WWF Adria Supports Innovative Environmental Projects

New projects by citizen associations and non-governmental organizations across Serbia will receive support from WWF Adria. WWF Adria will support 15 new projects from citizen associations and non-governmental organizations throughout Serbia. Financial support of up to 18,000 euros per project has been allocated for 15 initiatives focused on protected species and habitats, water conservation, freshwater systems, and climate change.

This is the third and final call under the auspices of Serbia’s Actions in Environment, Nature, and Climate – Safe Nature and Climate project. Through this project, WWF Adria aims to boost the capacities of local associations and organizations and support initiatives in their communities that will improve the quality of life.

Protected Species and Habitats

Ecosparek manages the protected area Ada and Slopes near Slankamen, where it is implementing a project to protect the Spotted Flycatcher, a species in decline. The project includes pasture revitalization and creating conditions for recovering this endangered species. The work will involve removing invasive species, cleaning silt from canals, maintaining water systems, controlling grazing, and installing protective fences.

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Water Conservation and Freshwater Ecosystems

Protection of Freshwater Ecosystems in the Velika Morava Valley – Join In is a project aimed at building knowled ge about freshwater ecosystems in the Pomoravlje region and assessing existing harmful impacts. The project plans to research, identify, and map the status of freshwater ecosystems (rivers, ponds, and wetlands) by assessing biodiversity and the distribution of certain wild species. It will also analyze current policies related to water management, wastewater, and gravel extraction in selected ecosystems.

Blue Oases of Southeast Serbia – UG Vision is a project that will identify endangered species and assess their condition at the sites of Krupačko Blato, Smilovska Lakes, and Dag Banjica. After identifying and analyzing pressures on biodiversity at these locations, at least one mitigation measure will be developed for each site, along with management plan recommendations.

Freshwater Protected Areas as a New Model for Conservation of Freshwater Ecosystems in Serbia – Ekomar is focused on increasing knowledge about the potential application of the Freshwater Protected Area (FPA) concept in Serbia to protect freshwater species and ecosystems. Initially, an assessment will be made of the current state of existing “special fish habitats” in Serbia, followed by a systematic analysis of current legislative solutions related to the FPA concept and an assessment of gaps. Finally, recommendations will be developed for new legislative solutions and the introduction of freshwater-protected areas.

Kraljevac Special Nature Reserve – A Best Practice Example of Reducing Negative Impacts on Freshwater Ecosystems in Vojvodina – Institute for Regional Development will be an excellent example of freshwater system conservation in the Kraljevac Special Nature Reserve. The project will map freshwater wetland ecosystems, including specific ecosystems and species. Additionally, an analysis of the presence of microplastics in wetland ecosystems will be conducted to demonstrate human impact, and scientifically based recommendations for the protection of wetland ecosystems will be provided.

Forgotten Urban Oases – Nature’s Survival – This project aims to initiate efforts to protect the former meander of the Danube, located in the Klisa neighborhood of Novi Sad. Today, the meander forms a lake with surrounding wetland areas home to numerous protected and strictly protected species. The plan includes a campaign to raise awareness about preserving this location.

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