Continuation of the “Educating the young generation for an environmentally responsible Serbia” project (2026–2027)
Project Goal: To strengthen young people’s meaningful participation in education, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement on chemical safety, with a particular focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact materials and articles, consumer products, and environmental media.
Building on the Youth Programme initiated in 2025, ALHem is continuing its work with young people through this project, implemented from July 2026 to June 2027. The project aims to equip young people with relevant knowledge and skills and create opportunities for their active engagement in advocacy and public dialogue on chemical safety. By strengthening cooperation and dialogue between young people, decision-makers and other relevant stakeholders, the project seeks to increase youth participation in decision-making processes and contribute to greater awareness and reduced risks associated with PFAS.
PFAS are a large group of highly persistent chemicals that resist environmental degradation. Often referred to as “forever chemicals”, they are a growing concern because of their widespread presence and potential to accumulate in ecosystems, drinking water, and the human body. Certain PFAS are regulated as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under international, EU and national regulatory frameworks.
Against this background, the project will raise public awareness of PFAS-related risks, strengthen young people’s capacity and engagement in chemical safety advocacy, and support further alignment of the national regulatory framework with EU legislation.
Protecta from Niš and BUM from Bečej are ALHem’s partner organisations in implementing the project.
Implementation period: 1 July 2026 – 30 May 2027
Donors: The project is implemented in partnership with the Czech organisation ARNIKA – Toxics and Waste Programme, with financial support from the Sigrid Rausing Trust.
