Reconnecting with nature
EcoUnity
Intercommunity Dialogue in Kosovo #EcoUnity.
The Eco Unity project united the Albanian NGO Education Code and the Serbian NGO ACDC in a groundbreaking partnership for environmental justice. This initiative empowered women and youth across ethnicities through workshops, advocacy meetings, and SME mapping. Participants engaged in educational activities, fostering unity and sustainable action plans. Conducted in Albanian, Serbian, and English, the project emphasized biodiversity conservation, circular economy principles, and cultural heritage
Kosovo
Regional
The Eco Unity project was implemented across the Northern Kosovo municipalities of Mitrovica North, Mitrovica South, Leposavic, and Zubin Potok.
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2024-12-15
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation, in partnership with other organisations
The Eco Unity project united the Albanian NGO Education Code and the Serbian NGO ACDC to promote environmental justice and sustainability in Northern Kosovo. Implemented in Mitrovica North, Mitrovica South, Leposavic, and Zubin Potok, it empowered 50+ women and youth through workshops, advocacy meetings, and SME mapping.
Workshops educated participants on environmental rights, sustainable practices, and advocacy strategies. Advocacy meetings created platforms for intercommunity dialogue on shared environmental concerns such as pollution, deforestation, and waste management. These discussions strengthened bonds and encouraged collaborative solutions. The SME mapping initiative identified and supported eco-friendly businesses, fostering local economic sustainability. All activities were conducted in Albanian, Serbian, and English, ensuring inclusive participation.
The project embodied the New European Bauhaus (NEB) values by integrating sustainability, inclusion, and cultural heritage. Participants embraced biodiversity protection and circular economy principles, while educational materials reinforced their connection to the environment. The initiative promoted long-term ecological practices and strengthened unity by fostering cross-community collaboration.
The partnership between Education Code and ACDC was instrumental in overcoming linguistic and political challenges. Trust-building efforts, translation support, and adaptability ensured effective engagement and responses to unforeseen obstacles. The project’s interdisciplinary approach combined expertise in environmental science, advocacy, and business, ensuring a holistic impact.
Ultimately, Eco Unity created lasting change by strengthening local policy support for environmental justice and fostering collaboration between stakeholders. The project stands as a model of participatory governance and interethnic cooperation, fully aligning with NEB values and offering a scalable framework for future initiatives.
Workshops educated participants on environmental rights, sustainable practices, and advocacy strategies. Advocacy meetings created platforms for intercommunity dialogue on shared environmental concerns such as pollution, deforestation, and waste management. These discussions strengthened bonds and encouraged collaborative solutions. The SME mapping initiative identified and supported eco-friendly businesses, fostering local economic sustainability. All activities were conducted in Albanian, Serbian, and English, ensuring inclusive participation.
The project embodied the New European Bauhaus (NEB) values by integrating sustainability, inclusion, and cultural heritage. Participants embraced biodiversity protection and circular economy principles, while educational materials reinforced their connection to the environment. The initiative promoted long-term ecological practices and strengthened unity by fostering cross-community collaboration.
The partnership between Education Code and ACDC was instrumental in overcoming linguistic and political challenges. Trust-building efforts, translation support, and adaptability ensured effective engagement and responses to unforeseen obstacles. The project’s interdisciplinary approach combined expertise in environmental science, advocacy, and business, ensuring a holistic impact.
Ultimately, Eco Unity created lasting change by strengthening local policy support for environmental justice and fostering collaboration between stakeholders. The project stands as a model of participatory governance and interethnic cooperation, fully aligning with NEB values and offering a scalable framework for future initiatives.
Environmental Justice
Community Empowerment - advocacy
Sustainability
Social Cohesion
Circular Economy
The Eco Unity project embodies the core value of sustainability by promoting long-term environmental responsibility through education, advocacy, and community action. The project’s primary objective was to empower multiethnic communities in Northern Kosovo to address shared environmental challenges and implement sustainable solutions. To achieve this, workshops were organized to educate participants on environmental rights, biodiversity preservation, and circular economy principles. Participants gained practical tools to reduce pollution, protect natural resources, and advocate for sustainable local policies.
Additionally, the project incorporated SME mapping to identify and support eco-friendly businesses. Comprehensive reports on SMEs in Northern Kosovo were developed, capturing data on business practices, sustainability challenges, and opportunities for growth. These reports highlighted the potential for cross-community collaboration and sustainable market development, providing actionable insights to strengthen eco-conscious enterprise initiatives in the region. This initiative laid the groundwork for sustainable economic growth by encouraging environmentally conscious practices among local enterprises.
A vital component of sustainability is inclusivity, which Eco Unity exemplified by engaging marginalized and multiethnic groups. By ensuring participation in advocacy meetings and collaborative action planning, the project fostered a collective sense of responsibility for environmental protection.
Through these efforts, the Eco Unity project not only met its objectives but also created a replicable model of sustainable development. It demonstrated that collaborative action, education, and support for eco-businesses can lead to lasting environmental and social transformation, making it exemplary in the context of the New European Bauhaus values.
Additionally, the project incorporated SME mapping to identify and support eco-friendly businesses. Comprehensive reports on SMEs in Northern Kosovo were developed, capturing data on business practices, sustainability challenges, and opportunities for growth. These reports highlighted the potential for cross-community collaboration and sustainable market development, providing actionable insights to strengthen eco-conscious enterprise initiatives in the region. This initiative laid the groundwork for sustainable economic growth by encouraging environmentally conscious practices among local enterprises.
A vital component of sustainability is inclusivity, which Eco Unity exemplified by engaging marginalized and multiethnic groups. By ensuring participation in advocacy meetings and collaborative action planning, the project fostered a collective sense of responsibility for environmental protection.
Through these efforts, the Eco Unity project not only met its objectives but also created a replicable model of sustainable development. It demonstrated that collaborative action, education, and support for eco-businesses can lead to lasting environmental and social transformation, making it exemplary in the context of the New European Bauhaus values.
The Eco Unity project emphasizes aesthetics and quality of experience through cultural and environmental engagement, directly aligning with the New European Bauhaus values. The project created a sense of connection and belonging for participants by integrating local traditions, heritage, and cultural identity in its approach to environmental justice. Activities were designed to provide an enriching experience, where both the natural environment and social interactions played a key role in fostering collaboration and understanding across communities.
Workshops and advocacy meetings offered a unique blend of education and cultural exchange, where participants from diverse ethnic backgrounds came together to address common challenges like pollution and deforestation. The meetings encouraged open dialogue in a supportive setting, allowing participants to share stories, experiences, and solutions linked to their relationship with the environment.
The project promoted environmental stewardship through visual and educational materials that highlighted the beauty of Northern Kosovo’s landscapes. Participants were inspired to see their surroundings not only as resources to protect but as spaces of shared cultural and ecological significance. By presenting sustainable environmental practices through relatable cultural narratives, the project enhanced participants' emotional connection to both nature and their communities.
The collaboration between Education Code and ACDC further strengthened this vision by creating a platform for continuous interethnic cooperation, ensuring that the project's cultural impact would extend beyond its immediate duration. This holistic approach made the Eco Unity project exemplary in fostering a culturally meaningful and aesthetically engaging experience for all involved.
Workshops and advocacy meetings offered a unique blend of education and cultural exchange, where participants from diverse ethnic backgrounds came together to address common challenges like pollution and deforestation. The meetings encouraged open dialogue in a supportive setting, allowing participants to share stories, experiences, and solutions linked to their relationship with the environment.
The project promoted environmental stewardship through visual and educational materials that highlighted the beauty of Northern Kosovo’s landscapes. Participants were inspired to see their surroundings not only as resources to protect but as spaces of shared cultural and ecological significance. By presenting sustainable environmental practices through relatable cultural narratives, the project enhanced participants' emotional connection to both nature and their communities.
The collaboration between Education Code and ACDC further strengthened this vision by creating a platform for continuous interethnic cooperation, ensuring that the project's cultural impact would extend beyond its immediate duration. This holistic approach made the Eco Unity project exemplary in fostering a culturally meaningful and aesthetically engaging experience for all involved.
The Eco Unity project prioritized inclusion by engaging around 90 multiethnic and marginalized community members in Northern Kosovo. Advocacy meetings across Mitrovica North, Mitrovica South, Leposavic, and Zubin Potok brought together 30 participants from diverse backgrounds, raising direct beneficiaries to over 60. These meetings enabled local leaders and stakeholders to collaborate on sustainable action plans. Additionally, two training workshops with 50 participants ensured balanced gender inclusion, making participation equitable and impactful.
Workshops and advocacy meetings were conducted in Albanian, Serbian, and English, ensuring accessibility for all participants. This multilingual approach eliminated communication barriers and enabled equal engagement in discussions on pollution, deforestation, and other environmental challenges. Women and youth, representing 60% of participants, played a central role in developing sustainable action plans, fostering cross-community cooperation.
Three advocacy meetings united over 15 local leaders, civil society organizations, and business representatives to design governance models prioritizing equity and sustainability. These discussions facilitated long-term strategies for environmental resilience while strengthening intercommunity collaboration. The SME mapping initiative supported eco-friendly businesses, many led by minority and underrepresented groups, reinforcing economic sustainability.
The partnership between Education Code and ACDC demonstrated that interethnic collaboration can overcome divisions and foster inclusion. By addressing governance, accessibility, and community empowerment, Eco Unity created a replicable model for advancing sustainability and social cohesion in regions facing similar challenges.
Workshops and advocacy meetings were conducted in Albanian, Serbian, and English, ensuring accessibility for all participants. This multilingual approach eliminated communication barriers and enabled equal engagement in discussions on pollution, deforestation, and other environmental challenges. Women and youth, representing 60% of participants, played a central role in developing sustainable action plans, fostering cross-community cooperation.
Three advocacy meetings united over 15 local leaders, civil society organizations, and business representatives to design governance models prioritizing equity and sustainability. These discussions facilitated long-term strategies for environmental resilience while strengthening intercommunity collaboration. The SME mapping initiative supported eco-friendly businesses, many led by minority and underrepresented groups, reinforcing economic sustainability.
The partnership between Education Code and ACDC demonstrated that interethnic collaboration can overcome divisions and foster inclusion. By addressing governance, accessibility, and community empowerment, Eco Unity created a replicable model for advancing sustainability and social cohesion in regions facing similar challenges.
The Eco Unity project embodies New European Bauhaus principles through participation, multi-level engagement, and transdisciplinary collaboration. Citizens and civil society were central throughout the project’s design, implementation, and evaluation.
The project engaged 90 multiethnic community members across Mitrovica North, Mitrovica South, Leposavic, and Zubin Potok. Advocacy meetings brought together 30 participants from diverse backgrounds to discuss environmental challenges and develop sustainable solutions. These sessions empowered participants to shape project decisions and co-create action plans reflecting their needs. Over 15 local leaders, civil society representatives, and business stakeholders reinforced this participatory governance model.
Workshops, attended by 50 participants with a balanced 50/50 gender ratio, provided training on sustainable environmental practices. The multilingual format—Albanian, Serbian, and English—ensured accessibility, eliminating communication barriers and enabling equal participation. This inclusive approach allowed all voices to contribute meaningfully.
Civil society organizations played a key role in advocacy and training, offering expertise and strengthening stakeholder engagement. The partnership between Education Code and ACDC set a precedent for interethnic cooperation, proving that diverse communities can unite around shared environmental goals. Their collaboration built trust and fostered long-term cooperation, enhancing the project’s sustainability.
By embedding participatory processes at every stage, Eco Unity empowered communities to take ownership of environmental initiatives. This inclusive governance model serves as a replicable framework for inspiring similar initiatives in other regions.
The project engaged 90 multiethnic community members across Mitrovica North, Mitrovica South, Leposavic, and Zubin Potok. Advocacy meetings brought together 30 participants from diverse backgrounds to discuss environmental challenges and develop sustainable solutions. These sessions empowered participants to shape project decisions and co-create action plans reflecting their needs. Over 15 local leaders, civil society representatives, and business stakeholders reinforced this participatory governance model.
Workshops, attended by 50 participants with a balanced 50/50 gender ratio, provided training on sustainable environmental practices. The multilingual format—Albanian, Serbian, and English—ensured accessibility, eliminating communication barriers and enabling equal participation. This inclusive approach allowed all voices to contribute meaningfully.
Civil society organizations played a key role in advocacy and training, offering expertise and strengthening stakeholder engagement. The partnership between Education Code and ACDC set a precedent for interethnic cooperation, proving that diverse communities can unite around shared environmental goals. Their collaboration built trust and fostered long-term cooperation, enhancing the project’s sustainability.
By embedding participatory processes at every stage, Eco Unity empowered communities to take ownership of environmental initiatives. This inclusive governance model serves as a replicable framework for inspiring similar initiatives in other regions.
The Eco Unity project successfully engaged stakeholders at multiple levels, ensuring that the project was not only collaborative but also impactful across various sectors.
At the local level, community members from Mitrovica North, Mitrovica South, Leposavic, and Zubin Potok were deeply involved through advocacy meetings and workshops. Approximately 90 multiethnic participants provided insights into the environmental challenges facing their communities. Their contributions shaped the project’s objectives and action plans, ensuring that activities addressed real and pressing needs.
Local civil society organizations, particularly Education Code and ACDC, were instrumental in facilitating community engagement. They provided expertise, coordinated events, and built trust between stakeholders. Their partnership demonstrated effective interethnic collaboration and showcased a model for cross-community cooperation.
Regional stakeholders, including municipal authorities and environmental experts, played a critical role in advocacy efforts. Over 15 local leaders participated in discussions that influenced policy recommendations and sustainable development strategies. This engagement strengthened the project’s credibility and fostered long-term partnerships for future initiatives.
On a broader scale, the project aligned with European priorities on sustainability and inclusion under the New European Bauhaus framework. Although not directly funded by EU programs, the project’s methodologies and outcomes positioned it as an exemplary initiative that aligns with European goals for social cohesion and environmental stewardship.
The added value of this multi-level engagement was the creation of a comprehensive, community-driven project that leveraged diverse perspectives and expertise. By involving stakeholders across various levels, Eco Unity ensured sustainable, scalable solutions that addressed both local needs and broader regional priorities.
At the local level, community members from Mitrovica North, Mitrovica South, Leposavic, and Zubin Potok were deeply involved through advocacy meetings and workshops. Approximately 90 multiethnic participants provided insights into the environmental challenges facing their communities. Their contributions shaped the project’s objectives and action plans, ensuring that activities addressed real and pressing needs.
Local civil society organizations, particularly Education Code and ACDC, were instrumental in facilitating community engagement. They provided expertise, coordinated events, and built trust between stakeholders. Their partnership demonstrated effective interethnic collaboration and showcased a model for cross-community cooperation.
Regional stakeholders, including municipal authorities and environmental experts, played a critical role in advocacy efforts. Over 15 local leaders participated in discussions that influenced policy recommendations and sustainable development strategies. This engagement strengthened the project’s credibility and fostered long-term partnerships for future initiatives.
On a broader scale, the project aligned with European priorities on sustainability and inclusion under the New European Bauhaus framework. Although not directly funded by EU programs, the project’s methodologies and outcomes positioned it as an exemplary initiative that aligns with European goals for social cohesion and environmental stewardship.
The added value of this multi-level engagement was the creation of a comprehensive, community-driven project that leveraged diverse perspectives and expertise. By involving stakeholders across various levels, Eco Unity ensured sustainable, scalable solutions that addressed both local needs and broader regional priorities.
The Eco Unity project integrated multiple disciplines and knowledge fields to effectively address both environmental and social challenges. Environmental science, community development, governance, and advocacy were the primary fields reflected in the project’s design and implementation.
Environmental experts contributed knowledge on biodiversity preservation, pollution reduction, and circular economy principles, which formed the foundation for workshops and training sessions. These experts guided participants on sustainable practices and policy advocacy for environmental protection.
Community development specialists played a crucial role in ensuring that the project addressed the unique needs of the diverse communities involved. They facilitated dialogue and helped design activities that encouraged cooperation and social cohesion across ethnic groups. Governance experts, including municipal leaders, contributed by shaping policy discussions during advocacy meetings. Their involvement was key in aligning project outcomes with local and regional policy frameworks, ensuring long-term sustainability and institutional support for the project’s initiatives.
Advocacy specialists provided tools and strategies for empowering community members to take action on environmental issues. Their expertise helped participants develop actionable plans and engage with local authorities effectively. These diverse stakeholders worked collaboratively through structured meetings and workshops, where interdisciplinary discussions ensured that various perspectives were incorporated into the project’s strategies. This interaction fostered innovative approaches to both environmental and social challenges, creating well-rounded, sustainable solutions.
The added value of this multidisciplinary approach was the creation of a holistic project that not only addressed environmental concerns but also strengthened social structures, ensuring long-term impact and replicability in similar contexts.
Environmental experts contributed knowledge on biodiversity preservation, pollution reduction, and circular economy principles, which formed the foundation for workshops and training sessions. These experts guided participants on sustainable practices and policy advocacy for environmental protection.
Community development specialists played a crucial role in ensuring that the project addressed the unique needs of the diverse communities involved. They facilitated dialogue and helped design activities that encouraged cooperation and social cohesion across ethnic groups. Governance experts, including municipal leaders, contributed by shaping policy discussions during advocacy meetings. Their involvement was key in aligning project outcomes with local and regional policy frameworks, ensuring long-term sustainability and institutional support for the project’s initiatives.
Advocacy specialists provided tools and strategies for empowering community members to take action on environmental issues. Their expertise helped participants develop actionable plans and engage with local authorities effectively. These diverse stakeholders worked collaboratively through structured meetings and workshops, where interdisciplinary discussions ensured that various perspectives were incorporated into the project’s strategies. This interaction fostered innovative approaches to both environmental and social challenges, creating well-rounded, sustainable solutions.
The added value of this multidisciplinary approach was the creation of a holistic project that not only addressed environmental concerns but also strengthened social structures, ensuring long-term impact and replicability in similar contexts.
The Eco Unity project introduced an innovative approach by using environmental justice as a unifying cause to connect historically divided multiethnic communities. Unlike conventional projects that address environmental or social issues separately, Eco Unity combined both dimensions to foster collaboration and shared responsibility.
The project transformed environmental challenges into opportunities for peacebuilding. By framing pollution, deforestation, and sustainable resource management as shared concerns, it created common ground where participants could overcome ethnic and political differences. Communities from Mitrovica North, Mitrovica South, Leposavic, and Zubin Potok worked together toward solutions that benefited all.
The project’s design incorporated multilingual workshops and advocacy meetings, ensuring equal access for all participants. Sessions were conducted in Albanian, Serbian, and English, eliminating communication barriers and fostering trust. This inclusivity was key to long-term collaboration in a region marked by division.
A groundbreaking aspect of Eco Unity was the partnership between Education Code and ACDC. By uniting Albanian and Serbian organizations under a shared mission, the project set a precedent for interethnic cooperation. Advocacy meetings brought together local leaders, civil society, and municipal authorities to develop joint action plans, reinforcing participatory governance. SME mapping and eco-friendly business initiatives further strengthened social cohesion and sustainability.
By integrating environmental justice with peacebuilding and inclusion, Eco Unity distinguished itself from conventional approaches. It serves as a replicable model for conflict-affected regions, proving that cause-driven collaboration can achieve lasting, transformative change.
The project transformed environmental challenges into opportunities for peacebuilding. By framing pollution, deforestation, and sustainable resource management as shared concerns, it created common ground where participants could overcome ethnic and political differences. Communities from Mitrovica North, Mitrovica South, Leposavic, and Zubin Potok worked together toward solutions that benefited all.
The project’s design incorporated multilingual workshops and advocacy meetings, ensuring equal access for all participants. Sessions were conducted in Albanian, Serbian, and English, eliminating communication barriers and fostering trust. This inclusivity was key to long-term collaboration in a region marked by division.
A groundbreaking aspect of Eco Unity was the partnership between Education Code and ACDC. By uniting Albanian and Serbian organizations under a shared mission, the project set a precedent for interethnic cooperation. Advocacy meetings brought together local leaders, civil society, and municipal authorities to develop joint action plans, reinforcing participatory governance. SME mapping and eco-friendly business initiatives further strengthened social cohesion and sustainability.
By integrating environmental justice with peacebuilding and inclusion, Eco Unity distinguished itself from conventional approaches. It serves as a replicable model for conflict-affected regions, proving that cause-driven collaboration can achieve lasting, transformative change.
The Eco Unity project employed a participatory, conflict-sensitive approach, using environmental justice as a platform for interethnic cooperation in Northern Kosovo. By framing environmental issues as shared concerns beyond ethnic divisions, the project fostered dialogue, collaboration, and collective problem-solving in communities with historically limited trust and cooperation.
A multi-step methodology began with community needs assessments to identify pressing environmental challenges such as pollution and deforestation. This informed the design of workshops and advocacy meetings in Mitrovica North, Mitrovica South, Leposavic, and Zubin Potok, engaging around 90 participants. These gatherings prioritized shared environmental goals, steering discussions away from political divides.
To ensure inclusivity, all activities were conducted in Albanian, Serbian, and English, eliminating communication barriers and fostering equal participation. This multilingual approach reinforced respect and mutual understanding, enabling meaningful engagement across communities.
A key innovation was the partnership between the Albanian NGO Education Code and the Serbian NGO ACDC, which facilitated and mediated project activities. Their collaboration symbolized unity and demonstrated the feasibility of interethnic cooperation in tackling regional challenges.
The project also integrated SME mapping to support environmentally sustainable businesses, adding an economic dimension to environmental justice. This initiative helped communities see sustainability as both a social and economic opportunity.
By embedding participatory governance, capacity-building, and cross-community engagement, Eco Unity created a replicable model for addressing environmental and political challenges. It demonstrated that ecological justice can serve as a pathway to long-term peace and social cohesion in divided communities.
A multi-step methodology began with community needs assessments to identify pressing environmental challenges such as pollution and deforestation. This informed the design of workshops and advocacy meetings in Mitrovica North, Mitrovica South, Leposavic, and Zubin Potok, engaging around 90 participants. These gatherings prioritized shared environmental goals, steering discussions away from political divides.
To ensure inclusivity, all activities were conducted in Albanian, Serbian, and English, eliminating communication barriers and fostering equal participation. This multilingual approach reinforced respect and mutual understanding, enabling meaningful engagement across communities.
A key innovation was the partnership between the Albanian NGO Education Code and the Serbian NGO ACDC, which facilitated and mediated project activities. Their collaboration symbolized unity and demonstrated the feasibility of interethnic cooperation in tackling regional challenges.
The project also integrated SME mapping to support environmentally sustainable businesses, adding an economic dimension to environmental justice. This initiative helped communities see sustainability as both a social and economic opportunity.
By embedding participatory governance, capacity-building, and cross-community engagement, Eco Unity created a replicable model for addressing environmental and political challenges. It demonstrated that ecological justice can serve as a pathway to long-term peace and social cohesion in divided communities.
The Eco Unity project presents a transferable model for regions facing environmental and social tensions. Its participatory approach, conflict-sensitive framework, and integration of environmental justice with community empowerment make it highly adaptable.
A key replicable element is framing environmental challenges as a unifying cause. In divided regions, focusing on shared ecological concerns fosters dialogue and cooperation. The project’s success in uniting Albanian and Serbian communities in Northern Kosovo demonstrates how environmental justice can serve as a neutral platform for peacebuilding.
Another transferable aspect is the multilingual engagement strategy. Conducting activities in Albanian, Serbian, and English ensured inclusivity, an approach applicable in other multilingual contexts to promote equal participation.
Workshops and advocacy meetings emphasizing participatory governance can also be adapted. These sessions engaged local stakeholders in co-creating solutions, strengthening both ownership and sustainability. Other regions can replicate this model to encourage community-driven environmental management.
The SME mapping initiative is another adaptable feature. Identifying and supporting sustainable businesses allows projects to merge environmental protection with economic empowerment, fostering long-term resilience.
Additionally, the partnership between Education Code and ACDC highlights the importance of inter-organizational collaboration. This model of cross-community cooperation can inspire partnerships in regions facing socio-political divisions.
Eco Unity provides a scalable blueprint for integrating environmental justice with social cohesion. Its participatory methods, inclusive engagement, and sustainability strategies can drive ecological and societal transformation in diverse contexts.
A key replicable element is framing environmental challenges as a unifying cause. In divided regions, focusing on shared ecological concerns fosters dialogue and cooperation. The project’s success in uniting Albanian and Serbian communities in Northern Kosovo demonstrates how environmental justice can serve as a neutral platform for peacebuilding.
Another transferable aspect is the multilingual engagement strategy. Conducting activities in Albanian, Serbian, and English ensured inclusivity, an approach applicable in other multilingual contexts to promote equal participation.
Workshops and advocacy meetings emphasizing participatory governance can also be adapted. These sessions engaged local stakeholders in co-creating solutions, strengthening both ownership and sustainability. Other regions can replicate this model to encourage community-driven environmental management.
The SME mapping initiative is another adaptable feature. Identifying and supporting sustainable businesses allows projects to merge environmental protection with economic empowerment, fostering long-term resilience.
Additionally, the partnership between Education Code and ACDC highlights the importance of inter-organizational collaboration. This model of cross-community cooperation can inspire partnerships in regions facing socio-political divisions.
Eco Unity provides a scalable blueprint for integrating environmental justice with social cohesion. Its participatory methods, inclusive engagement, and sustainability strategies can drive ecological and societal transformation in diverse contexts.
The Eco Unity project tackles several global challenges through practical, community-driven solutions. One of these challenges is environmental degradation, addressed by promoting sustainable practices, including pollution reduction, biodiversity preservation, and circular economy principles. Educational workshops and SME mapping initiatives empowered communities in Mitrovica North, Mitrovica South, Leposavic, and Zubin Potok to adopt environmentally friendly practices and advocate for long-term ecological protection.
The project also responds to the global challenge of political and social fragmentation. In regions affected by conflict, divisions can hinder cooperation and development. Eco Unity overcame these barriers by using environmental justice as a unifying cause. The partnership between the Albanian NGO Education Code and the Serbian NGO ACDC fostered collaboration across historically divided communities, illustrating that common environmental goals can promote peacebuilding and trust.
Additionally, economic sustainability was addressed through the SME mapping initiative, which identified and supported local eco-friendly businesses. By providing opportunities for sustainable entrepreneurship, the project strengthened the local economy and showcased how business innovation can contribute to environmental solutions.
Finally, social inclusion was a central focus. Project activities were conducted in Albanian, Serbian, and English to promote accessibility and equal participation for all ethnic groups. Training workshops, advocacy meetings, and ongoing collaboration with civil society partners ensured that marginalized voices were heard and included in decision-making processes.
Through these integrated approaches, Eco Unity demonstrated how local actions can effectively address global challenges related to the environment, peacebuilding, and inclusive development.
The project also responds to the global challenge of political and social fragmentation. In regions affected by conflict, divisions can hinder cooperation and development. Eco Unity overcame these barriers by using environmental justice as a unifying cause. The partnership between the Albanian NGO Education Code and the Serbian NGO ACDC fostered collaboration across historically divided communities, illustrating that common environmental goals can promote peacebuilding and trust.
Additionally, economic sustainability was addressed through the SME mapping initiative, which identified and supported local eco-friendly businesses. By providing opportunities for sustainable entrepreneurship, the project strengthened the local economy and showcased how business innovation can contribute to environmental solutions.
Finally, social inclusion was a central focus. Project activities were conducted in Albanian, Serbian, and English to promote accessibility and equal participation for all ethnic groups. Training workshops, advocacy meetings, and ongoing collaboration with civil society partners ensured that marginalized voices were heard and included in decision-making processes.
Through these integrated approaches, Eco Unity demonstrated how local actions can effectively address global challenges related to the environment, peacebuilding, and inclusive development.
The Eco Unity project delivered significant results, aligning with New European Bauhaus principles across multiple domains.
Direct Beneficiaries: Over 90 participants, including 50 workshop attendees and 30 engaged in advocacy meetings, directly benefited. Representing diverse ethnic backgrounds across Mitrovica North, Mitrovica South, Leposavic, and Zubin Potok, they gained hands-on training in environmental rights, sustainability, and circular economy principles, empowering them to advocate for ecological justice.
Policy and Governance Impact: Three advocacy meetings engaged 15+ municipal leaders, civil society representatives, and business stakeholders. These meetings resulted in action plans focused on pollution reduction, biodiversity protection, and sustainable resource management. Strengthened governance structures fostered ongoing dialogue and cooperation.
Economic Empowerment: The SME mapping initiative identified and supported minority-led eco-friendly businesses, promoting sustainable entrepreneurship and enhancing economic and environmental resilience.
Social Cohesion: By fostering collaboration between Albanian and Serbian communities, the project reduced tensions and demonstrated how environmental justice can unite communities. The partnership between Education Code and ACDC served as a model for interethnic cooperation.
Long-term Impact: The project strengthened community networks, raised environmental awareness, and established institutional partnerships, ensuring sustainability beyond its timeline. By integrating inclusion and participatory governance, Eco Unity stands as a replicable model for similar regions.
These outcomes highlight the project’s transformative impact on environmental stewardship, social cohesion, and regional development.
Direct Beneficiaries: Over 90 participants, including 50 workshop attendees and 30 engaged in advocacy meetings, directly benefited. Representing diverse ethnic backgrounds across Mitrovica North, Mitrovica South, Leposavic, and Zubin Potok, they gained hands-on training in environmental rights, sustainability, and circular economy principles, empowering them to advocate for ecological justice.
Policy and Governance Impact: Three advocacy meetings engaged 15+ municipal leaders, civil society representatives, and business stakeholders. These meetings resulted in action plans focused on pollution reduction, biodiversity protection, and sustainable resource management. Strengthened governance structures fostered ongoing dialogue and cooperation.
Economic Empowerment: The SME mapping initiative identified and supported minority-led eco-friendly businesses, promoting sustainable entrepreneurship and enhancing economic and environmental resilience.
Social Cohesion: By fostering collaboration between Albanian and Serbian communities, the project reduced tensions and demonstrated how environmental justice can unite communities. The partnership between Education Code and ACDC served as a model for interethnic cooperation.
Long-term Impact: The project strengthened community networks, raised environmental awareness, and established institutional partnerships, ensuring sustainability beyond its timeline. By integrating inclusion and participatory governance, Eco Unity stands as a replicable model for similar regions.
These outcomes highlight the project’s transformative impact on environmental stewardship, social cohesion, and regional development.
