The panel discussion “Stara Planina for New Generations” was held on November 19 at the European House in Belgrade as part of the European Green Diplomacy Week. The event aimed to examine key challenges in protecting the natural environment of Stara Planina, as well as the importance of involving citizens and young people in decision-making processes.
The panel was moderated by Ksenija Todorović of the Regulatory Institute for Renewable Energy and the Environment (RERI). The speakers shared their views and experiences:
Dragomir Ristanović, public policy adviser at RERI
Jelena Petrović, landscape architect
Matija Gogić, second-year student at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences
The discussion opened with a video from a study visit, followed by a conversation about the broader context of the project, on-the-ground challenges, and the importance of continuous civic oversight.
Issues such as small hydropower plants, poaching, illegal construction, and the pressures brought by tourism development were highlighted during the discussion.
A special focus was placed on the role of young people—their motivation, ways of getting involved, and the significance of hands-on field experience for understanding environmental problems and defining future professional pathways. The panelists emphasized that long-term youth engagement depends on opportunities for their voices to be heard, on connecting with experts, and on access to practical learning experiences.
The event was highly interactive, with audience members asking questions particularly related to local activism, examples of good practice, and ways to engage citizens in nature protection. This demonstrated that interest in the topic extends beyond local residents to people in Belgrade and beyond, underscoring the importance of collective involvement in safeguarding natural areas.
Participants also shared personal impressions from the study visit, stressing the importance of direct contact with local communities and of a multidisciplinary approach.
