Young Researchers of Serbia recently visited the Ekomar organization together with representatives of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
Through the fifth cycle of the ECO SYSTEM program, with support from Sweden, fifteen organizations working in the field of environmental protection were supported this year, with a focus on water, climate change, air quality, biodiversity, and local policies.
Ekomar is one of the supported organizations and has been dedicated for more than ten years to improving water quality and protecting Lake Gruža, Šumarice, and Bubanj, as well as to strengthening citizen participation through cooperation with local governments, education of children, and involving citizens in decision-making processes.
During the visit, we had the opportunity to visit the Ecological Research Center “Lake Gruža,” a space that Ekomar has designated for training sessions, workshops, and work with the local community. The Swedish representatives also learned about the project “Žedne – Inclusive Practices for Sustainable Water Supply,” which Ekomar implemented in partnership with the organizations Polekol and Eko heroj in central and western Serbia, in Kragujevac, Knic, Tutin, Sjenica, and Raška. Support through the ECO SYSTEM program has enabled Ekomar to continue its work, connecting citizens, institutions, and the expert community in the fight for sustainable and equitable access to water for all.
Since 2020, Sweden, through its development agency Sida, has continuously supported Young Researchers of Serbia in strengthening civil society in the field of environmental protection. Through the ECO SYSTEM program, we contribute to greater citizen engagement, improved education, and the fulfillment of obligations under Chapter 27 on Serbia’s path toward the European Union.
During this cycle, which concluded at the end of November, organizations further strengthened their capacities, exchanged knowledge, and improved natural resource management, thereby contributing to stronger local communities and to issues crucial for European integration and the quality of life of citizens.
Through the support of the ECO SYSTEM program, Sweden has been strengthening the capacities of local organizations for the fifth consecutive year and contributing to the improvement of citizens’ quality of life, as well as to Serbia’s closer integration with the European Union.
More about the program and previous cycles can be found on the website:
