28/04/2022

The project “Environmental Response to Mining Expansion in Timočka Krajina” presented in Zaječar (VIDEO)

Since mid-January 2022, the Association “Za Drinking Fountains” in Zaječar, in collaboration with the Civic Library “Europe” in Bor, the Association of Young Researchers in Bor, and the Children’s Center in Zaječar, has been implementing the project “Ecological Response to Mining Expansion in the Timok Region,” with financial support from the EU.

At the presentation of this project on April 28, 2022, in the premises of the Association “Za Drinking Fountains” in Zaječar, the immediate implementers addressed journalists. Over the next two years, they will carry out numerous activities to improve the environmental conditions in Timočka Krajina, which is the main goal of the project. Additionally, the civil society organizations involved in the project will strive to raise awareness among citizens to actively participate in public policies and decision-making in the field of environmental protection and climate change, following the best practices in the EU.

Boban Pogarčić, the President of the “Za Drinking Fountains” association, emphasized in his address to the media representatives that the project focuses on the environmental sector, specifically addressing water, air, and local ownership.

The Association of Young Researchers from Bor, with decades of experience, can be cited as an example of good practice in monitoring air pollution in their city. Their president, Dragan Ranđelović, emphasizes that the Association will implement its experience in collecting and systematizing air quality measurements through the project. The compiled database will be made accessible to everyone through the website.

Zvonko Damnjanović from the Civic Library “Europe” in Bor has announced, among other things, within the project, the release of dedicated publications – 4 issues of environmental newspapers and 2 brochures on the topics of air and water, along with many other activities.

Through the activities of the “Children’s Center” in Zaječar on this project, a group of young people will gain practical knowledge and activism skills that can be transferred to school, family, and the local community. Selena Ristić Vitomirović emphasized that by developing critical thinking and recognizing issues, sensitization to environmental protection problems will be achieved. She announced the first of two inclusive plays to be performed this year at the festival in Bor, which will be realized with young members from her association and members of the “L-down” Society.

An essential part of the project involves activities in producing educational TV shows, informative media content, documentary films, investigative articles, photographs, and publications about the impact of pollutants on the environment in Timočka Krajina. Additionally, the organization of environmental film festivals is included. Through a corpus of innovative communication channels, we aim to influence changes in public attitudes and stimulate dialogue between civil society and public administration, stated Dušan Vojvodić, the author from the production company “Za media” and one of the founders of the “Za Drinking Fountains” association. As part of this project, he also announced the realization of the third part of the documentary trilogy, “DROP.”

On this occasion, Dušan Vojvodić announced the TV premiere of the documentary film “COURT,” part of the mentioned trilogy, which deals with the first criminal proceeding in the history of the domestic judiciary for the offense of “Environmental Damage.” The film “COURT” will be broadcast tonight, April 28, on RTS 2, at 10:15 PM.

All speakers at today’s press conference expressed gratitude to the journalism teams for their presence and hoped for continued collaboration in informing the public about the results of the project “Environmental Response to Mining Expansion in Timočka Krajina.”

Source: Zamedia

This media content was produced within the project “Environmental response to mining expansion in Timočka Krajina” funded by the European Union, and implemented by the Association “Za Drinking Fountains”, the Association of Young Researchers Bor, Civic Library “Europe” Bor and Children’s Center Zaječar. The media content is entirely responsibility of these associations and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.