevo)
Project title: Network for a safe and green region: inter-municipal cooperation in fire and environmental protection
Project partners: Volunteer Firefighting Association Raška
Project duration: May – November 2026
“Network for a Safe and Green Region” is a project that contributes to improving nature protection from wildfires through education and strengthened inter-municipal cooperation. The core idea is to reduce the risk of wildfires, thereby directly increasing the level of protection of biodiversity and natural resources in sensitive ecosystems.
The initiative relies on connecting primary school students, civil protection services, and young volunteers through the establishment of school firefighting clubs and practical field training. The project includes an analysis of the implementation of fire protection legislation, the preparation of recommendations for school administrations, and volunteer forest clean-up campaigns accompanied by the media campaign “Join the Firefighting Team.” Activities are carried out directly in the territories of Kraljevo and Raška, including Kopaonik National Park.
Name of the network/organization: Local response
Project title: Landfill 2.0 (From Blockade to Monitoring) Civic Oversight and Initiative for Transparent and Lawful Remediation of the Non-Sanitary Landfill in Valjevo
Project partners: /
Project duration: May – November 2026
The idea behind the project “Landfill 2.0” is to institutionally involve citizens in overseeing the remediation of the landfill and to strengthen the local community’s capacity for monitoring environmental protection policies. The initiative aims to ensure a transparent and lawful landfill remediation process in order to protect public health and the public’s right to information.
The essence of the activities lies in connecting the informal group “Landfill Blockade,” residents of affected settlements, and local authorities through regular field visits and legal action through formal submissions. The project enables the engagement of independent experts to analyze remediation works, the organization of workshops aimed at empowering women, and the preparation of a citizen report on the remediation process in line with Coalition 27 methodology. All activities will be carried out in Valjevo.
Name of the network/organization: Center for Modern Skills (CMV)
Project title: Green Link
Project partners: /
Project duration: June – November 2026
The project “Green Connection” contributes to establishing joint action among local stakeholders in planning climate measures and increasing citizen participation in adaptation to changing climate conditions. Its core objective lies in empowering local governments for more effective implementation and reporting of adaptation measures in line with national programs and Chapter 27.
The emphasis is on connecting city administrations, youth, women, and local organizations through information sessions, gender equality training, and revisions of local action plans. The project enables transparent communication with citizens through the “Green Bulletin” and volunteer activities for young people. Primary activities will be implemented in Novi Pazar, while the developed model will also be piloted in the municipalities of Tutin and Sjenica.
Name of the network/organization: UNEKOOP
Project title: “Sustainable Procurement for Circular Building”
Project partners: Green Limes, EKOS, Aarhus Center Kragujevac
Project duration: June – November 2026
Through the project “Sustainable Procurement for Circular Building” efforts are made to improve the institutional framework for green procurement and integrate circular economy principles into technical education. The essence of the initiative is the protection of natural resources in the construction sector through strengthened implementation of sustainable procurement as a key instrument of public spending.
Activities are focused on connecting employees of local self-government units, civil society organizations, teachers, and students of vocational secondary schools through research on practices in at least 30 municipalities. The project enables the development of sustainable procurement models, training for monitoring green policies, the preparation of an expert handbook, and “training of trainers” workshops for the implementation of circular principles in construction. It will be implemented in the region of central Serbia and the Pomoravlje District.
Name of the network/organization: Citizens’ Association “Pokret gorana Kikinde” (PGK)
Project title: “Roots of the Future: Youth Leaders of Regenerative Agriculture in Vojvodina”
Project partners: Nature Conservation Association Inspira Vivo Orašac
Project duration: June – November 2026
“Roots of the Future” aims to transform educational practices in agricultural schools and increase the influence of civil society on local soil protection policies. The essence of the project is to improve ecosystem resilience and preserve biodiversity in Vojvodina through regenerative models that contribute to soil health.
Interactive workshops and the introduction of the module “The Soil is Alive” into the regular curriculum will connect students, teachers, decision-makers, and local beekeepers. The project enables practical training through the procurement of instruments, the establishment of pollinator oases in schoolyards, and the use of the “Green Map” tool for monitoring local budgets. It will be implemented in five cities: Novi Sad, Bač, Bačka Topola, Vršac, and Zrenjanin.
Name of the network/organization: Center for Environmental Improvement (CUZS)
Project title: Citizen Energy for the Green Transformation
Project partners: /
Project duration: May – November 2026
The project “Citizen Energy for the Green Transformation” contributes to a better understanding of the social and gender dimensions of the energy transition, while actively encouraging citizens to participate in energy communities. The core of the initiative is to mitigate climate-related pressures on biodiversity by increasing the share of renewable energy produced by citizens for their own needs.
Activities are primarily focused on connecting prosumer households, decision-makers, and the public through social research on energy habits and the analysis of local climate policies in accordance with Coalition 27 methodology. The project enables educational activities through panel discussions and the production of the “Electrification 2.0” podcast in order to promote fairer and more gender-sensitive subsidy systems. It will be implemented nationwide, with specific research conducted in Belgrade and one selected local self-government unit.
Name of the network/organization: Institute for Regional Development (IRIS)
Project title: The Power of Civil Society for Transparent Waste Management and Nature Protection
Project partners: Vile Rudnika
Project duration: June – November 2026
Through the project “The Power of Civil Society for Transparent Waste Management and Nature Protection,” efforts are made to improve the basis for developing “Green Maps” on local waste management policies and to strengthen the capacities of civil society for monitoring and advocating public policies. The core of the project is empowering local communities for transparent resource management through scientific research and the digitalization of environmental knowledge.
The main focus of activities is on connecting civil society organizations, youth, and decision-makers through mentorship programs, workshops on policy analysis tools, and the development of a digital educational course for the MIS e-learning platform. The project enables the transfer of practical experience to smaller organizations and citizens so they can become equal interlocutors with authorities in the creation of local waste management plans. Activities are implemented in several local self-government units, including Novi Sad, Rudnik, Malo Crniće, Medveđa, and Ražanj.
Name of the network/organization: Association for the Promotion and Ecological Marketing of Natural Values Ekomar
Project title: Boundaries of Protection – Preserved Freshwater Habitats of Serbia
Project partners: Polekol, Joon us Paraćin, White Heron
Project duration: June – November 2026
The project “Boundaries of Protection” contributes to improving the accessibility of data on the protection status of water resources and increasing public participation in decision-making processes concerning natural assets. Its objective is to enhance the protection of aquatic habitats in Serbia through the systematic application of scientific data and strengthened cooperation between civil society and professional experts.
A key aspect of the project involves connecting the scientific community, activists, young researchers, and relevant institutions through the identification and analysis of at least 20 aquatic habitats. The project facilitates knowledge exchange through two-day gatherings, the production of podcasts featuring women scientists, and the implementation of a public campaign on alignment with Natura 2000 standards. Research activities will cover the entire Republic of Serbia, while events and dialogue sessions will focus on locations in central Serbia.
Name of the network/organization: Citizens’ Association GM Optimist
Project title: The Bee Is Not Honey!
Project partners: /
Project duration: May – November 2026
The project “The Bee Is Not Honey!” emphasizes the development of new biodiversity protection practices by strengthening ties among different stakeholders within the local community. The essence of the project is to raise awareness of the critical importance of pollinators for ecosystems and to promote the concept that every individual can become a “beekeeper” and protector of nature.
A key aspect of the project involves connecting young volunteers, school eco-coordinators, primary school students, and parents through a series of educational and field activities. The project enables practical engagement through volunteer training, workshops for painting bee houses, the sowing of nectar-producing plant species, and the development of a unique web platform offering advice on the protection of solitary bees. All activities will be carried out in the Municipality of Gornji Milanovac, covering both urban and rural areas.
Name of the network/organization: Forum of Civil Action FORCA
Project title: Participatory Governance and Monitoring of Environmental Protection Policy Implementation – The Marića Bara Case Study (Citizens for Marića Bara)
Project partners: OOSR “Skrapež” Association, Požega
Project duration: May – November 2026
The project “Citizens for Marića Bara” enables the establishment of a local monitoring mechanism and empowers citizens to participate in formal nature protection processes. The core objective of the project is to improve the management of natural resources through participatory policy monitoring and the active involvement of the community in preserving a specific aquatic ecosystem.
Most project activities are dedicated to connecting anglers, youth, women, and local authorities through educational workshops on the Aarhus Convention and citizen surveys. The project enables concrete action through field mapping of environmental issues and volunteer clean-up initiatives, accompanied by the preparation of a local analysis that will be presented at a public forum. All activities will take place in the Municipality of Požega, with a focus on the Marića Bara site.
Name of the network/organization: Proaktiv
Project title: Youth and Nature – Development of Education for Sustainable Development
Project partners: Environmental Protection Society “Stara Planina”
Project duration: June – November 2026
The project “Youth and Nature” contributes to the implementation of education for sustainable development programs in protected areas and the introduction of environmental standards into regulations governing school excursions. The core objective of the project is the institutional transformation of excursions into systemic educational programs based on the local natural values of southeastern Serbia.
Activities are primarily focused on connecting youth, educational institutions, managers of protected areas, and the private sector through the development of a public-private co-financing model. The project enables the practical testing of the “Nature Ambassadors” program, the implementation of a promotional campaign to strengthen the support base, and advocacy for the decentralization of nature protection policy. It will be implemented in the cities of Niš and Pirot, encompassing two protected areas: Stara Planina Nature Park and Sićevačka Klisura Nature Park.
Network/Organization Name: Eco Infinity
Project Name: Communities in Balance – Nature and Sustainable Development
Project Partners: /
Project Duration: June – November 2026
The project “Communities in Balance – Nature and Sustainable Development” aims to improve ecological management and natural resource protection in the municipalities of Sjenica, Novi Pazar, and Tutin by actively engaging young people in environmental activities and fostering sustainable communities.
The project brings together young people from these communities, as well as local institutions and schools, providing them with knowledge and skills through mini-schools, workshops, and field activities focused on environmental protection and sustainable development. Through environmental assessments and local dialogues with decision-makers, concrete proposals for improving ecological policies are developed.
A special focus is on organizing roundtable discussions with local authorities and implementing practical ecological initiatives, such as river clean-ups, installation of recycling points, and tree planting, which directly contribute to environmental preservation.
Through a final forum and a publication “Eco Report” with recommendations, the project promotes joint action among all stakeholders and raises awareness about the importance of involving young people in decision-making processes and environmental protection in these communities.