UNDP: Sweden funds innovative solutions for wetland conservation in Serbia
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced today, on the occasion of the International Day for Biodiversity, that Sweden will finance seven innovative solutions for the protection, revitalization and conservation of wetlands in protected areas in Serbia, in the amount of $ 600,000, to be implemented by public enterprises and civil society organizations.
The innovative solutions were selected through a public call, which UNDP announced in June 2024, as part of the "EU for a Green Agenda in Serbia" initiative.
It was stated that the implementation of these innovations will contribute to restoring the natural balance in wetland ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, improving water quality, as well as reducing the negative impacts of climate change, such as droughts, floods and the spread of invasive species in wetlands across Serbia.
Among the selected solutions, it is stated, is the restoration of peatlands in the Tara National Park using an innovative "mist catcher", which will help establish the water regime necessary for the survival of endangered moss.
In the Special Nature Reserve (SNR) Zasavica, a drone will be used to monitor and remove invasive vegetation, and in the SNR Kraljevac, a section of the watercourse will be intervened in order to reconnect separated wetlands and protect the habitat of the strictly protected grebe fish (Umbra krameri).
"Sweden's support for the protection of wetlands in Serbia is vital for preserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change and ensuring sustainable development. This cooperation confirms our commitment to protecting these important ecosystems, which benefits all citizens and future generations," said the Swedish Ambassador to Serbia, Charlotte Samelin.
Serbian Minister of Environmental Protection Sara Pavkov assessed that the key challenge in preserving wetlands in the world and in Serbia is to establish a balance between development and nature protection.
"That is why for me, as the relevant minister, it is of utmost importance to invest in innovations and initiatives such as those that are part of this project, because they significantly contribute to that goal," Pavkov stressed.
Antoine Avignon, Programme Manager for Environment and Climate Change at the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Serbia, stressed that it is important for Serbia to align with the
EU Law on Nature Restoration, the backbone of the European Green Deal and the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030.
"Despite their importance, the majority of wetlands remain degraded due to historical underestimation, disconnected public policies and constant pressures. These seven solutions will help restore and protect wetlands in Serbia and the benefits they provide," said Avignon.
UNDP Vital Development Team Leader Žarko Petrović outlined the added value of the supported solutions.
"These solutions, which stem from nature itself, in addition to preserving biodiversity and strengthening the resilience of local communities to climate change, provide opportunities for education and recreation, strengthening the connection between people and their natural environment," said Petrović.
The "EU for a Green Agenda in Serbia" project, with technical and financial support from the EU and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, is being implemented by UNDP, in cooperation with Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with additional financial resources provided by the governments of Sweden, Switzerland and Serbia.