Representatives of the Swiss Cooperation Office and the Programme Visit the Municipality of Tutin

On Monday, 19 May 2025, representatives of the Swiss Cooperation Office (SDC) and the “PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature” Programme visited the municipality of Tutin to learn more about the results achieved so far, as well as future plans in the area of environmental protection at the local level.

The visit was part of the broader framework of programme activities being implemented in this field. During the meeting with representatives of the local self-government, the Green Council, and the Tourist Organization, key results of the technical support provided to the municipality of Tutin over the past year were presented.

Among the achievements, the establishment of the Green Council, the development of the Roadmap for improving environmental management, and the launch of the Polluters’ Registry in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency stand out in particular. A forum organized on the occasion of declaring the “Mojstirske–Draške Mountains” as a Special Nature Reserve gathered more than 80 representatives of institutions, civil society, entrepreneurs, and local associations, and serves as a strong example of applying principles of civic engagement and transparent governance, which the Programme promotes through its activities.

Through the Programme’s public call, the municipality of Tutin received a grant of EUR 13,125, with an additional contribution of EUR 1,672 from the local self-government, for the implementation of the project entitled “Discover Tutin – A Nature Conservation Initiative for Future Generations.” The project focuses on strengthening institutional capacities and raising awareness among youth and the wider public about the importance of protecting Tutin’s natural resources through education, promotion, and cross-sectoral cooperation. It will be implemented until May 2026.

As part of the visit, the delegation also toured the Pešter Field Special Nature Reserve, which is the focus of the newly approved project in Tutin, and spoke with representatives of the civil sector who are involved in the implementation of all activities.

The Programme "PRO - Local Government 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 the Republic of Serbia and with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland.