Sweden consistently demonstrates strong commitment to supporting civil society and advancing environmental protection in Serbia, as evidenced by the recent visit of representatives from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) to the ecological research center “Jezero Gruza” in Knic.

On Thursday, 4 December, we visited the Ekomar civil society organization and their ecological research center Jezero Gruža in Knic near Kragujevac, together with Anna Charlotta Malm, Head of Development Cooperation at the Swedish Embassy in Serbia, and Jasmina Zorić Petrovic, Program Manager.

Ekomar is one of fifteen civil society organizations supported through the fifth cycle of the ECO SYSTEM program, funded by Sweden. The visit was part of the supported project “Thirsty – Inclusive Practices for Sustainable Water Supply in Times of Climate Change,” implemented in partnership with Polekol and Eko Heroj in central and western Serbia, in Kragujevac, Knic, Tutin, Sjenica, and Raska.

During the visit, we learned more about Ekomar’s activities, which for ten years have focused on improving water quality, protecting the lakes Gruža, Sumarice, and Bubanj, monitoring public policies, and enhancing citizen participation. Milos Stanojevic, a biologist-ecologist, presented the educational center, which serves as a training hub for local government employees, a space for workshops and community meetings, and an educational facility for children. The center is key to improving knowledge of nature protection, sustainable water management, and understanding the impact of climate change on water supply.

The visit also included presentations of project results and insights gathered through Ekomar’s direct fieldwork and close interaction with local communities across central and western Serbia. The project outcomes and field analyses, especially regarding water supply conditions and challenges faced by women in rural areas, clearly demonstrate the importance of cooperation between institutions, local communities, and civil society for preserving natural resources and developing sustainable water policies.

Through support from the ECO SYSTEM program, implemented by Young Researchers of Serbia, Sweden has for the fifth consecutive year strengthened the capacities of local organizations and contributed to improving citizens’ quality of life, as well as Serbia’s alignment with the European Union. This type of support provides an opportunity for organizations like Ekomar to continue fostering dialogue between citizens, institutions, and experts, aiming to ensure sustainable and equitable access to water for all.