During the previous months, the network of academic solidarity and engagement actively participated in a series of activities related to the disputed privatization of the Institute for Water Management "Jaroslav Černi". Together with several organizations (Initiative Right to Water, Regulatory Institute for Renewable Energy and the Environment - RERI, Organization for the Preservation of Nature and Animals - OSNA) MASA carried out a series of activities on this issue. Among them we highlight:
Press conference CURRENT PROBLEM: Stop the privatization of the "Jaroslav Černi" institute. The press conference was held on November 1, 2021 in the Great Hall of the Media Center. At the conference, an appeal was presented as well as arguments for stopping this process and protecting the institute. One of the main goals was to point out that quality scientific analyzes and professional solutions in the field of water management are of inestimable importance for the whole society, bearing in mind the growing danger of natural phenomena, climate change (droughts and floods) and human negligence (water pollution , air and soil). As well as the fact that, combined with uncontrolled exploitation, illegal privatizations, theft of water and other natural resources, these dangers can cause a disaster.
It was pointed out that a prerequisite for the preservation and sustainable management of water resources, with respect for human rights in that area, are professional organizations with a proven reputation, professional integrity, business ethics, as well as independent experts who offer professionally correct and sustainable solutions.
They spoke at the conference:
- Olga Nikolić, Network for Academic Solidarity and Engagement (MASA)
- Iva Marković, Right to Water initiative
- Jovan Rajić, Regulatory Institute for Renewable Energy and the Environment (RERI)
- Branislav Božović, hydrogeologist - National Ecological Association (NEA)
- Vesna Jakovljević, Organization for the Conservation of Nature and Animals (OSNA)
Professional discussion CURRENT PROBLEM: Privatization of the Institute "Jaroslav Černi" was held online (Zoom) on November 4, 2021. One of the main reasons for starting professional discussions is the lack of information in the public about why this institute should or should not be privatized, considering the activities it performs and considering the possible consequences of this privatization for society, especially related to water management and environmental care. Some of the questions raised during the discussion were: Why is "Jaroslav Černi" significant? Should it be declared an institute of strategic interest for the Republic of Serbia? What would we potentially lose as a society, and what would we gain through privatization? Is there any reason to worry that privatization would put this important institute at the service of private, instead of public interest? These were just some of the questions raised in the discussion. The following participated in the discussion: Prof. Dr. Čedo Maksimović, Prof. Dr. Zoran Stevanović, Dr. Milica Tomašević, Dipl. Eng. Veljko Dimitrijevic. The discussion was moderated by fat. philosophy Olga Nikolic.
In addition to the above, MASA, in cooperation with the aforementioned organizations, launched a petition signed by over 25,000 citizens. A group of organizations submitted a petition to the Ministry of Economy opposing the controversial privatization of the "Jaroslav Černi" Institute for Water Management.
Also, it was sent appeal to the population, especially the professional and academic public, to oppose privatization and stand up in defense of the public interest, water quality and natural resources for the sustainable future of the public health of the population of Serbia.
Finally, letters were sent to the competent institutions about the immediate suspension of the privatization of the Jaroslav Černa Institute: to the Government of the Republic of Serbia - Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development - Minister Branko Ružići and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. The text of the petition and, at that moment, 22,347 online signatures of citizens were also submitted in the attachment of the letter.
