14 innovative solutions for better air quality in Serbia presented

Belgrade, 19 March 2021 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Serbia presented 14 most innovative ideas for reduction of air pollution and improvement of air quality in Serbia, received as response to the public call “Clean Air Innovation Challenge“, that UNDP launched in cooperation with UNICEF and World Health Organization (WHO). Among them, there are solutions for better air quality monitoring, air purifiers, improved fuel combustion, reduction of air pollution impact on children, as well as solutions for detecting air pollutants. All selected proposals have an equally important impact on the quality of the air we all breathe and are presented on the following platform: http://cleanairresponse.undp.org.rs/.

“Air pollution is a complex and multi-faceted challenge that requires a whole of society approach. A favourable legal framework and adequate funds for the implementation of measures are required for its solving, particularly at the local level.  Likewise, it is necessary to motivate local experts and innovators to find new solutions which will bring tangible benefits and have a long-lasting impact on the improvement of air quality.  Therefore UNDP, in cooperation with WHO and UNICEF, is mobilising and bringing together development partners, donors, representatives of both national and local governments, academia and innovators from the private sector to curb air pollution in Serbia”, stated Francine Pickup, UNDP Resident Representative in Serbia.

The approximate value of all 14 selected solutions for better air quality amounts to 1 million USD, and UNDP has supported one innovative solution - “The Information System for Stubble Burning Location Mapping” (http://cleanairresponse.undp.org.rs/geoportal/), designed by the team of Biosense Institute in Novi Sad.

Stubble brining after the harvest season, except for the fact that it destroys humus in the soil, also poses threats to the surrounding ecosystem, additionally pollutes the air and increases the CO₂ emission. Using innovative technological solutions and digital tools, the Biosense Institute team will detect stubble burning locations, thus contributing to the prevention of fires resulting as their consequence in the future. Data on stubble burning locations that are to be collected will be available to all Serbian citizens at thorough an online portal.  

“The Ministry I am heading, has already undertaken important steps with a view of improving air quality, and in order to make a progress in that field it is necessary to have joint action, above all, cross-sectoral cooperation at the national level, the involvement of every local government, economy, science and civil sector, and most importantly, society as a whole. If each of us contributes, the results will not be missed. I would like to thank our partners from UNDP, because by supporting the implementation of innovative solutions for cleaner air, they have shown their readiness to contribute to solving the problem that has been present in Serbia for decades. It is important that in the future we have as many initiatives like this one so that in the years ahead we can together raise awareness and solve the problem of air pollution as efficiently as possible because that is extremely important for nature protection, all of us and future generations. " said Irena Vujović, Minister of Environmental Protection in the Government of the Republic of Serbia.

“According to the UN projections, 68% of the world's population will live in cities by 2050, and that is why it is important that cities implement adequate measures to protect the health of their inhabitants and protect the environment because these areas are closely connected. According to the valid Development Strategy, sustainable development is one of the strategic determinations of the City of Belgrade”, emphasized the City of Belgrade Mayor, Zoran Radojičić.

He has stated that the biggest sources of pollution in Belgrade are individual households during the heating season, stubble burning after the autumn harvest, traffic throughout the year, thermal power plants and industry.

“I would like to inform you that the European Commission provides substantial support in the area of environment and climate change, which is a top priority in our pre-accession assistance. Recent projects included installing filters on the thermal power plants in Obrenovac, Morava and Kostolac to reduce emissions of pollutants, installing air quality measuring stations and providing expertise for climate action (development of climate law, climate strategy and action plan). I would like to congratulate Serbia for adopting the Climate Law yesterday, after a long process. In addition, this year, together with EU support, the Ministry of Environmental Protection will present to the public the “National Air Protection Programme” as a result of a 2-years analysis of the situation, modelling and data processing. Much work stay ahead for improving air quality, and rapid actions are still needed”, said Mateja Norčič Štamcar, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia.

Exposure to air pollution has serious negative effects on health, length and quality of life. Official air quality measurements confirm that throughout Serbia, mostly in urban areas, pollution levels exceed the values of the WHO guidelines. Marijan Ivanuša, WHO Representative in Serbia pointed out that air pollution does not affect all citizens equally.

“The health consequences are greater for those whose health has already been impaired. Vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly and citizens who have lower incomes and limited access to health care, are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution,” Ivanuša has said.

“Air pollution is a crisis of equality because it does not affect every individual equally. Children and families already at risk of poverty are more likely to be affected - children from poor families, from rural areas or children from minority groups, often live in communities where biofuels or waste are burned for heating and cooking. UNICEF is committed to tackling air pollution and climate crisis challenges together with the Government of the Republic of Serbia and local authorities. One of the ways we do that is by raising awareness and empowering children to become initiators of change,” said  Dejana Kostadinova, UNICEF Representative in Serbia.

According to the Institute of Public Health of Serbia “Milan Jovanović Batut” Report on Air Pollution in Serbia for 2019, the main emitters of pollutants in the country are the mining industry and the energy sector, as well as the transport and construction sectors. In addition, poor quality coal used for heating in individual households exacerbates this problem, as do unsanitary landfills.

Research indicates that reducing air pollution brings measurable health benefits. Improving air quality and reducing the concentration of PM2.5 particles can directly reduce mortality and diseases caused by air pollution.

In addition to contributing to a healthier living environment, all 14 selected innovative proposals have the potential to stimulate local economic development, innovation and entrepreneurship. UNDP, therefore, invites all interested parties to join and help realize the best ideas so that together we can provide cleaner air in Serbia in the long run.