On Monday, October 17, H.E. Ms. Annika Ben David Ambassador of Sweden in Belgrade, and embassy representatives Ms. Karin McDonald Counselor Head of Section for development cooperation of the Swedish Development and Cooperation Agency (Sida), Ms. Jasmina Zorić Petrović National Program Officer (Sida) and Mr. Erik Lindberg Intern visited the Vojvodina Environmental Movement in the Ecological Center Radulovacki. 

During the visit, we presented the support of the ECO SYSTEM programme in strengthening environmental networks of civil society organizations. 

On behalf of the Network of Good Energy, for the second year in a row, Vojvodina Environmental Movement implements project which deals with the development and monitoring of local climate and energy policies.  

During the side tour of the Ecological Center Radulovacki, as a good example of energy-efficient building, the use of renewable energy sources and principles of the sustainable architecture were presented by the host. Improving energy efficiency and usage of the renewable energy sources are becoming more and more important due to the growing energy crisis in the world, and as well in Serbia. 

Second part of the visit consisted of presenting the network’s project results within the ECO SYSTEM programme, challenges and key recommendations in the field of improving local public policies in the area of energy efficiency. 

Through a friendly conversation with the ambassador and other representatives of the embassy, we have been strengthened by the fact that civil society organizations are recognized as drivers of change and the key actor in decision-making processes. Furthermore, this gaves us an additional motivation to continue working on acceleration of the reforms in the field of environmental protection.