The exhibition presents 15 selected photo-stories, chosen among 138 submitted works by amateur photographers from the entire region.
Through strong visual narratives, the exhibition shows inspiring examples of biodiversity protection, circular economy, depopulation, sustainable agriculture, green education and green finance, but also points to the environmental challenges facing the Western Balkans.
The photographs tell stories of resilience, creativity and respect for nature, with a clear message that a greener future for the region is within reach.
Head of the Department of Communications and spokesperson of the Delegation of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ferdinand Koenig, pointed out that the results of the project clearly show that young people are extremely interested in nature and its preservation.
– Their photos not only show the beauty of the nature of the Western Balkans, but also strongly indicate the importance of environmental protection – emphasized Koenig.
He reminded that the topic of environmental protection is particularly topical in the light of record levels of air pollution, especially in urban areas like Sarajevo, where the consequences of pollution are felt in the everyday life of citizens.
Koenig also emphasized the important role of civil society organizations, which show through their engagement that there is a large number of individuals and organizations actively committed to environmental protection.
– The European Union will continue to support these efforts through the Growth Plan, the EU4Green project and other investments, confirming its long-term commitment to the green agenda in the region – said Koenig, and reminded that the European Union supported the EU4Green project with 10 million euros.
On that occasion, he congratulated all the participants of the photo contest, including the three winners, including the photographer from Bosnia and Herzegovina, who won the third prize.
The representative of the EU4Green project, Maja Čolović Daul, explained that the project lasts from 2022 and is aimed at creating strategic documents that will facilitate the implementation of the Green Deal and the Agenda for the Western Balkans, with the participation of numerous experts, institutes and non-governmental organizations.
– The essence of success lies in joint implementation – with citizens, institutions, all relevant actors of society. This exhibition allows us to see the Green Agenda through the eyes of an ordinary citizen, through artistic expression and personal experience – pointed out Čolović Daul.
Communications coordinator of the EU4Green project for BiH and Montenegro, Mak Kapetanović, emphasized that the selection of the best works was not easy.
– Out of 138 submitted works, the 15 best ones were selected, while three photo-stories were declared winners due to their strong message, narrative and artistic value – Kapetanović said.
The winners of the photo contest are: Marko Dimić (Serbia), Marija Šoškić Popović (Montenegro) and Indir Merdanović (Bosnia and Herzegovina).
The exhibition is part of a traveling regional series, and was previously presented in the capitals of the Western Balkans. The first exhibition and award ceremony were held in Europe House Podgorica, from September 23 to October 1 this year.
Sarajevo is hosting the final exhibition, which will be open until December 24.
The exhibition is realized as part of the EU4Green project, which supports the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans through regional cooperation, awareness raising and concrete activities aimed at sustainable development.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
