Clean air for every child
Young people across Montenegro, with the support of UNICEF, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Scout Association, are contributing to improving air quality and environmental protection
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Grahovo, 23 June 2024 – Initiatives – such as setting up “ballot” boxes for recycling, charity concerts, collaboration with local festivals, cleanup and planting actions, the establishment of local scout associations and digital monitoring of planted trees – are some of the ideas that young people are proposing to improve air quality in their communities.
The winners of local contests presented their ideas at the scout camp in Grahovo as part of the “Youth for Clean Air” project, supported by UNICEF and SIDA, and implemented by the Scout Association of Montenegro, aiming to involve more young people in addressing environmental protection issues.
This project has changed my perspective on the world, because I have realized that many young people like me are willing to participate and make Montenegro cleaner
He enthusiastically talks about what he has learned, including about PM 10 and PM 2.5 particles.
“Through this project, I have learned many fascinating things, such as the differences between PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles. These molecules are primarily responsible for air pollution in Montenegro and are indirectly mostly produced by factories,” he explains.
According to UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI) from 2022, 99% of children in the Western Balkans are exposed to air pollution, seriously jeopardizing their health and future.
Moreover, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s data from 2023, the air quality in Montenegro is not satisfactory in municipalities such as Bijelo Polje, Nikšić, Pljevlja and Podgorica.
Due to factors such as a higher breathing rate, less developed lungs and lower resistance to harmful particles, children are at a much higher risk of illness, compared to adults. Air pollution can negatively affect brain development and lead to neurological disorders, while in some cases, it can be fatal.
According to a 2016 study conducted using the World Health Organization methodology, air pollution in Montenegro accounts for about 4 per cent of total mortality in the country, with particularly high percentages in Pljevlja (22 per cent).
Ksenija Pejović, Kosta and other young people participated in this camp in Grahovo. Although this topic was not previously close to her, she now wants to actively contribute to a cleaner environment for all citizens of Montenegro.
It was not really my area of interest, but through this project, I became genuinely interested in changing society. I became much more environmentally conscious and learned how much our small actions can mean for the planet
Her team developed the idea of a “Green Wall”, which includes several activities, including planting plants in the yard of a primary school near the brewery in Nikšić to reduce air pollution.
Ksenija emphasizes the importance of involving her peers in environmental education.
“I think young people are not engaged enough, because they do not understand the magnitude of the problem or do not believe that their contribution can make a difference. However, I would encourage young people to join a project like this,” Ksenija says.
On 19 April, the Government of Montenegro, with the support of UNICEF, signed the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Change, committing to actively working with young people and investing in a clean environment.
The camp in Grahovo is just one of a series of activities being implemented with the support of UNICEF and SIDA to help young people become leaders in improving air quality and preserving the environment.
