Modern life in urban areas often distances us from nature, overwhelming us with asphalt, car noise, and the constant presence of technology. However, nature offers an invaluable space for rest, regeneration, and rediscovering the world around us. To fully enjoy its charms, we need to know how to properly “consume” it. This is where the Eco Guide program, an initiative implemented by Discover Serbia, comes into play.

The Eco Guide program was designed in response to the growing need of modern individuals to connect with nature on a deeper level. The goal of this program is to educate and certify guides who, through their expert knowledge, will help people to:

• Notice the small details – from an ant tirelessly working to grass dancing in the wind.
• Listen to nature – recognize bird chirps and find peace with the sounds of the forest.
• Reconnect with themselves – freeing themselves from stress and the focus on technology.

Although we often physically spend time in nature, the spirit of modern individuals remains trapped in urban daily life, tied to phone screens or constant thoughts of obligations. Through their expertise and practical work, Eco Guides become mediators who help people experience nature with all their senses and rejuvenate their spirit.

Through its activities, Discover Serbia organizes practical training for Eco Guides. During these trainings, participants have the opportunity to work with experts in ecology, forestry, and eco-tour guiding. The program includes:

• Familiarization with Serbia’s natural resources.
• Practical field training through participation in Discover Serbia’s activities.
• Development of skills for working with groups and education on nature conservation.

The program is supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Youth of the Republic of Serbia, which adds further value and significance to this initiative. The goal is to involve young people, motivate them to develop professionally in this direction, and ensure that eco-tours are organized throughout Serbia.

Through numerous projects, Discover Serbia has already created fertile ground for the development of the Eco Guide program. Here are a few examples:

• Planting 6,000 spruces on Stara Planina: This action was not only ecological but also educational, where volunteers learned how nature affects the protection of ski resorts and windbreak belts.
• New Lungs of Belgrade: The planting of 5,000 pedunculate oak trees in Surčin involved over 200 volunteers, providing them with the opportunity to experience firsthand the importance of greening urban areas.
• Workshops for children in Zlatibor: Alongside the planting of the Golden Pine, children had the opportunity to develop a love for nature through play and learning.

All these actions became opportunities for Eco Guides to hone their skills and develop professional confidence in leading groups.

We invite all young people, nature lovers, and those who wish to contribute to the preservation of our planet, to become part of the Eco Guide program. This opportunity not only provides education and training but also opens doors for a career in eco-tourism, enabling them to inspire others and contribute to nature conservation simultaneously.

Join the program and become part of a mission that helps modern individuals not only see nature but truly experience it. Let us be nature’s messengers in the fight for a healthier future.