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The University of Belgrade declares its unwavering commitment to green initiatives and ecology projects. As a renowned educational institution, we recognize the pressing need for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in today’s world. We firmly believe that universities have a vital role to play in shaping a greener future, and we are dedicated to leading the way in this crucial endeavor.
The University of Belgrade takes environmental protection seriously and demonstrates its commitment through the establishment of the Environmental Protection Committee. This dedicated committee plays a crucial role in guiding and implementing sustainable practices and initiatives throughout our university campuses.
The Environmental Protection Committee of the University of Belgrade comprises a diverse group of faculty members, researchers, students, and staff who share a common vision of preserving our environment and fostering a culture of sustainability. The committee acts as an advisory body, providing expertise, guidance, and recommendations on environmental matters to the university administration.
At the University of Belgrade, we understand that the challenges posed by climate change and ecological degradation demand innovative solutions. We actively encourage students, faculty, and researchers to explore and implement projects that promote sustainability, conservation, and the preservation of our natural resources. Our institution embraces interdisciplinary collaboration, providing a platform for individuals from various academic backgrounds to come together and address these urgent issues collectively.
As a part of our commitment to supporting green initiatives, the University of Belgrade offers a range of resources and opportunities for those interested in ecology and environmental studies. We provide dedicated research grants and scholarships to encourage the development of pioneering ideas that can drive positive change. Furthermore, our state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories are equipped with cutting-edge technology, enabling students and researchers to carry out experiments and fieldwork that contribute to the advancement of eco-friendly practices.
In addition to our internal efforts, the University of Belgrade actively engages with external organizations, government bodies, and the wider community to collaborate on ecology projects. We recognize the importance of forging partnerships to create a larger impact and address ecological challenges on a regional and global scale. By working together, we can harness the power of knowledge and innovation to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and other pressing environmental concerns.
Whether you are a student, a researcher, or a member of the community, the University of Belgrade welcomes and encourages your involvement in green initiatives and ecology projects. Together, we can make a difference, shape a sustainable future, and inspire others to follow suit. Join us in our commitment to promoting environmental consciousness, fostering innovation, and nurturing a greener world for generations to come.
CIRCLEU ECOU
The project Circle U. EcoU was implemented in spring 2023 in two parts. The organization of this project involved students from four universities of the Circle U. Alliance: the University of Belgrade, the University of Vienna, the University of Pisa, and UC Louvain. The main organizer was Nikola Popović from the University of Belgrade.
PART 1
The first part of the project was one of the largest environmental actions in Serbia, where 30,000 willow trees were planted in Pranjani near Čačak in just one day. The “Action-Recultivation” occurred when over 170 volunteers arrived at the dam of the flotation lake of the closed Brezak mine. They were coordinated by forestry engineers and grouped into teams based on the organizations and associations they belonged to. The reforestation was made possible with the support of the Environmental Protection Committee of the University of Belgrade (UB), donations from private companies, and the support of associations such as “Your Life, Your Deeds,” ETOM, “Suvoborska Greda,” SEOS, the Scout Association of Serbia, the Red Cross of Stari Grad, the organization “Orhideja,” students from the Faculty of Forestry, IFSA, KUD “Čukarica,” and many others.
Willow cuttings were planted on previously prepared and marked land parcels owned by farmers whose soil quality had significantly degraded due to the lake water.
Representatives of the UB emphasize that willows and willow branches are symbols of progress, fertility, and spring in our tradition, so it is not surprising that joy and song spread through the fields, culminating in a traditional dance. With the Serbian flag, horse-drawn carriages, homemade food, and hospitable hosts from Pranjani, the planting was completed in a very short time. Willow was chosen because of its ability to significantly improve the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil and transform unproductive parcels into productive ones. The planted cuttings will form a new ecosystem that will be home to both the living beings that enrich the soil and those that will inhabit the treetops and purified waters of the lake, which is why this action is called recultivation. In addition to the hosts and organizers, valuable participants were addressed by professors and doctoral students from the UB who explained the importance of preserving soil and biodiversity, as well as the fact that every investment in nature conservation brings multiple benefits to humans.
PART 2
The second part of the project was an environmental workshop held at the “Miloš Crnjanski” Elementary School in Belgrade. Thirty fourth-grade students participated in the workshop under the supervision of teacher Dušan Pejčić. The workshop consisted of four stations with different activities that the children successfully completed. They created their own environmental passports and visited different countries at each activity: Serbia, Austria, Belgium, and Italy.
At the Serbia station, the children were tasked with drawing an ecological superhero of their choice. At the Italy station, the children, together with their mentor, built an insect hotel, which they later placed in a suitable location in the schoolyard. At the Belgium station, the children learned about planting and planted herbs that they could take home. At the Austria station, the children learned interesting facts about the Alps and the nature of Austria and, together with their mentors, sketched Austrian landscapes on paper.
The Circle U. EcoU project was successfully implemented with the participation of:
more than 200 volunteers;
more than 50 children.
The project received media coverage from television networks, newspapers, media portals, and social networks.
