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9
Dec
2021
 
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

There is tremendous interest in Serbia and other Western Balkan nations to develop their (natural) tourist potential. But can this be done in a way that is beneficial to people and planet? Join this webinar discussion to explore the viability of fair and carbon-free tourism 

About the Event

Although tourism is well known for being an industry that stimulates the economy and the creation of new jobs, experience shows that its traditional way of development is detrimental to the environment, and therefore – to all of us. The jobs generated by mass tourism today are mostly seasonal and precarious, while much of the revenue goes to a few big companies and hotel chains. In addition, an unreasonable increase of tourists puts a lot of pressure on natural resources and leads to various negative impacts on the environment.

On the other hand, trends show that tourists are increasingly opting to visit preserved natural areas where they can enjoy sports and recreation. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly affected the way we travel, and it is noticeable that people, instead of mass, are increasingly choosing small-scale tourism, which means less social interaction and more enjoyment of nature.

We are witnessing a rise in awareness of green issues in the entire world, but also in Serbia and the region. Citizens becoming conscious of their own need for living in a healthy and clean environment. That is why they are getting involved in the decision-making process, demanding to a sustainable development of the environment.

Serbia is a country rich in natural beauty and has huge tourist potential. In this webinar, speakers will discuss how we can better use it for the development of sustainable tourism, drawing lessons and exchanging as well with other emerging tourist destinations in the region.

Context

What is the future of tourism? Through the project “Fair and carbon-free tourism,” GEF and its partner organisations across Europe (Austria, Croatia, Northern Macedonia, Spain, and Serbia), is researching ways in which tourism, as an industry, can be transformed to be more environmentally and socially sustainable – a tourism that will not only contribute to the development of the local community and economy but also at the same time preserve and regenerate natural resources for future generations. 

Speakers

 Milica Kočović – an independent researcher who, through her specific prism, considers the potential for the development of sustainable tourism on Mt. Balkans (Stara Planina) 

Katarina Lević – a researcher from Polekol who researched spa tourism in Serbia 

Predrag Momčilović – a researcher from Platform Zajedničko who worked on sustainable tourism in the Serbian capital Belgrade 

Stevche Dechev – from Sunrise, who will present examples of managing nature and cultural good in Ohrid, North Macedonia 

Practicalities

Date: Thursday, December 9th (18:00 CET) 

Language: Serbian 

Registration: Please register for the webinar in advance via this link. 


This webinar is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of PolEkol and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. 

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