During the 2025/26 Rotary year, Rotary District 2483 implemented the Rotary Climate Action – Unite for ECO Good programme, with the aim of increasing climate literacy, promoting sustainable development, engaging children and young people, and strengthening the connection between environmental protection, public health, and active citizenship. The programme was carried out under the patronage of the District Governor and coordinated by the District Climate Action Coordinator in cooperation with the Rotary Club Novi Sad Eco-Art.
The activities included a district-wide survey among Rotary and Rotaract clubs and individual members, as well as the district flagship initiative "Unite for ECO Good – Miloduh (Hyssop) for a Gentle Spirit", organised by the Rotary Club Novi Sad Eco-Art. The project involved numerous schools and preschool institutions, children from Rotary families, and many other children who demonstrated great enthusiasm for urban gardening. The programme also resulted in new partnerships with organisations and institutions from the local community.
DISTRICT SURVEY – ROTARY AND ROTARACT CLUBS AND INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
A district-wide survey was conducted to assess the level of engagement of Rotary and Rotaract clubs in environmental protection and climate action activities. The survey also aimed to identify examples of good practice, opportunities for inter-club collaboration, and areas for future development.
More than 40 individual responses and responses from 14 Rotary clubs were collected.
The findings showed that over 70% of clubs organise or plan tree-planting and greening initiatives, while nearly half are involved in activities promoting waste reduction, recycling, reduced plastic use, and more sustainable lifestyles. It is particularly encouraging that many clubs recognise the importance of environmental education and are willing to organise events dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development.
The following clubs demonstrated particularly strong engagement: RC Belgrade Skadarlija, RC Smederevo, RC Bor, RC Sombor, RC Budva, RC Zrenjanin, RC Niš, RC Zemun, RC Novi Sad Eco-Art, Rotaract Novi Sad, RC Pančevo Mihajlo Pupin, RC Bar, RC Zaječar, RC Kula.
The survey identified numerous examples of good practice, including urban greening initiatives, reforestation campaigns, battery and waste recycling, cycling promotion, outdoor educational activities, and environmental education programmes for children and young people. Overall, the survey confirmed a strong foundation for the further development of collaborative climate projects across District 2483.
ROTARY CLIMATE ACTION - "Unite for ECO Good – Miloduh (Hyssop) for a Gentle Spirit"
The flagship district project "Unite for ECO Good – Miloduh (Hyssop) for a Gentle Spirit" aimed to demonstrate the close relationship between climate action, urban gardening, mental well-being, and working with children through the cultivation of medicinal herbs and outdoor learning activities.
The project demonstrated that climate action can be simple, creative, inclusive, and accessible to all generations. More than 100 children, together with teachers, parents, Rotary and Rotaract members, participated in the activities. The programme included urban gardening workshops, nature-inspired art workshops, educational events, a children's art competition, and a silent auction of children's artwork.
All participating children received the "Eco-Art Gardener" Certificate, while special appreciation awards were presented to the following partners: Primary School "Tvrđava", Kindergarten "Zemlja čuda", Primary School "Laza Kostić", Kovilj (Novi Sad), Avalon Educational Centre, Novi Sad, Student Parliament of the Technical School Negotin, Kreativni Pogon / Cirkoneo NGO. Special recognition is given to dedicated Rotarian Nebojša Đinović (RC Smederevo) for his generous donation of seeds and his active contribution to the implementation of the project.
COOPERATION WITH ROTARY CLUBS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
One of the greatest strengths of this year's climate programme was the broad collaboration among Rotary clubs and community partners. As an examples, there are some activities which clearly demonstrated that climate challenges can only be successfully addressed through cooperation, knowledge sharing, and mutual support. Notable contributions included:
- RC Smederevo – greening initiatives and recycling projects;
- RC Bor and RC Zaječar – cooperation with the Technical School in Negotin;
- RC Bar – participation in the Boranka reforestation campaign and battery recycling initiatives;
- RC Pančevo Mihajlo Pupin – organisation of the Pančevo Cycling Event;
- RC Budva – promotion of cycling and environmental awareness;
- RC Zemun – tree-planting initiatives;
- RC Zrenjanin – establishment of the Rotary Park as an example of local urban greening;
- RC Belgrade Sava – environmental service initiatives;
- Rotaract Novi Sad – the RotaRun initiative and the "Forest Corner" project.
- Rotary Club Novi Sad Eco-Art – hands-on urban gardening activities, workshops with children, climate talk dialogues
Significant support was also provided by OPENS (Association of Youth Organisations), schools, kindergartens, Kreativni Pogon/Cirkoneo, and many dedicated volunteers whose knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment contributed to the success of the programme. These partnerships further confirmed Rotary's role as a reliable community partner in developing sustainable, healthy, and inclusive initiatives.District 2483 and the Rotary Club Novi Sad Eco-Art, with the support of Marija Nenadic (RC Belgrade Stari Grad), also participated in the MINGA Global Action Initiative, further increasing the international visibility of the District's climate activities.
VISIBILITY AND DISSEMINATION
An important outcome of the Rotary Climate Action programme has been the increased visibility of Rotary at the local, national, and European levels.
Programme activities were promoted through: European Public Health Week; the European Climate Pact website; social media platforms; the District Newsletter; Rotary International Showcase; video productions and educational materials.
These activities further positioned Rotary District 2483 as a climate-responsible and socially engaged district while strengthening partnerships with institutions, schools, youth organizations, professionals, and friends of Rotary.
AREAS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT
The evaluation of activities and survey findings identified several opportunities for future improvement. Particular attention will be given to: increasing the participation of all District clubs; developing more inter-club climate projects; improving monitoring and reporting systems; promoting the No Food Waste principle; strengthening recycling and circular economy initiatives; increasing youth engagement; providing continuous education on climate change and sustainable development.
Key Messages
- Climate action is becoming a recognised part of the identity of Rotary District 2483, and Rotary has the potential to become a leader in local climate action.
- Climate change and public health must be addressed together.
- Children and young people are essential partners in building a sustainable future.
- Small local actions can create significant social impact.
- Strong partnerships increase both sustainability and the visibility of results.
The Rotary Climate Action – Unite for ECO Good programme during the 2025/26 Rotary year demonstrated that the Rotary and Rotaract clubs of District 2483 possess the capacity to contribute to environmental protection, public health, and community development through education, practical activities, and partnerships.
Under the motto "Unite for ECO Good," District 2483 once again confirmed that climate action is not only about protecting nature—it is also an investment in health, education, community engagement, and the future of coming generations.
Links to Videos and Publications
https://www.instagram.com/rotaryclubnsecoart/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rc-novi-sad-eco-art-9a4b37407/
European Climate Pact
- https://climate-pact.europa.eu/articles-and-events/events/rotary-climate-action-training-unite-eco-good-2026-02-07_en
- https://climate-pact.europa.eu/articles-and-events/events/climate-action-rd2483-unite-eco-good-international-earth-day-2026-our-power-our-planet-rotary-2026-04-22_en
- https://climate-pact.europa.eu/articles-and-events/events/mental-health-environment-2026-05-06_en
Rotary International – Service Project Center
- https://spc.rotary.org/project?guid=1b8be544-3daa-4b36-b6dc-f5e9c0b5d8d0
- https://spc.rotary.org/project?guid=c53a7ec4-1d4e-4a63-ad13-47faf4528465
- https://spc.rotary.org/project?guid=1B37EEC4-1C5A-4BB2-A4E2CDFA15C36306
- https://spc.rotary.org/project?guid=a18b38eb-a86f-4b3e-a4ec-1651ceb3f001
- https://spc.rotary.org/project?guid=85ADD49B-E0D7-4EAC-B5CB-DC1E5879654A
- https://spc.rotary.org/project?guid=0989366B-C133-465A-9FA0-B382D74FC3EA
YouTube
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIH4X6lneIoRotary Climate Action – Miloduh (Hyssop) for a Gentle Spirit
- https://youtu.be/JDBHyrDks74 Unite for ECO Good – Miloduh (Hyssop) for a Gentle Spirit (Certificates of Appreciation)
- https://youtu.be/3_bUTXJZbA4- ECO ART DAY
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTskEZ5YwKk–EKO ART & OPENS (F)ORA
With the wish that we remain persistent in our individual efforts and proud of our clubs' green initiatives, that we continue to be recognized as a climate-responsible district that respects, protects, and values nature, and that by serving together we contribute to a healthier future for children and young people.
