27. July. 2016. | 03:43

PRESENTATION OF REGIONAL PROJECT: SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE BALKANS IN BRUSSELS

At the conference in Brussels on 23 and 24th of June this zear, regional consortium of CSOs from Albania (Institute for Environmental Policy), former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FLOROZON – Center for Environmental Democracy), Kosovo* (NGO AKTIV) and Montenegro (CZIP Center for Protection and Research of Birds), led by Organisation ORCA from Serbia, presented the project 'Sustainable agriculture for sustainable Balkans'.

At the conference organised by European Commission, Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations - DG NEAR, a total of 16 projects of consortiums from the Western Balkans and Turkey were presented. Projects are aimed at strengthening of regional thematic networks and capacities of CSOs, and are financed by the European Union. This event was the opportunity for consortium representatives to network and strengthen communication with representatives of European Commission and Centres of Thematic Expertise. Conference participants exchanged experiences in communication, administrative and technical issues related to project management financed by the European Commission.

The project “Sustainable agriculture for sustainable Balkans: Strengthening advocacy capacities of CSOs and developing policies in the Western Balkans” is aimed to strengthen advocacy capacities of CSOs using research, training and networking. Project will establish the Regional Working Platform made of CSOs, public authorities and scientists, which will develop regional policy in the area of sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation and animal welfare at the territory of Western Balkans. This policy will be developed based on research aimed at providing information about the level of implementation of sustainability principle in legislation and practices related to agricultural production.

At the same time, a series of capacity building workshops for CSOs and sub-granting scheme which will fund best CSO advocacy projects in sustainable agriculture in targeted countries will be organised. Having in mind the importance of informing and educating the public, training for media representatives and production of information materials about socio-economic benefits of sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation and animal welfare will be conducted. Importance of cooperation between CSOs, decision makers and scientific institutions in creating and implementing policies and regulations will be emphasized.