EECSOK

Empowering Environmental Civil Society Organizations in Kosovo

Funded by Embassy of Sweden in Prishtina

Overall Objective

EECSOK
Empowering Environmental Civil Society Organizations in Kosovo

Strengthening partner organizations through the enhancement of their capacities to address challenges in environmental fields and create a positive and sustainable impact on the environment.

Specific Objectives​

Enhance Environmental Civil Society Organizations (ECSOs’) capacities by offering sector-specific expertise, enhancing their understanding of environmental sectors, and continuously improving their practical knowledge to proficiently identify and influence sector-specific environmental issues.

Enhance ECSOs’ capacity to engage in policy discussions and implementation, with a focus on national laws, Kosovo’s EU accession commitments, including the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. Additionally, provide opportunities for networking and coalition-building.

Strengthen the project management skills of ECSOs through in-house and external training, facilitating the practical application of acquired knowledge and empower them to take on increased project management responsibilities with increased confidence and competence.

 

Target Groups​

The EECSOK project offers benefits to a diverse range of stakeholders. ESCOs will receive comprehensive training and support, enhancing their organizational and environmental competency. Businesses, as another beneficiary, will be introduced to ESG standards, preparing them for the anticipated shift towards mandatory sustainable practices. This transition presents a unique opportunity for E-CSOs, other NGOs, businesses, and social enterprises to establish partnerships for mutual benefit. This collaboration fosters knowledge exchange and allows them to work together towards adopting more sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices.
Moving on to governmental stakeholders, local and central authorities will benefit from practical knowledge gained through the project. This knowledge equips them to make well-informed decisions about policy improvements and potential changes, especially concerning monitoring and evaluation and addressing legislative enforcement issues.
At the community level, community members will benefit from a wide range of activities, ensuring that ownership is respected at all levels. Community benefits encompass increased environmental awareness, promoting sustainable practices, emphasizing the importance of waste reduction, preservation of biodiversity, responsible water usage and efficient irrigation, recycling, and gaining skills that encourage environmentally friendly practices. The project’s advocacy initiatives will actively engage community members, fostering responsibility for the local environment.
Furthermore, the project’s collaborations with schools, universities, and environmental activists will help strengthen partnerships within the community and facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences. Lastly, the project will create opportunities for community members, particularly the youth, through initiatives like “youth seed grants” and capacity-building programs.

Core Project Activities

  • Develop tailored capacity-building training for partner E-CSOs based on their specific needs.
  • Develop sector specific training for partner ECSOs’ to increase their sectoral knowledge and devise strategies to improve their influence among stakeholders;
  • Implement training sessions in alignment with the assessment findings.
  • Offer certified training on Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance Standards (ESG) to E-CSOs to enable piloting of ESG based auditing for businesses in up to 10 municipalities.
  • Testing the ESG-based monitoring and evaluation programs in two

           municipalities.

  • Facilitate networking and exchange of best practices with NGOs from Kosovo and neighboring countries.
  • Facilitate workshops, e-cafes, and conferences to foster discussion on sustainable practices and establish collaborative partnerships among partner E-CSOs, NGOs, institutions, agencies, media, academia, experts, businesses, as well as financial and educational institutions.
  • Produce up to 10 evidence-based policy briefs on topics relevant to the project target areas.
  • Implement advocacy campaigns to promote the wider integration circular economy practices, and raise awareness among businesses and policymakers about the benefits of adopting the sustainable practices.
  • Support partner ECSOs in the implementation of advocacy, educational, hands-on, and awareness-raising activities. Additionally, provide assistance in developing sustainable business models and conduct research in diverse environmental fields to enhance the overall understanding and impact of different stakeholders in ensuring environmental sustainability.
  • Support institutions with research findings by providing tailored recommendations and practical guidance for informed decision-making and policy development.

Budget

€ 711,717.00

Implementation Period

1 December,2023 – 31 December 2027

Funding

Funded by Embassy of Sweden in Prishtina

Partner (s)

Let’s Do It Peja; 7 Arte, Balkan Green Foundation; Ec Ma Ndryshe.

Ref. Number

Sida Contribution No. 16485

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