LocationsLet's prevent the disappearance of wetlands
"It’s not just a pond" campaign launched
October 30, 2024
Belgrade, October 30, 2024 - With the support of Sweden, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are launching the campaign "It’s not just a pond" („Ovo nije samo bara“). The goal of the campaign is to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving wetlands, while being implemented within the "EU for Green Agenda in Serbia" initiative. The campaign will inform the public about the numerous benefits of wetlands for people and the environment, and invite managers of protected areas, local governments, companies, as well as scientific research institutions and civil society organizations to propose and implement concrete measures for protection of these precious ecosystems.
"Wetlands provide a wide range of environmental and human benefits. From conserving biodiversity and reducing flood risk, to purifying water and storing carbon dioxide, these delicate ecosystems play a key role in protecting the natural balance and well-being of people. Wetlands are also home to many endangered plant and animal species, therefore contribute to the preservation of biodiversity“, said Paul Collins, First Secretary at the Embassy of Sweden in Belgrade.
"Around 85 percent of wetlands globally have already been lost to pollution, desiccation and invasive species, while climate change further keeps threatening the remaining ecosystems. Wetlands in Serbia face the same threats, which is why conservation becomes a priority. The campaign "It’s not just a pond" has a key role in raising awareness and initiating concrete actions, in order to further protect these precious ecosystems," said Sara Pavkov, State Secretary in the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
According to Antoine Avignon, Chapter 27 Desk Officer and Programme Manager for Environment and Climate Action in the EU Delegation to Serbia, nature restoration is gaining increasing importance in EU policies. “Wetlands cover approximately 4.5% of EU’s terrestrial area, while around 80% of the original wetland areas have been lost due to human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and pollution. EU Nature Restoration Law aims to establish strong measures for restoring degraded ecosystems, including wetlands. This law is seen as a pivotal step towards achieving the EU's biodiversity and climate goals by 2030. The same challenges can be found in Serbia and that is why the “EU for Green Agenda” platform is supporting wetlands protection and restoration”.
As part of this campaign, UNDP has invited managers of protected areas, local governments, public and private companies, scientific research institutions, as well as non-governmental organizations to submit innovative proposals for the conservation of wetlands using nature-based solutions. The authors of the 12 best ideas for preserving wetlands, received in the first call cycle, will receive professional support for the development of the projects in the following period. The best designed projects will receive co-financing in order to come to life through practice.
"Wetlands are of inestimable importance for preserving biodiversity and mitigating the consequences of climate change. We support ideas which can contribute to the natural restoration of water resources and the systems in them, the connection of wetlands and the revitalization of degraded bogs, in order to protect wetlands and preserve them for future generations," said Fabrizzio Andreuzzi, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Serbia.
"It’s not just a pond" campaign is implemented with the financial support of Sweden, represented by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), within the "EU for Green Agenda in Serbia" project. This initiative is implemented with the technical and financial support of the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in cooperation with Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with additional funding provided by the governments of Sweden, Switzerland and Serbia.
More information about the campaign and ways you can contribute to the conservation of wetlands can be found at the following link.
