Centar za životnu sredinu/Center for Environment

What Centar za životnu sredinu/Center for Environment does

Centar za životnu sredinu (CZZS) is a non-profit, non-partisan environmental civil society organization founded in 1999 in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Originally established as Mladi istraživači Banjaluke (Young Researchers of Banja Luka) by students from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the organization rebranded in the early 2000s to focus on environmental advocacy. It now operates through four core program areas — Sustainable Mobility and Urban Planning, Biodiversity and Protected Areas, Energy and Climate Change, and the Aarhus Center (a legal and advisory service under the Aarhus Convention) — and runs multi-year campaigns including United for Rivers (regional river protection), Stop Dirty Energy, Save the Blue Heart of Europe, Save Sana River, and a Citizen Science initiative. With roughly 13–20 staff, CZZS serves citizens, civil society organizations, and local governments across BiH and the broader Western Balkans (BiH, Montenegro, Croatia, North Macedonia, Serbia).

CZZS's technical infrastructure is anchored by Biologer, an open-source mobile and desktop application used for georeferenced species and habitat data collection through citizen science, alongside the Aarhus Center legal services, a volunteer-built "Putujmo zajedno" carpooling platform, and a multimedia operation including a 50+ episode YouTube documentary series ("Srijedom u Centar"). Distribution is coalition-driven: the organization convenes 22–36 member associations under coalitions such as Coalition for Vrbas (36 associations), Coalition for Sana (22–23 associations), and the wider Coalition for Rivers BiH, and is a member of Friends of the Earth Europe, Climate Action Network, EuroNatur, RiverWatch, European Cyclists' Federation, and The Nature Conservancy.

The revenue model is project-based grant funding from international donors — including the Sigrid Rausing Trust, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Heinrich Böll Foundation, EU Delegation to BiH, European Climate Foundation, EUKI, Smart Balkans, Global Greengrants Fund, and CEPF — supplemented by membership dues. The go-to-market is community-led and campaign-driven; the Aarhus Center functions as the primary direct-delivery channel for citizens and communities, providing legal aid and environmental justice services. There is no commercial product, no pricing model, and no equity financing.

Name

Centar za životnu sredinu/Center for Environment

Legal name

Centar za životnu sredinu

Website

https://czzs.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Centar za životnu sredinu is a 27-year-old non-profit environmental NGO in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, delivering advocacy, legal aid, biodiversity monitoring, and sustainable mobility programs to citizens, NGOs, and local governments across the Western Balkans.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Advocacy and Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)

akta.pro primary industry

Climate Policy, Governance & NDC Support (BPADALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Climate Resilience & Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) (BPAGABAK), Regulatory & Disclosure Strategy (CSRD/ESRS, ISSB/IFRS S2, SEC, TCFD) (EUABAKAH)

Keywords

• Environmental advocacy services
• Biodiversity conservation programs
• Sustainable mobility campaigns
• Environmental legal aid
• Citizen science initiatives

Headquarters

HQ city

Banja Luka

HQ country

Bosnia & Herzegovina

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Project-based grants and donations: CZZS is a non-profit civil society organization primarily funded through project grants and donations from international donors, foundations, and government programs. The organization publishes annual financial and narrative reports.
2. Membership fees: The organization recruits members who pay membership dues to support the association's activities. The focus is on active members who contribute to activities rather than maximizing membership numbers.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Centar za životnu sredinu (CZZS) is a non-profit environmental civil society organization that delivers advocacy, research, and legal services across four programs: Sustainable Mobility and Urban Planning, Biodiversity and Protected Areas, Energy and Climate Change, and the Aarhus Center. The organization runs campaigns protecting rivers and biodiversity from hydropower and coal projects, supports citizen science via the Biologer application, and provides free legal aid to citizens under the Aarhus Convention. It serves Bosnia and Herzegovina with regional cooperation across the Western Balkans.

Product overview

Centar za životnu sredinu is a non-profit environmental NGO that operates through four main programs: Sustainable Mobility and Urban Planning, Biodiversity and Protected Areas, Energy and Climate Change, and the Aarhus Center (environmental legal services). The organization also runs multiple environmental campaigns including Citizen Science, United for Rivers, Stop Dirty Energy, Save the Blue Heart of Europe, Save Sana River, bicycle infrastructure initiatives, and carpooling platforms. These programs and campaigns work together to advocate for environmental protection, sustainable development, and public participation in environmental decision-making across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sustainable Mobility and Urban Planning Program Ongoing program promoting sustainable transport modes and changing transportation habits in populated areas, including cycling infrastructure advocacy, European Mobility Week campaigns, and urban planning reform. For citizens, local governments, and urban policy stakeholders in BiH.
• Biodiversity and Protected Areas Program Program focused on conservation and adequate management of natural values and protected areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including advocacy for increased protected areas and public participation in decision-making. For citizens, scientists, conservation NGOs, and government institutions.
• Energy and Climate Change Program Program promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and sustainable energy solutions, while campaigning against harmful energy projects like coal-fired power plants and hydropower dams. For policymakers, communities, and the general public in BiH.
• Aarhus Center Legal and advisory service providing citizens and associations with access to environmental information, public participation in decision-making, and legal protection in environmental matters under the Aarhus Convention. For citizens, NGOs, and institutions affected by environmental decisions in BiH.

Quantifiable outcome

• Successfully influenced the removal of mandatory bicycle helmet law in Bosnia and Herzegovina after a 6-year campaign (2011–2017)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• The Nature Conservancy (TNC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Nature Conservancy is a global environmental organization that partnered with CZZS and five other organizations from BiH, Montenegro, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia to launch the regional 'Zajedno za rijeke' (United for Rivers) initiative in 2022, dedicated to protecting 13 rivers in Southeast Europe by establishing new protected areas and engaging local communities.
• Udruženje Dinarica (BiH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the 'Zajedno za rijeke' (United for Rivers) regional initiative working to protect rivers in Southeast Europe through scientific research and community engagement.
• Omladinski klub Novi val (BiH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the 'Zajedno za rijeke' (United for Rivers) regional initiative, representing youth organization engagement in river protection across the Western Balkans.
• Ekološko udruženje Rzav (Serbia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSerbian partner organization in the 'Zajedno za rijeke' (United for Rivers) initiative, working on river protection in Serbia as part of the Southeast Europe regional coalition.
• Eko-tim (Montenegro)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMontenegrin environmental organization partner in the 'Zajedno za rijeke' (United for Rivers) initiative, contributing to the regional effort to protect rivers in Southeast Europe.
• Eko-svest (North Macedonia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorth Macedonian environmental organization partner in the 'Zajedno za rijeke' (United for Rivers) initiative, contributing to the Southeast European river protection network.
• Koalicija za zaštitu rijeka Bosne i Hercegovine (Coalition for Rivers BiH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition established in June 2016 by civil society organizations and nature enthusiasts to halt plans for hydropower construction on BiH rivers. The coalition adopts the 'Declaration on Suspension of Hydropower Plans' and advocates to institutions, media, investors, and the public.
• EuroNaturcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman environmental foundation that partners with CZZS on the 'Plavo srce Evrope' (Blue Heart of Europe) campaign to protect Balkan rivers from hydropower development. EuroNatur co-funded the documentary 'Blue Heart' produced with Patagonia.
• RiverWatchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational organization collaborating with CZZS on the 'Plavo srce Evrope' (Blue Heart of Europe) campaign to raise public awareness about the importance of Balkan rivers and to stop hydropower development.
• Friends of the Earth Europe (FoEE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean environmental network of which CZZS is a member, providing access to pan-European advocacy, campaigns, and knowledge sharing on environmental issues.
• Climate Action Network (CAN) EuropecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean climate network of which CZZS is a member, coordinating climate advocacy and policy engagement across Europe. CZZS staff member Igor Kalaba previously worked as Energy Program Coordinator for Southeast Europe at CAN Europe.
• European Cyclists' Federation (ECF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean federation of cycling organizations that CZZS collaborates with on sustainable mobility advocacy, cycling infrastructure promotion, and urban mobility policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Carfree Cities AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational network of organizations promoting car-free urban living, with which CZZS collaborates on sustainable mobility and urban planning campaigns.
• EKO BiHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBosnian environmental network that CZZS collaborates with on shared environmental campaigns and initiatives.
• Break Free From PlasticminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal movement that CZZS participates in, working to reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable alternatives.
• BioNetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBosnian NGO network for biodiversity of which CZZS is an active member, contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts and information sharing in BiH.
• SeenetminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSoutheast European environmental network that CZZS participates in for regional coordination on environmental issues.
• Transport & EnvironmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean transport and environment organization that CZZS collaborates with on sustainable mobility and transport policy in the Western Balkans.
• EuroVelominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean cycling route network organization that CZZS collaborates with on developing EuroVelo cycling tourism routes in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Justice & EnvironmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional environmental justice organization that CZZS partners with on advocacy and legal support for environmental protection in the Western Balkans.
• CIVINETminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentral European Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning network that CZZS participates in for knowledge exchange on sustainable mobility and urban planning.
• Rijeke BiHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBosnian organization focused on river protection, collaborating with CZZS on campaigns to protect rivers from hydropower development.
• House of Human RightsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHuman rights organization in BiH that CZZS collaborates with, reflecting the intersection of environmental protection and human rights advocacy.
• Zero Waste EuropeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean network promoting zero waste principles that CZZS participates in for circular economy and waste reduction initiatives.
• PatagoniaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor apparel brand that co-funded and distributed the 'Blue Heart' documentary film about Balkan rivers and hydropower threats, featuring CZZS's work and filmed in part at Idbar dam in Konjic, BiH.
• Nextbike BosniaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBicycle sharing company with which CZZS collaborates on promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transport in Banja Luka.
• Aarhus Center Banja LukacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAarhus Center Banja Luka, which is an integral part of CZZS, provides citizens and organizations with access to environmental information, public participation in decision-making, and legal protection in environmental matters under the Aarhus Convention.
• Zelena akcija (Green Action, Croatia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCroatian environmental organization and long-term partner of CZZS in regional environmental campaigns, including the 'Stop dirty energy' campaign launched jointly with Center for Ecology and Energy Tuzla.
• Odraz (Croatia)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCroatian sustainable development organization that CZZS partners with on shared environmental initiatives in the region.
• Arnika (Czech Republic)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCzech environmental organization that CZZS collaborates with on toxic substances, environmental monitoring, and protection of rivers in Central and Southeast Europe.
• Eko Forum ZenicaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBosnian environmental organization based in Zenica, collaborating with CZZS on shared environmental campaigns in the region.
• Republic Institute for Cultural-Natural Heritage (RS)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGovernmental institution with which CZZS collaborates on protected area designation, including the successful initiative to declare 'Vrela Sane' (Sana Springs) as a Nature Monument.
• Front Line DefendersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational human rights organization that supports environmental human rights defenders, with whom CZZS collaborates on protecting the rights of environmental activists in BiH.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe: European climate network of which CZZS is a member and where senior staff (e.g., Igor Kalaba) previously worked as Energy Program Coordinator for Southeast Europe.
• EuroNatur Foundation: German environmental foundation partnering with CZZS on the Blue Heart of Europe campaign, conferring the EuroNatur Award (2019) and providing core financial and programmatic support.
• Friends of the Earth Europe (FoEE): Pan-European environmental federation of which CZZS is a member, coordinating advocacy and campaigns across 30+ European countries on climate, biodiversity, and environmental justice.

Emerging players

• CEE Bankwatch Network: Regional advocacy network monitoring public finance for environmentally harmful projects in Central and Eastern Europe, including hydropower and coal plants targeted by CZZS campaigns.
• Arnika (Czech Republic): Czech environmental organization collaborating with CZZS on toxic substances, environmental monitoring, and protection of rivers in Central and Southeast Europe.
• RiverWatch: Austrian-based international organization co-running the Blue Heart of Europe campaign with CZZS and EuroNatur, focused on protecting Balkan rivers from hydropower development.

Regional players

• Zelena akcija / Green Action (Croatia): Croatian environmental NGO and long-term regional partner of CZZS, jointly running the 'Stop Dirty Energy' campaign and participating in Friends of the Earth Europe and similar networks.
• Odraz (Croatia): Croatian sustainable development organization partnering with CZZS on regional environmental initiatives, focused on sustainable development governance in the Western Balkans.

Direct peers

• Center for Ecology and Energy Tuzla: Bosnian environmental NGO based in Tuzla that co-launched the 'Stop Dirty Energy' campaign with CZZS, working on similar climate, energy, and air pollution issues in the Federation of BiH entity.
• Eko Forum Zenica: Bosnia-based environmental civil society organization operating in the Zenica region, partnering with CZZS on shared campaigns; comparable scope across environmental advocacy and citizen engagement.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/CZZSBL
• Facebookfacebook.com/CentarZaZivotnuSredinu
• Instagraminstagram.com/centar_za_zivotnu_sredinu
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/centar-za-%C5%BEivotnu-sredinu-center-for-environment

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Centar za životnu sredinu/Center for Environment