In partnership with Young Researchers of Serbia and Renewables and Environmental Regulatory Institute, Belgrade Open School implemented a two-year project named “VOLVOX- Stronger involvement of civil society in environmental policy making and monitoring”. The project aimed to streamline the transformative power of EU integration process and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans into environment and climate change reforms in Serbia.

The specific objective is to develop competent civil society capable to act as credible partner to public authorities in environmental policy development and to perform effective independent oversight of strategic decision making and investment processes.

Main groups of activities:

PARTICIPATION OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN DECISION MAKING PROCESS:

• Consultations on the development of key strategic and legislative documents in area of environmental protection and climate change
• Creating knowledge and expertise base for informed public participation processes for citizens, civil society organizations and grassroots
• Advocacy and communication campaigning for transparent and participative policy development processes

IMPROVEMENT OF MECHANISMS AND PROCESS FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

• Screening effectiveness of civil society organizations’ impact in participative mechanisms
• Developing and implementing innovative tools for increased citizen participation based on learning-by-doing approach that cultivates cooperation and trust between the government and civil society

INDEPENDENT MONITORING OF ENVIRONMENTAL DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITIES AND PARTICIPATION PROCESSES:

• Scrutinizing the accountability of public authorities and companies related to the plans and projects with high potential negative environmental impacts 
• Developing EIA and SEA case law database

Expected results:

• Fostered inclusive and informed public participation process in environmental and climate decision making;
• Increased capacities of environmental civil society organizations, grass roots and citizens to take part in participative mechanisms within strategic and legislative decision making processes
• Established Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment (EIA & SEA) quality monitoring hub for independent CSOs oversight of EIA & SEA;
• Improved knowledge and capacities of local communities to effectively defend their interests in EIA and SEA procedures

This project was implemented from January 2022. to December 2023. This project was financed by the European Union.