In Belgrade, in front of the Serbian Parliament, a protest is being held under the slogan "Ecological Uprising". More than 70 environmental and civic movements seeking the protection of the right to healthy air, water and land are participating in the organization of the gathering. The organizers urge to respect the epidemiological measures.

"Today we need - ecological patriotism, we must fight greed," said poet Ljubivoje Rsumovic at the beginning of the protest at a rally in front of the Serbian Parliament.

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The singer of the group Patrickbreakers, Zoran Kostic Cane, also spoke at the protest, saying that "without water there is no freedom, and it is constantly polluted, without land there is no food, without air there is no life."

According to the MIA correspondent from Belgrade, for several years now environmental activists have been fighting against the construction of small hydropower plants, which they claim are destroying rivers and wildlife and causing great damage to the ecosystem, while also demanding cleaner air, which for years it has been very polluted all over the Balkans.

"Environmental problems in Serbia did not appear overnight, and the Ministry and other relevant departments in the Government work dedicatedly, responsibly and transparently," said Environment Minister Irena Vujovic, following a protest by environmental associations in Belgrade.

Aleksandar Jovanovic Shuta from the Association "Let's Defend the Rivers of Stara Planina" at the protest said that a "comprehensive attack on everything that is healthy in Serbia" is underway.

- We came to say "no" to those who desecrate our rivers and our nature every day.

Environmental organizations have compiled a document with 13 requests to the state regarding environmental issues.

Among other things, the regulations should be harmonized with the highest environmental standards, the citizens should be constantly informed and educated about the environment, water resources should be preserved and everyone should breathe healthy air.

They also demand that all forests be protected, that deforestation and afforestation be stopped, and that the construction and audit of harmful hydropower plants (SHPPs) be stopped.

The protesters, including the Internet Workers' Association, also expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed income tax model presented by the Serbian government and announced that the protests would last until April 10.