INFO DAY ON THE CHALLENGE CALL FOR INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR IMPROVING AIR QUALITY HELD IN NOVI SAD

Within the EU Green Week 2022 in Serbia, the Challenge Call for Innovative Solutions for improving Air Quality was launched today in the Science and Technology Park in Novi Sad. 

With the support of the European Union, and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Serbia invited local self-governments, public and private companies, as well as scientific and research institutions to submit their innovative ideas for improving air quality at the local level. The implementation of these ideas will contribute to a healthier environment and further accelerate the green transformation of the economy and society in Serbia. 

The Challenge Call is open until Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at 16:00. The application is possible only through the electronic form that can be downloaded from the EU for Green Agenda in Serbia website: https://zelena-agenda.euzatebe.rs/rs/konkursi. 

On this occasion, Assistant Minister of Environmental Protection, Aleksandra Imširagić Đurić, presented the key activities of the Ministry in the area of improving air quality:  

“The Ministry will work intensely on further harmonization of the legal framework with the EU directives in the area of air quality, as well as on the development of the Air Protection Program of the Republic of Serbia with the Action Plan, its adoption and further implementation. Also, it is necessary to work on the improvement, adoption and implementation of policy documents at the local level, as well as on raising awareness through the active participation of the professional and interested public, local communities and citizens,“ added Imširagić Đurić.   

Miroslav Tadić, Team Leader for the Environment and Climate Change at UNDP Serbia, pointed out that exposure to polluted air has serious negative consequences for human health, quality of life and life expectancy. “According to the data of the Serbian Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)”, added Tadić, “people living in densely populated areas are most exposed to the consequences of air pollution. That is why we are inviting everyone with an idea for reducing the pollution and improving the quality of air in Serbia - to apply for this Challenge. Ten best-rated solutions will receive our mentoring and technical support, while at least three solutions will receive financial support for implementation," said the UNDP representative. 

Those interested will be able to find out more about the conditions of participation and the process of application for the Challenge at the Info Day, which will be organized by UNDP and the Ministry of Environmental Protection on June 8, 2022, in Belgrade. All questions concerning the Challenge may also be sent directly to: adaptacije.rs@undp.org. 

The Challenge Call for Innovative Solutions for improving Air Quality has been launched within the "EU for Green Agenda in Serbia" project, which, with the financial support of the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, is implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden and the EIB.