Climate Smart Bio-Waste Management Challenge extends deadline to May 15

The Climate Smart Bio-Waste Management Challenge is for innovative solutions for tackling biodegradable matter. UNDP and Serbia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection called on municipal authorities, companies, nongovernmental organizations, research and academic institutions as well as individuals to apply.

Potential participants in Serbia can apply for the Climate Smart Bio-Waste Management Challenge by May 15 at 17:00, organizers said. The deadline was extended due to the coronavirus pandemic. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Serbia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection added virtual info days would be held on April 15 and 29.

Applications are submitted on the Climate Smart Urban Development Challenge (CSUD) project webpage. Interested individuals, self-governments, public and private companies, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, research and academic institutions can find best practices in a handbook available for download.

The challenge backed by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency – SIDA is for innovative proposals for tackling biodegradable matter, particularly from food that’s thrown away and other kitchen waste as well as biowaste from greenery and gardens in Serbia.

The idea is to stimulate solutions that lower greenhouse gas emissions and boost the utilization of renewable sources in energy production.

Applicants should offer ideas that would lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and boost the utilization of renewable sources in energy production

Selected teams will get mentoring from professionals and the top five are eligible for cofinancing aimed at the implementation of their ideas. They will also have the opportunity to go to Sweden for study visits.

Only 1% of total biowaste in Serbia is processed and losses are estimated at EUR 50 million per annum

According to the latest data, Serbia collects 900,000 tons of biodegradable waste per year, but 70% goes to poorly run landfills and harms the environment while adding to emissions of harmful gases. Only 1% of total waste is processed and losses are estimated at EUR 50 million per annum, according to the UNDP.