Belgrade, 2 December 2020 - To encourage and accelerate the development of solutions and business models that will directly contribute to greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction and climate change mitigation, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Ministry of Environmental Protection, in cooperation with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) are launching a Public Call for innovative projects that apply principles of the circular economy.

The Call refers to sourcing innovative and cost-effective projects, business models and technical solutions that will contribute to lowering community carbon footprint by applying circular economy principles. In parallel, projects should generate social, economic and environmental benefits for the community and its citizens.

Public Call for innovative circular economy project proposals will be open from December 1, 2020, to February 1, 2021, for local self - governments (cities and municipalities), public utility companies, private sector and civil society organizations registered in the Republic of Serbia.

Authors of the best proposals, selected in accordance with the evaluation criteria, will receive mentorship and other professional support in the Acceleration phase, to develop their ideas into mature projects and qualify for possible co-financing for implementation.

In order to meet the EU accession goals and maintain competitiveness at the international market, Serbia needs to accelerate the transition to a circular economy and low-carbon development. The EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans will open financing opportunities for green businesses and projects. This Call also aims to support the industry and the business sector to increase their capacity to attract such investments.

Circular business models represent a chance for a sustainable recovery of the business sector, especially small and medium enterprises, from the consequences of the COVID 19 pandemic. The Call is an opportunity for companies to plan new, green business ventures that will make them sustainable and resilient to similar crises in the future.  

This Public Call is part of the preparatory process for the project "Reducing Community Carbon Footprint by Circular Economy Approach in the Republic of Serbia", which is expected to begin in the second half of 2021.

For more information, please visit: https://inovacije.klimatskepromene.rs/cirkularna-ekonomija/.