Serbian Pollution: Who's Fighting For Change?

Serbia faces a range of environmental issues, including air, water, and land pollution, as well as climate change. The country has seen an increase in floods, which is the leading cause of water contamination in Serbia. The government has been criticized for its handling of these issues, with several environmental organizations protesting for better policies. To tackle these issues, Serbia has received funding from the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Chemicals and Waste Management Programme to implement a 3-year project aimed at reducing the presence of hazardous substances. Additionally, civic initiatives like Eko Straza are working to raise awareness and mobilize citizens to take action against air pollution. However, some critics argue that more pressure is needed from the European Union to support environmental protection in Serbia effectively.

The Serbian government is taking steps to tackle hazardous chemicals and waste

Serbia has faced a number of environmental issues, including air, water, and land pollution, deforestation, and the impact of climate change. The Serbian government, led by the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) and a national expert team (NET), is taking steps to tackle hazardous chemicals and waste.

One key focus is strengthening the country's policy framework and ability to implement its chemicals and waste management plans. This includes educating and guiding stakeholders in the chemicals and waste management sector, such as producers, importers, and distributors of materials that negatively impact public and environmental health. By involving these industry stakeholders in the solution, the MEP/NET aims to reduce consumers' exposure to hazardous substances.

The Serbian government is also working to raise awareness among the public about the threats posed by hazardous chemicals and waste. This includes organizing awareness-raising events, workshops, and distributing printed materials to educate Serbians of all ages about their country's waste and chemicals management issues and how they can contribute to improving air, water, and land quality.

In addition, the government has received funding from the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Chemicals and Waste Management Programme to tackle pressing problems caused by consumers' access to hazardous substances. This 3-year project is crucial for Serbia to meet its obligations under international conventions, such as the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions.

Furthermore, Serbian authorities, including the police and the state security agency, are taking action against illegal toxic waste storage. For example, in 2017, they uncovered 25 tonnes of toxic waste stored in poorly sealed barrels, containing chemicals such as benzene and toluene. The owner of the company responsible was arrested, and a clean-up effort was undertaken to avert an environmental disaster.

Environmental organisations are protesting against mining operations

Serbia faces a multitude of environmental issues, including air, water, and land pollution, deforestation, and threats to endemic species. The country has experienced an increase in floods, which has resulted in water contamination and a decline in biodiversity. Air pollution is another pressing concern, with concentrations of pollutants exceeding safe levels and impacting human health.

In recent years, several environmental organizations have actively protested against mining operations in Serbia, specifically targeting the proposed lithium mining projects in the Jadar region. These organizations include the Alliance of Environmental Organizations, the Association of Environmental Organizations of Serbia (SEOS), and the Ecological Uprising movement. They argue that mining activities will cause irreversible damage to the environment and endanger natural resources, flora and fauna, and ecosystems.

The Jadar lithium project, proposed by Anglo-Australian company Rio Tinto, has faced intense opposition from environmentalists and citizens alike. Protests have included road blockades in Belgrade, the interruption of a mining conference in Belgrade's Metropol hotel, and a petition with over 38,000 signatures demanding a ban on lithium mining in the country. Despite initial suspensions, the Serbian constitutional court reinstated Rio Tinto's mining license in July 2024, triggering further protests.

The protests have highlighted the potential environmental consequences of the mining project, including the contamination of groundwater and the loss of agricultural land in the fertile Jadar valley. Activists have also criticized the exploitation of local communities and the prioritization of short-term economic gains over the preservation of natural resources. The protests have gained media attention and put pressure on the Serbian government and international backers of the project.

While the future of the Jadar project remains uncertain, the ongoing protests and advocacy efforts by environmental organizations demonstrate a strong resistance to mining operations that are perceived to threaten the country's natural environment and the well-being of its citizens. These organizations are committed to raising awareness, educating the public, and advocating for stronger environmental protection in Serbia.

Citizens are taking action against air pollution

Eko Straza uses social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to reach as many people as possible and make them aware of the issue. They then encourage people to get involved in in-person activities, such as protests and garbage collection, to build a stronger community.

Serbian citizens have also protested against the government's handling of environmental issues, with several environmental organizations joining these demonstrations. For example, citizens and organizations protested the Chinese project in Bor, which has resulted in pollution of the Bor and Krivelj rivers. There have also been protests against the Čukaru Peki mine, with concerns that wastewater will leak into the Brestovačka river, which flows into the iconic ancient fountains of Zaječar.

Serbia has also seen protests against mining projects, such as those led by the British-Australian company Rio Tinto, which plans to mine for lithium in the Jadar River valley. Serbians have voiced concerns about displacement and water pollution, with studies showing that lithium mining poses a constant threat to groundwater. Despite this, the Serbian government has yet to pass environmental laws and strategies in line with the EU's climate change policies.

In addition to protests, Serbian citizens have also taken action through initiatives like the petition against the cutting down of trees in the Košutnjak forest, which was signed by over 70,000 people. The government of Serbia is also taking steps to address hazardous chemicals and waste management through funding from the United Nations Environment Programme, aiming to reduce consumers' exposure to harmful substances and educate the public about these issues.

The EU is financing small-scale projects to tackle air pollution

Serbia faces a multitude of environmental issues, including air pollution, water pollution, and land pollution, deforestation, and threats to endemic species. Air pollution in Serbia is caused by the energy sector, the transport sector, waste dump sites, and industrial activities. Water pollution from industrial waste sites has negatively impacted the country's main river, the Danube, and its primary tributary, the Sava. Serbia has also experienced a loss of forest cover due to illegal logging, uncontrolled livestock grazing, and forest fires, which has resulted in a decline in biodiversity.

To address these issues, the Serbian government has taken steps to improve the protection of its residents from hazardous chemicals and waste. With funding from the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Chemicals and Waste Management Programme, Serbia is implementing a 3-year project to tackle pressing problems caused by consumers' access to hazardous substances. The MEP/NET (Ministry of Environmental Protection/National Expert Team) is working to strengthen Serbia's policy framework and ability to implement its chemicals and waste management plans. The MEP/NET aims to reduce consumers' exposure to hazardous substances by educating and guiding stakeholders in the chemicals and waste management sector and raising awareness among the public about the threats posed by hazardous chemicals and waste.

In addition to these national efforts, the European Union (EU) is also involved in supporting environmental protection in Serbia. As a candidate country for EU accession, Serbia has received financing from the EU for projects aimed at tackling air pollution. However, these projects are on a small scale and may not have a significant impact on improving air quality. The EU has put some pressure on Serbia regarding thermal power plants that release sulfur dioxide, which pollutes not only Serbia but also parts of the EU.

Despite these efforts, Serbia continues to face challenges in addressing its environmental issues. There is criticism that the EU's Green Deal, which aims to secure the supply of critical raw materials for its "green transition," is fuelling pollution and human rights abuses in Serbia. Rio Tinto, a British-Australian mining company, has plans to mine for lithium in the Jadar River valley, which has sparked concerns about water pollution and the displacement of local populations. Serbian citizens and environmental organizations have protested against these projects, but the government has been accused of using authoritarian tactics to suppress dissent and push forward with unpopular projects.

Overall, while there are efforts by both the Serbian government and the EU to tackle pollution in Serbia, the country continues to face significant environmental challenges. It is crucial for Serbia to effectively address these issues to protect the health and well-being of its citizens and preserve its natural resources.

Serbia is part of the Paris Agreement, but still invests in coal-fired power stations

Serbia is facing a myriad of environmental issues, including air pollution, water pollution, and land pollution. The country has committed to tackling these problems and is party to the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C and phase out coal-fired power generation. Despite this, Serbia continues to invest in coal-fired power stations, causing concern among those worried about the country's environmental future.

Serbia's energy sector is a significant contributor to its air pollution crisis. The country's power plants, particularly its thermal power plants, release sulfur dioxide, impacting not only Serbia but also neighbouring countries. The country's main river, the Danube, and its primary tributary, the Sava, are affected by water pollution from industrial waste sites. A study by Serbia's Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) found that 80% of the 2.9 million tons of municipal waste produced in 2020 ended up in unsanitary landfills.

In addition to pollution, Serbia is also facing issues with deforestation and biodiversity loss. Between 2001 and 2019, the country lost 52.8kha of tree cover, which has been attributed to illegal logging, uncontrolled livestock grazing, and forest fires. The drainage of swamps and marshes for agricultural expansion has also resulted in a loss of natural habitat and a decline in biodiversity.

Serbia has taken some steps to address its environmental challenges. The government has revised regulations regarding drinking water quality after a WHO-supported survey found that one-third of rural water systems did not meet standards. The country is also working with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to address hazardous chemicals and waste management issues.

However, civil society organisations and environmental groups have criticised the Serbian government for not doing enough. Groups like Eko Straza have raised awareness about air pollution and organised protests and other activities to involve citizens in environmental protection. These organisations argue that the government needs to take more serious action to address Serbia's environmental issues and meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement.

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