The “Together for the Environment” project is funded by USAID and implemented by the Belgrade Open School. The goal of the project is to improve the protection of the environment and biodiversity in Serbia. The project is realized in cooperation with the Young Researchers of Serbia (YRS).  the EcoNomic Expert Community Association (ENECA), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), global environmental organization The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Serbia (AmCham), in the period from September 2022 to August 2027.

“Together for the Environment” project will improve environmental and biodiversity protection in Serbia. Project will improve capacities of nature Protected Areas managers  (with  particular  emphasis on good governance and protected area management), enable sustainable biodiversity financing mechanisms with focus on engagement of private sector and increase citizen demand for environmental, biodiversity protection and clean air. 

Project activities will include a  critical  review  of  the  nature  protection  system  in  Serbia  with  particular  emphasis on good governance, protected area management system and capacities of protected areas’ managers. The project will utilize the review to establish a comprehensive Nature Management Program to stimulate transformative change across the protected area management system in Serbia based on evidence and international best practice.  

Within the project, partners will stimulate together private sector participation in natural resource management and biodiversity protection by mobilizing local communities, the business sector and government agencies to build effective partnerships. The inter-sectoral Business Case for Environment Program will foster community development and improve cooperation in securing innovative and increased funding for environmental protection.  

“Together for the Environment” project will support and innovate the environment for transparent and participative decision making, and empower citizens, civil society and media to advocate a clean environment and accountable public authorities. It will monitor public policy, mobilize networks and communities, and provide nation-wide awareness and educational campaigns. Through its Learn.Mobilize.Participate Program, the Project will provide support to a wide range of civil actors to take active part in environmental policy development, implementation and monitoring. Support to civil society organizations and media will encourage participation of women-led and small-scale CSOs, to foster an inclusive  environment  and  increase  the  recognition  of  women  in  policy  and  community  development.  

Overall objective of TEP project is improved Serbia’s environmental and biodiversity protection.  

ACTIVITIES:

Analysis of Protected Area (PA) management system across Serbia; 
Capacity and competency needs assessment of PA managers; 
Design a comprehensive capacity development program for nature protection actors; 
Implementing the Guardians of the Nature Capacity Development Program; 
Designing and running the USA-Serbia Training & Mentorship program for PA managers; 
Establishing Users’ Councils in Protected Areas; 
Strengthening the communication channel of the Ministry of Environmental Protection for improved public availability of protected area information; 
PAs Transparency Improvement Actions; 
Analysis of the regulatory framework and structure of PAs revenues; 
Advocacy campaign for improved system of environmental charges, focusing on PAs revenues; 
Development and implementation of Hired by Nature support program for small eco-friendly businesses; 
Mobilizing private sector for environmental protection; 
Public policy monitoring and reporting on national level; 
Citizens participating in policy and decision making on national level; 
Civil society participating in formal policy development and decision making on national level; 
Strategic advocacy to legislative branch and strengthening work of the Green Chair mechanism within National Parliament; and advocacy to executive branch; 
Learn, Mobilize, Participate Program for CSOs, Media and Citizens; 
Communication and outreach campaign on the national level; 
Annual Award the Nature Volunteer; 
Campaign My Piece of Nature / Moje parče prirode. 
 
EXPECTED RESULTS:

Management capacity of protected areas improved: 
Improved capacity of relevant nature protection actors, including protected area managers; 
Enhanced transparency of protected areas’ management related information provided to citizens; 
Secured transfer of best practices of US nature management system in Serbia.  
Enabled sustainable biodiversity financing mechanisms: 
Increased commitment of the Government of the Republic of Serbia to deploy resources for environmental protection; 
Supported innovations in eco-businesses development initiatives in local communities surrounding protected areas; 
Increased support of private sector and citizens for environmental protection.  
Increase citizen demand for environmental, biodiversity protection and clean air: 
Increased availability of information and knowledge resources on environmental policies and environmental indicators for citizens; 
Increased opportunities for citizens’ participation in decision making processes in environmental policy; 
Increased engagement of civil society organizations, media and informal grassroots organizations in environmental protection actions, advocacy and monitoring, including on topics related to air pollution.