To strengthen partnerships between private sector companies and protected area managers in nature conservation, a three-day workshop, “Developing Nature Conservation Projects and Private Sector Support,” was held in Sjenica from 16 to 18 September 2026. The event brought together 20 representatives of member companies of the American Chamber of Commerce in Serbia (AmCham) and more than 30 representatives of protected area management organizations, civil society organizations, and scientific institutions. The workshop was organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with support from Sweden, as part of the “EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia” initiative and the project “Protection and Investment in Biodiversity to Enhance Climate Resilience.”
Through lectures, discussions, and practical exercises, participants from the nature conservation sector enhanced their knowledge and skills in project proposal development, defining objectives and success indicators, and planning activities aimed at preserving biodiversity. Particular attention was given to the exchange of experiences among project teams that, with the support of the “EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia” initiative, have successfully implemented activities to protect endangered species and restore habitats across Serbia. Discussions also focused on the challenges protected area managers face in the field, as well as potential solutions for more effective project implementation.
One of the workshop’s key components was a networking session between representatives of the nature conservation sector and companies interested in investing in biodiversity conservation. Protected area managers, civil society organizations, and scientific institutions presented project ideas ready for funding or co-financing, while company representatives had the opportunity to explore concrete partnership opportunities that contribute both to nature conservation and to achieving corporate environmental standards and responsible business management objectives.
In cooperation with the Sjenica Tourism Organization, which manages the Pešter Field Special Nature Reserve, a field visit to this protected area was also organized. During the visit, workshop participants gained first-hand insight into the challenges and needs related to biodiversity conservation in this exceptionally rich natural area of southwestern Serbia.
The workshop also featured the presentation of a concept for a digital platform that will soon connect protected area managers and other stakeholders in the field of nature conservation with private sector companies interested in financially supporting biodiversity conservation efforts. The platform will be developed by AmCham Serbia in cooperation with UNDP and partners of the “EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia” project.
The “EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia” project, with technical and financial support from the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, is implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with additional funding provided by the governments of Sweden, Switzerland, and Serbia.