From ECOWEEK in Belgrade 2012 (26 -30 November 2012)
Serbia as a country in transition is trying to keep up with the West and the more developed countries. Somehow certain issues are easier to be dealt-with than others but some seem to be more confusing than they should be. Sustainability is probably one of these issues, although, if we look close enough, one wonders whether the right choices are made and the right issues prioritized. If there is something to be learned from the past and also from the neighboring countries , one may just wonder whether the government is only interested in trends and fashions, rather than a deep overhaul in society.
There are individuals and organizations who understand the importance of sustainability in its basic meaning and are committed and willing to contribute to the change needed. They are called ‘pioneers’ and they can be described as dynamic, vibrant people that are focusing their energy and knowledge into solutions for a better future. What is characteristic of these creative minds is the willingness to commit to their ideas and their importance. One successful example in Serbia of an active participant in the process of change is the non-governmental organization ECOIST based in Belgrade founded by Jelena Lucic. Jelena told us the story of the intense activity undertaken by ECOIST, all aiming towards the same goal: to educate, inform and contribute in achieving urban sustainability.
ECOIST was established in year 2010 as a NGO that focuses on urban sustainability issues in Serbia, building the connection between governmental, academic, civil and corporate sector. During last three years how would you describe the connection that you established with all segments of modern Serbian industry and society and what are reactions regarding your activities?
You know the expression ,,The idea is King’’? Indeed it is, but vision is a much more powerful tool. When you present your vision to anyone - from a small kid in primary school, to an executive in conglomerate - they will recognise the spirit, energy and change one vision can create. The connections, partnerships and bridges ECOIST has built over the years are based on these visions and common goals. The synergy between any sector actually boils down to com- prehension of a couple of decision makers you are speaking with, if they share visions, under-stand the challenges and believe that indifference and status quo is the worst position to be in with any development.
What did inspire you to create this type of organization?
Will to make things better. I have been brought up to act in sustainable manner and perhaps I was lucky to have this carved in by my family. I realised that sometimes this culture is lacking in schools, universities, organisations and companies, not just in Serbia, but in other countries as well. After being an executive in international consulting and trading business for around 10 years, I had an urge to do something more, to do something meaningful. I know this is cliché, but this is really how it happened.
One of the projects that ECOIST organized in a last few years is a project Green schools. What more can you tell us about this project and its implementation?
The project Green Schools happened spontaneously, after we organised a very intense 3-day Master Class workshop with around 40 students from different universities. The coordinator Hans Buster was so fantastic, that some students asked us to continue working on the project. Of course we could not pass this opportunity and their enthusiasm, so we have estab-lished ECOIST Creative Network, which now acts as almost autonomous organisation. The first project of ECOIST Creative Network is Green Schools, with a pilot project in primary school Drinka Pavlovic in Belgrade, Serbia. The goal is to provide sustainable solutions for spaces in schools, adapt them to modern and empirical learning, enhance creativity, synergy, and sus- tainable behavior of school kids, provide healthier and more biodiverse environments, as well as publicly advocate innovative green building solutions like vertical gardens and green roofs.
Story: Mirjana Uzelac Filipendin
If you liked this post, find more about ECOWEEK in Belgrade 2012 here: https://issuu.com/filipendin/docs/archintention_001_ecoweek