Exploring the Balkan Green Belt through hiking

Background & Location

The celebration featured an online campaign on social media and on the ground activities in North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, namely three hikes taking place in each of the countries The hikes passed through important protected areas, with information shared about the specifics of the European Green Belt in the region.

Objective

The celebration supported the aim of the BESTbelt project to empower 24 youth ambassadors from North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro to become active protectors of the Balkan Green Belt. The activities organized under the European Green Belt Days 2025 aimed to equip young people with environmental knowledge and leadership skills, through workshops, field visits and social media campaigns.

Approach & Results

A five-day online campaign featuring educational quizzes, giveaways and interactive visuals engaged over 18,600 people on Instagram, reaching thousands more on Facebook and Stories.
 

Activities also took place on the ground across three countries. In North Macedonia, a public event in Skopje brought families and young people together through five creative eco-workshops held in the city park. In Štip, participants joined a themed hike called 'Through Nature with Purpose', combining orienteering, biodiversity challenges and open discussions. Meanwhile, in Prilep, youth volunteers organised a clean-up of the iconic Markovi Kuli rock formations. In Montenegro, young people hiked to the summit of Mount Rumija (1,595 m) to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Skadar and the Adriatic Sea — a symbolic reminder of the importance of protecting nature across borders. Serbia also hosted a variety of activities. In Niš, participants explored the South Morava River on a bike tour. Meanwhile, in Belgrade and Pančevo, local parks were filled with open public events featuring eco-workshops and interactive games.
 

These organised activities proved to be powerful and enriching experiences for the participants. One participant from Montenegro, shared her thoughts on the experience: "Climbing Rumija was more than just a hike — it symbolised how far we can go when we work together". Building on this incredible momentum, the project will now progress to its third and final youth exchange activity in Serbia. The European Green Belt isn’t just a line on a map – it’s a living, breathing legacy. Young changemakers are keeping it alive.

This European Green Belt Day celebration is part of an EU-funded BESTbelt project. 

Photo gallery of the European Green Belt Days celebration