On 1 March 2018, EDEN centre started with the implementation of a new project "Gear - Green Economy for Advanced Region" with the aim of increasing the activities and impact of civil society organizations from Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, BiH and Macedonia in the environmental protection through networking strengthening their capacities and promoting green economy.

A three-year project will be implemented in the above-mentioned countries, and its main activities include trainings for representatives of civil society organizations on green economy, public advocacy and lobbying, participation in decision making, monitoring of public policies, project cycle management, etc., familiarization with good practice models in green economy and green entrepreneurship through study visit to EU and presentations organized in the target countries, sub-granting for civil society organizations, regional conferences on green economy and green entrepreneurship, development of a Study on possibilities for the development of green economy in the target region, etc. 

So far we have developed three info meetings in national level with CSOs focused on environmental and social area. Through these meetings we informed CSOs on direct and indirect impact that this project will have in their involvement. During the meetings, many issues related to project implementation and co operation with CSOs were discussed and clarified. The participants were positive and convinced that the project is a chance for everyone and a good capacity for capacity building. 

Many representatives of CSOs highlighted that Green Economy it’s a great opportunity to join environmental organizations and cooperate, exchange environmental ideas and create a strong network. The project is implemented in partnership with organizations FORS Montenegro which is the leader of the project, EDEN centre from Albania, SMART Kolektiv from Serbia, Centre for support and development from BiH, EKO Svest from Macedonia and Association Slap from Croatia.

The project is financed by the European Union within Civil Society Facility and Media Programme 2016-2017.