Environmental Protection in Action in Bela Palanka

As part of the “PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature” programme, a tree-planting activity was carried out in the Vrelo park in Bela Palanka, accompanied by a public discussion on environmental protection. These activities are part of the project “Protecting Nature for a Healthier Future”, implemented by the Municipality of Bela Palanka and the Belpa Eco association, with the aim of raising environmental awareness and improving local waste-management practices.

A total of 40 emerald and globe cedar saplings were planted in the Vrelo park area, with the participation of primary and secondary school students, as well as citizens who joined the activity. This initiative will significantly contribute to improving the public space and preserving nature, while creating a greener and healthier environment for all community members.

“Today's activity marks the completion of the main part of the project. In the coming period, additional project activities of a more educational nature will follow, while this practical action rounded off the entire story and allowed us to see in practice everything we had previously discussed, learned and talked about during the earlier workshops,” said Marija Golubović, Project Administrative and Financial Associate.

In addition, the project included a series of workshops for students and farmers, focusing on raising environmental awareness, improving waste-management practices, and strengthening long-term cooperation among all stakeholders in the community.

“Projects that focus on ecology are very important because knowledge about protecting the environment should be acquired from an early age. By planting trees, as we did today, and by collecting waste, we contribute to preserving nature. Actions such as clean-ups, planting and educational workshops should be organised more often to raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection,” said student of „Niketa Remezijanski” high school in Bela Palanka.

Following the planting activity, a public discussion was held where students, residents and experts had the opportunity to learn more about the current state of environmental protection and waste management in the municipality, as well as possible solutions and proposals for future improvements.

The discussion gathered around 50 participants, including primary and secondary school students from Bela Palanka, municipal representatives, field experts and interested citizens.

The Programme "PRO - Local Governance for People and Nature" is jointly 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.