Sustainable partnership between companies and protected areas for biodiversity conservation

Visit to the protected area Ludaš Lake as part of the project “Together for the Environment”

The American Chamber of Commerce in Serbia organized a two-day visit for member companies to the Special Nature Reserve “Palić-Ludaš,” to strengthen cooperation between protected area managers and companies to improve environmental protection. This visit was carried out as part of the “Together for the Environment” project, financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Belgrade Open School (BOS).

The two-day visit included lectures on active protection measures for animal and plant species and watercourses in protected areas, as well as presentations of projects and investment opportunities in these areas, followed by a tour of the Ludaš Lake area. This study visit is the first of two planned visits to protected areas in Serbia this year to enhance collaboration between companies and protected area managers. By familiarizing companies with the characteristics of these areas, potential cooperation projects are identified, and the active participation of companies in the preservation of natural resources is promoted.

“The visionary idea of protected nature areas originated in the United States in the 19th century, when the first national parks were established. Today, many responsible companies have developed partnerships with protected areas in the U.S., and we aim to bring this practice to Serbia. Companies in Serbia that emphasise the development of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) should explore opportunities for collaboration with protected areas. Investments in active species protection measures, enhancement of water resources, and natural carbon sequestration solutions are excellent opportunities for measurable environmental improvement, employee education, and deepening cooperation with local communities. Judging by the response from companies to these visits, the potential for collaboration has been recognized, and AmCham will work on implementing concrete projects in the future, inviting all interested companies to join us,” stated Amalia Pavić, Deputy Director of AmCham Serbia.

During the visit to Ludaš Lake, participants had the opportunity to learn about the areas managed by JP “Palić-Ludaš” and JP “Vojvodinašume,” hear about the effects of previous protection measures, and discuss numerous planned projects and investment opportunities in protected areas, as well as the pioneering efforts of the Vojvodina Institute for Nature Conservation in evaluating ecosystem services in protected areas. Participants also discussed their companies’ environmental protection focuses, particularly in the areas of water resource management and biodiversity, and the opportunities and challenges for further cooperation in this domain. The visit to the Ludaš Lake area provided practical insights into the results of previous protection measures. It introduced participants to the methods of monitoring biodiversity development in this area, along with plans for further improvement.

“Ludaš Lake is one of the oldest protected areas in Serbia. This area is characterized by wet meadows, salt marshes, over 230 species of birds, and other protected animal species such as otters, marsh turtles, and many others. The world is generally facing the loss of wetland habitats, and it is of utmost importance that we all strive to preserve them. To continuously implement active protection measures in our area and ensure a high biodiversity of plant and animal species, any support and assistance in the form of various resources is welcome. As a public enterprise, we are open to new collaborations and strongly believe that the partnership between the business community and protected areas is in its early stages. We hope that by familiarizing themselves with the natural wealth of this area, companies will take the next step, such as investing and implementing various projects,” said Tamaš Vinko, Project Management Specialist and Guard Service Coordinator of the Special Nature Reserve Ludaš Lake.

“Together for the Environment” is a five-year project launched to improve environmental protection and biodiversity in Serbia’s protected areas. The project seeks to strengthen the capacities of protected area managers, improve sustainable financing mechanisms, and engage the business sector and citizens in environmental protection issues.

Other project partners include the American Chamber of Commerce in Serbia, Young Researchers of Serbia, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the international organization The Nature Conservancy, and the association ENECA.

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