Training on Strengthening Local Environmental Governance

The Belgrade Open School, as an implementing partner of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), organized a three-day training on good governance in environmental protection at the local level. The training was held for representatives of local self-government units within the framework of the “PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature” Programme.

The aim of the training was to strengthen the capacities of local self-government representatives for more effective environmental management through knowledge-sharing, practical skill development, and peer-to-peer collaboration.

The training brought together participants from several local self-government units – project beneficiaries, including Ražanj, Valjevo, Medveđa, Malo Crniće, Žagubica, and Prijepolje.

The implementation of measures and activities defined in local planning documents is often constrained by insufficient funding, underscoring the need to secure additional financial resources. A high-quality project proposal, aligned with donor requirements, is a key prerequisite for accessing such funding. This topic was the focus of the first day of the training, which included practical workshops for the participants. Additionally, the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities presented available opportunities for participation in support programs aimed at further strengthening local capacities in the field of environmental protection.

On the second day, participants examined key challenges in the field of environmental protection. Special attention was given to climate change, its growing impact across sectors, and its effects on quality of life, through a session dedicated to vulnerability assessments and adaptation measures. Legal obligations and reporting requirements related to the management of contaminated sites were also presented. Furthermore, participants were introduced to Serbia’s EU accession process within Cluster 4, the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, and the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with the 2030 Agenda. The day concluded with discussions on the establishment and management of local registers of pollution sources.

For local self-governments to successfully implement these demanding processes, it is essential to ensure transparency and actively involve citizens in decision-making processes, primarily as partners. The Green Council, as further elaborated and discussed during the training, represents one such mechanism, fostering a connection between decision-makers and the local community to collaboratively address the most pressing environmental challenges.

The final day of the training featured parallel working groups dedicated to waste management and horizontal legislation, providing participants with practical guidance and facilitating in-depth discussions with experts in these areas.

“Environmental protection is a complex and demanding process that requires coordinated action across all sectors, institutions, and local communities. This training represents a significant step toward strengthening the capacities of local self-government units for more effective environmental management. Beyond gaining new knowledge, participants had the opportunity to exchange experiences and foster cooperation, which is important for improving practices at the local level,” stated Iva Svilar, Project Manager in the Energy, Climate, and Environment program area at the Belgrade Open School.

"We are one of many municipalities that received support through the PRO Program for the implementation of a project focused on the protection and development of the Mrkonjski Vis protected area. This kind of support means a great deal to us, as it has provided an opportunity to develop infrastructure within this natural monument, to inform and educate citizens through a variety of visitor-oriented content, and to strengthen the capacities of the area's management. We have also begun developing a polluters’ cadastre, established a Green Council, and are currently working on drafting a local waste management plan," said Jadranka Ćirić from the local self-government unit of Medveđa.

The Joint UN Programme "PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature" is implemented by the United Nations agencies in Serbia – UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UNEP – in cooperation with the Government of Serbia and with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland.