Case study: EKONAUT
Photo acknowledgement: https://ekonaut.org/en/galerije/
- General public
- Outdoor
- Campaign / event, Hands-on activity
- Serbia
Ekonaut
Ekonaut is a citizens’ association and eco-social company formed by eco enthusiasts and nature-lovers. It is based in Belgrade, Serbia.
Objective
Ekonaut’s basic mission is to contribute to the improvement of the environment and the development of environmental awareness of citizens, which is achieved through numerous projects and activities in the field of agriculture, spatial planning, architecture and landscape architecture, social entrepreneurship, green economy and eco-design.
Approach
Promotion of the practical concept of urban agriculture through urban gardening and urban beekeeping, as well as advocating for garden communities as tools for sustainable land management. Activities include the implementation of projects in the field of sustainable development and environmental protection, promotion of ecology, environmental rights and sustainable resource management. They also offer a range of services for companies, including offers for corporate volunteering, floral decorations and eco gifts.
The Herbology School – is a herbal medicine school where participants acquire knowledge about the identification and use of these powerful gifts of nature over a two-month period.
Community Gardens Initiative – education and information about the concept of community gardens, as well as direct involvement of citizens in project activities. Encouraging the establishment of community gardens in Belgrade.
BeeConnected – renting and maintaining hives for socially responsible companies, individuals or other entities that have the desire and necessary prerequisites to build an apiary in their area. Encouraging urban beekeeping in Belgrade, Serbia.
Sensory Garden – creation of the sensory garden in elementary Belgrade school for the education of children with hearing and speech impairments, disharmonious motor development and autism. The garden acts as a place of learning, recreation and therapy for the pupils of the school.
The Green Laboratory – an outdoor classroom in the form of an amphitheatre for hosting lectures and discussions. It is a testing ground for experimentation, reflection and application of ideas in the field of sustainable development and green economy.
The Garden Bazaar – an event that has been organised twice a year (in spring and autumn) since 2018 at Dorcol Platz, Belgrade and in accordance with the natural rhythm and seasons of work in the garden.