Kolubara Biodistrict – A Signpost to Serbia’s Sustainable Future
Launched in mid-2023, the establishment of the first biodistrict in Serbia marked a visionary step toward transforming the national food system and advancing sustainable local development. Serbia Organica, as the lead organization, developed a unique national methodology aligned with the principles of the International Network of Eco Regions (IN.N.E.R.), tailored to the local context. Through this approach, Serbia became the first country in the world where all biodistricts operate as branches of a single national organization – the National Association Serbia Organica.
Following a thorough analysis and a positive response from local stakeholders, the Kolubara region was selected as the pilot area for the first biodistrict in Serbia and Southeast Europe. A visual identity and legal protection for the biodistrict were established, and from the very beginning, farmers, researchers, universities, institutions, entrepreneurs, and media were involved.
Throughout 2023, numerous trainings, workshops, and three major conferences were held – two in Novi Sad and one in Belgrade at the Faculty of Agriculture – where the wider public was introduced to the biodistrict concept. Open Organic Farm Days were also organized. The first official body – the Kolubara Biodistrict Promotional Committee – was established in May 2024 at the “Organela” farm in Valjevska Kamenica.
The laying of the foundation stone in the village of Tolić near Mionica in May 2024 symbolically marked the beginning of the biodistrict’s development. Shortly after, the Kolubara Biodistrict received international recognition from the IN.N.E.R. network. Serbia Organica presented the concept at the International Congress in Portugal (July and August 2024), as well as at the conference in Sardinia (November 2024), where a formal cooperation agreement between Serbia Organica and IN.N.E.R. was signed.
Since autumn 2024, the Kolubara Biodistrict has been defining its strategic goals and forming working groups, which will result in an Action Plan and a Business Plan for the next two years. The first joint public appearances took place at the Ethno Food and Drink Fair in Belgrade (November 2024) and the International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad (May 2025).
In April 2025, a study visit to the renowned Italian biodistrict Cilento (founded in 2004) was organized with the support of FAO and the UN SDG Fund project “From Seed to Sustainability – Food Systems for All.” This visit brought valuable experiences and inspiration for further development.
In May 2025, in cooperation with the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, a roundtable titled “Biodistricts – A Tool for the Development of Organic Production and Sustainable Local Economic Growth” was held, followed by a regional networking event in Kolubara aimed at knowledge exchange and concept promotion. In June 2025, a media visit to the Kolubara Biodistrict was organized to present the full potential of this model to the public.
Biodistricts represent a holistic approach to territorial development that integrates agriculture, tourism, the environment, culture, education, and science. At their core lies organic production and the principles of health, ecology, fairness, and care. As the first of its kind in Serbia, the Kolubara Biodistrict becomes a symbol of national transformation toward sustainable, integrated, and resilient local communities.
