The ecological crisis is a global challenge requiring collective effort, but local initiatives tailored to the needs of communities and their environments often serve as the starting points for change. While small ideas may lack the power to drive widespread transformation on their own, they can lead to significant improvements with the proper support. Enhancing energy efficiency, protecting the environment, and fostering sustainable development are essential for preserving nature and ensuring a secure future. The Eco Fund provides this support by financing projects addressing these critical issues. Their programs are designed for citizens, businesses, local governments, and organizations dedicated to environmental protection.
Through subsidies, the Eco Fund facilitates the implementation of environmentally friendly technologies, including adopting renewable energy sources, reducing CO2 emissions, and implementing energy efficiency measures in households, businesses, and public institutions. It also supports sustainable transport and the development of green technologies. Ecology permeates all Eco Fund activities and projects.
Projects have been implemented in collaboration with non-governmental organizations to raise awareness about the importance of the circular economy, biodiversity conservation, and responsible resource management. These projects also provide local communities with opportunities to protect natural resources actively.
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- The Development Agency of Serbia as a Driver of Sustainable Change
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A Successful Year
In 2024, special attention was focused on activities related to pollution reduction and improving waste management. One of the most significant steps taken was remediating illegal dumpsites in 10 municipalities across Montenegro. At 61 locations, tons of waste were removed from areas exceeding 289,000 m².
The Eco Fund also invested over 1.5 million euros in modern municipal equipment for 21 municipalities, enabling more efficient waste management, improvements to existing collection and processing systems, and enhanced hygiene levels. A unique contribution was made by developing new green areas in six municipalities, covering 60,720 m². These activities included tree planting, installation of urban furniture, and the creation of spaces for recreation and leisure.
A particularly notable project focused on energy efficiency in homes, with a budget of 7.5 million euros, allowing over 4,500 applications for subsidies aimed at insulation, window replacement, and more efficient heating systems. Additionally, with a budget of 2.7 million euros, the sustainable hotels project significantly improved the tourism sector by introducing renewable energy sources and optimized consumption systems in 16 hotels. In Pljevlja, a project was implemented to improve the energy performance of collective buildings. With a budget of 1.1 million euros, work included insulation, facade replacement, and window upgrades, reducing energy losses and improving living conditions for the local population.
A standout example of success is the rural tourism support program, which aims to improve energy efficiency in households providing hospitality services. With a budget of 500,000 euros, this program contributes to reducing energy costs and increasing the sustainability of rural tourism, offering an additional incentive for rural area development. Households were also given the opportunity to replace old appliances with energy-efficient models. Last year, over 800 households replaced outdated appliances with new, energy-efficient refrigerators and ovens; even greater participation is expected in the coming year.
Prepared by Katarina Vuinac
The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
