On the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity, Young Researchers of Serbia presented the 2026 “Volunteers are Nature’s Peers” Award at the Arboretum of the Faculty of Forestry in Belgrade. The open call and award are implemented within project “Dialogue, Partnership and Volunteering for Biodiversity!” as part of BOOST Balkans project.
Established several years ago by Young Researchers of Serbia, the “Volunteers are Nature’s Peers” Award recognises individuals and groups whose volunteer efforts contribute to nature conservation and biodiversity protection. Building on Young Researchers of Serbia’s long-standing experience in volunteer engagement and environmental protection, the award aims to encourage initiatives that support nature protection and restoration, foster cooperation between citizens and organised groups, and promote public participation in environmental decision-making.
This year, 18 volunteers were nominated in recognition of their commitment and contributions to nature protection. The 2026 award was presented to Miloš Stanojević on 22 May, the International Day for Biological Diversity. The expert jury recognised his ability to turn individual environmental activism into a greater community engagement by connecting sport, nature protection and public education, making environmental issues more accessible.
Based in Belgrade, Miloš Stanojević is also known for promoting plogging, an activity that combines running with picking up litter in natural surroundings. His volunteer work encourages citizens to take part in outdoor activities, from clean-up actions to learning and spending time in nature. Through these activities, he shows that protecting nature is something we practise in everyday life, not simply talk about.
Miloš has chosen a path that brings him closer to nature, a commitment reflected in the way he engages with his community. Approachable, direct in his communication and always smiling, he is particularly effective at connecting with children and young people, with whom he frequently works. “For me, every day is a day for protecting biodiversity, nature and habitats. Change is possible, change is necessary, and if we engage with the youngest members of our society in the right way, it can become a reality,” Stanojević said. He emphasised that caring for nature becomes easier when responsible habits and a sense of environmental responsibility are developed from an early age.
The award ceremony brought together more then 40 participants, including representatives of civil society organisations, volunteers, primary school pupils and representatives of the Arboretum. Their participation highlighted the importance of cooperation between civil society, educational institutions, volunteers and local stakeholders in promoting biodiversity conservation and encouraging environmental responsibility across generations.
This year’s International Day for Biological Diversity celebrated under the theme “Acting locally for global impact”, highlights the links between biodiversity and social development. The loss of species and habitats affects economic stability, public health and people’s quality of life. As Young Researchers of Serbia celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the occasion serves as a reminder that nature is not only a resource, but the foundation of the systems on which society depends.
Miloš Stanojević’s story shows how individual initiative can inspire others to get involved and turn environmental awareness into collective action. His message that a change of direction is possible and necessary captures the spirit of the “Volunteers are Nature’s Peers” Award. Protecting nature does not always require big gestures; it can start with everyday actions, such as spending time in nature with children, picking up litter or bringing people together around a shared cause. Miloš’s example reminds us that change does not happen through institutions alone, but also through people who care and take action.
Young Researchers of Serbia works to promote volunteering, strengthen cooperation with civil society and local stakeholders, and create better opportunities for people to contribute to nature conservation. The “Volunteers are Nature’s Peers” Award is one way the organisation supports this work by recognising and promoting individuals and groups whose volunteer efforts make a difference. By highlighting their contributions, the award encourages others to get involved and shows that everyone can play a part in protecting nature. It reinforces the message at the heart of this year’s award: change is possible when we work together, in nature and for nature.
The award is part of the “Dialogue, Partnership and Volunteering for Biodiversity!” project, implemented by Young Researchers of Serbia within the BOOST Balkans project. BOOST is supported by the French Development Agency (AFD) and led by the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) and ALDA Balkans.
