Belgrade, June 5, 2024 – Within European green week, today, with an educational program, the awarding of recognitions for 'green' innovations, the opening of two competitions, and a boat trip to the Great War Island, World Environment Day was marked. The event was organized by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the support of the Delegation of the European Union.

The celebration was officially opened by the Vice President of the Government of Serbia and Minister of Environmental Protection, Irena Vujović.. She stated that the Government of the Republic of Serbia, by signing the Sofia Declaration in 2020, has unequivocally committed to environmental protection, which remains one of the main priorities of the state today.

„Over the past four years, much has been accomplished in terms of improving the regulatory framework, as well as through investments in waste management, wastewater treatment, and supporting the economy in the green transition. Cooperation with the business sector is crucial in this area, as companies contribute to the process of green transformation with their ideas and solutions, which is important for citizens as well. The Ministry I lead has also launched a national campaign ‘Collaborate, Don’t Pollute’ to raise awareness among citizens about how every small step is important for improving the state of the environment,’ Vujović emphasized.

During EU Green Week, we aim to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and promote solutions to the challenges of water scarcity, pollution, and ecosystem degradation. The EU has the strongest and most comprehensive environmental legislation in the world. It protects people, the economy, and our resources. In Serbia, we invest in the skills and innovation of people for a cleaner and better environment. Our initiatives help in water purification and support Serbia in developing adequate policies and legislative frameworks for environmental protection,’ said the Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation in Serbia, H.E. Emanuele Giofre. He urged all attendees to visit other events within EU Green Week to learn more about these topics.

This year's World Environment Day is dedicated to strengthening resilience against the increasingly frequent droughts caused by climate change, as well as the importance of preserving wetland habitats and biodiversity. On this occasion, the Environmental Protection and Climate Change Program Manager of the EU Delegation, Antoan Avignon, presented successfully implemented initiatives for the restoration and strengthening of ecosystem resilience. Among them are the revitalization of meadow and steppe habitats to preserve the biodiversity of the Vršac Mountains and measures for early fire detection in the area of exceptional biological value of the Natural Monument 'Lalinačka Slatina'

In addition, with the financial support of the Government of Sweden under the 'EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia' project, a Public Call for Innovative Solutions for the Preservation of Wetland Habitats in Protected Areas and Their Immediate Vicinity has been opened..

"‘This is yet another step in Sweden's ongoing support for environmental protection and our strong partnership with Serbia,’ said the Swedish Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Anika Ben David.She reminded that, as the leading donor to Serbia in the field of environmental protection, Sweden supports our country's efforts in combating climate change, protecting natural resources, and promoting green growth. ‘In addition, Sweden fully supports Serbia's path to EU membership, recognizing that a sustainable and environmentally conscious approach is vital for a prosperous future in the European Union. Together, we are building a cleaner, greener future for the next generation,’ stated Ben David.

The Swiss Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Urs Schmid He stated that climate change, pollution, and loss of biodiversity are the main challenges of today's generation, undermining and complicating the realization of basic human rights, such as the right to life, health, food, water, and adequate housing. He emphasized that Switzerland is committed to providing a healthy environment, which is a prerequisite for enjoying these human rights.

"‘Swiss experience in terms of climate change mitigation and environmental protection shows that acting now and preventively is much cheaper than later repairing the damage. The green transition certainly has a cost, but with the right incentives, it leads to significant savings and stimulates the development of innovative industries and the creation of new jobs,’ added Schmid."

At the event, awards were presented for special contributions to the authors of innovations that have particularly contributed to the implementation of the Green Agenda in Serbiaduring the previous period, such as solutions for the production of biogas and electricity from organic waste, the use of geothermal water for heating, innovative afforestation for erosion protection, the enhancement of protection for rare owl species, and innovative production of animal feed without the use of land.

"‘In the last two years, we have helped turn 54 innovative, green ideas into reality within this initiative. Their implementation is already contributing to the reduction of harmful gas emissions, accelerating the circular economy, and improving air quality, thereby promoting sustainable economic development. I invite private and public enterprises, local governments, civil society organizations, and the academic community to apply to our calls for innovations so that we can protect the environment and accelerate the green transition of the Serbian economy and society,’ said Jakup Berisha, the UNDP Resident Representative in Serbia.

- The Faculty of Dramatic Arts joined the celebration of World Environment Day by showcasing,a film about the wildlife in the Beljarica wetland habitat and launching a competition for "green" films and photography for students of art faculties.

Additionally, as part of the European Green Week and the national campaign "Collaborate, Don't Pollute,"a photography exhibition featuring 29 new green ideas, projects, and innovations supported under green transformation initiatives implemented by UNDP was opened at the Sava Promenade in Kalemegdan. The exhibition will run until June 18.

This event was organized as part of the project "EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia,"implemented by UNDP with technical and financial support from the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with additional funding provided by the governments of Sweden, Switzerland, and Serbia.