The main achievements and results of the project „Establishment of the primary waste selection in schools in Užice and Tuzla“, funded by the European Union under the IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Serbia-Bosnia and Herzegovina, were presented today at the final conference of the project.
Implementation of the project was focused on the establishment of infrastructural, technical and human capacities for the primary waste selection in schools, in the municipalities of Užice and Tuzla. Students and their schools in which the primary waste selection system was established were selected as the main target group for fulfilment of this objective. By placing bins for selection of four types of waste (PET, aluminium cans, paper and other waste), students had an opportunity to be responsible and apply what they learned in practice. Classified raw materials in schools were collected by the two utility companies and redirected to further recycling.
Natalia Dianiskova, Head of Operations Section for Social Development, Civil Society and Cross-Border Cooperation at the EU Delegation to BiH said: “I am glad to witness that these communities has recognized significance of this project funded by EU and necessity to stress high relevance of environmental protection and primary waste selection, respectively. The project has taught children and young adults how waste affects their lives and environment, and presents very good example of how waste reduction efforts can save money and protect the natural resources at the same time. In addition, such activities can even generate extra funds for school departments and groups. This Cross-Border Programme will continue supporting and fostering social and economic development of local communities, and encourage them in their endeavours to provide better future for the benefit of their citizens.“
Necessary vehicles, containers and bins for separation of raw materials were procured within the technical part of the project. This project also had an informative and educational part, with aim to raise the awareness of students and employees in 28 primary and secondary schools and two utility companies. Series of educational meetings and workshops were held, promotional material was distributed in all schools, and lastly eco quizzes were organized. Two most successful students in eco quizzes from each school took part in the eco-camps which further encouraged them to be more responsible to proper waste management. Eco-camp in Serbia was organised for primary school pupils from Užice and Tuzla, while camp in BiH was designed for secondary school students from both municipalities. These activities, in addition to raising the awareness and knowledge of students and personnel, have contributed to the establishment of cross-border cooperation among students, schools, utility companies and local self-governments, which is one of the main tasks of a these type of projects.
About 20,000 students, teachers, support staff and employees of utility companies who work on the waste loading, transport, secondary selection, etc. participated in the project. The target groups transferred the knowledge on primary waste selection to their families and the wider environment. Media campaigns through TV broadcasting of shows and videos on proper waste management encouraged the wider public to think about the connection between inadequate waste management and health problems, environmental problems and irreversible loss of natural resources. Reduction of the amount of waste and greater interest of citizens in primary waste selection are expected, which would extend the life cycle of the dumps and result in reduction of the environmental degradation.
The project “Establishment of the primary waste selection in schools in Užice and Tuzla” was approved under second Call for Proposals, Serbia – Bosnia and Herzegovina Cross-Border Cooperation Programme, funded by the European Union through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) in the amount of 317,748 €.
Leading applicants on the project were PUC Regional sanitary landfill of solid communal waste “Duboko” from Užice and PUC “Komunalac” from Tuzla. Project partners were Regional Development Agency “Zlatibor” from Užice, Teachers Association “Survival” from Užice and “The Centre for Energy and Ecology Tuzla”. Project duration was15 months (from 1 February 2013 to 30 April 2014).
