Small is beautiful: Serbian village determined to reach 2010 biodiversity target
8 February 2008, Botos, Serbia. Situated an hour north of Belgrade, the Serbian village of Botos is rarely in the spotlight of national attention. This changed when the community of 2.000 people decided to sign the Countdown 2010 declaration and thus set a national example.
High level representatives of the Serbian Ministry of the Environment, the province of Vojvodina and journalists from TV, radio and print witnessed the Signing Ceremony which followed an seminar on biodiversity and nature conservation in South-Eastern Europe.
With its signature, the village aims to increase the attractiveness of its surrounding nature, and of the community life. Local businesses and civil society organizations spoke to support the decision. A meeting of stakeholders in early March will define next steps towards fulfilling the commitment.
Local folklore and customs coloured the event: A poem praised the quality of life in Botos and pitied those born elsewhere, while the ensuing reception showed the diversity of its food. Challenged in its regional pride, the neighbouring village of Tomasevac declared interest to become the next partner of Countdown 2010 in Vojvodina.
