Volunteers for Nature
Project Lead: Young Researchers of Serbia
Theme: Volunteering, Environment, Climate Change, Biodiversity
Project description:
The “Volunteers for Nature” project aims to improve biodiversity conservation and nature restoration, with permanent contribution of civil society and knowledgeable citizens, boost transformation of Republic of Serbia to climate-neutral and resource-efficient society.
Specific objectives:
- To promote the values and importance of negotiation Chapter 27 and deepen citizens’ understanding of the reforms needed in environmental protection in order to achieve EU standards
- To set preconditions for advanced participation of citizens in nature protected areas management and nature restoration
- To strengthen cooperation and partnership between CSOs and public institutions at all levels for good environmental governance
The project aims to:
- Monitor the implementation of environmental policies through the Coalition 27 Shadow Report
- Organize a public awareness-raising campaign and promote volunteering in the sphere of nature conservation through media campaigns and public events
- Develop volunteering programs in collaboration with protected area management authorities
- Support local CSOs through financial assistance and capacity building
- Connect local communities with environmental organizations and institutions to improve cooperation
- Enhance dialogue with state institutions to ensure transparency and citizen participation
By engaging thousands of young, senior, and corporate volunteers, this project makes a significant contribution to the influence of citizens, volunteers, and civil society organizations on environmental decision-making, as well as the promotion of EU values.
- Environmental civil society organizations
- Managers of protected areas
- Young and senior individuals interested in volunteering
- Decision-makers at the local level and institutions responsible for environmental protection
Final Beneficiaries:
- Citizens of Serbia, especially those in local communities near protected areas
- Environmental activists and volunteers
- Decision-makers, national and local institutions
- The international community interested in environmental protection policies and volunteerism development
- Environmental Policy Monitoring – Preparation and promotion of the Shadow Report by Coalition 27 to monitor Serbia’s progress (regarding Chapter 27) in aligning with EU standards
- Nature Restoration and Volunteering Campaign – Raising public awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation and the role of volunteers in nature protection and restoration
- Organization of Volunteer Programs – Implementation of activities in protected areas, involving diverse groups of volunteers
- Support for Local CSOs – Providing financial and technical support for environmental project implementation and citizen involvement in decision-making processes
- Improving Cooperation with Institutions – Development of mechanisms for better inclusion of citizens and CSOs in decision-making processes
Expected Results:
- Increased influence of Coalition 27 on environmental policies and greater visibility of CSOs
- More citizens equipped with the knowledge and resources to engage in environmental issues
- Development of innovative mechanisms for involving volunteers in nature protection
- Increased volunteer participation in protected areas, including new groups, especially senior citizens, promoting intergenerational cooperation and long-term commitment to nature protection
- Improved cooperation between CSOs, institutions, and citizens
- Promotion of EU values
Implementation Period:
January 2025 – December 2027
Location:
Republic of Serbia
Budget:
870,680.94 EUR
Donor:
The project is funded by the European Union.
Theme/Area:
Protected areas, volunteering, citizen participation
