Local Environmental Activists in Bor, Serbia

Over the last year, Sam George has been working on a film investigating the impact of Chinese investment in the Balkans. Such investments help China secure access to commodities, and they fill the coffers of the Balkan governments. But the projects can put significant stress on locals, who often feel voiceless. For example, the rapid increase of mining activities in Bor, Serbia—a district already facing environmental challenges—has rendered the region one of Europe’s most polluted.

In the current era of globalization, international financial decisions are often made by powerful companies and governments without significant input from impacted communities.

Over the last year, the documentarian Sam George has been working on a film investigating the impact of Chinese investment in the Balkans. Such investments help China secure access to commodities, and they fill the coffers of the Balkan governments. But the projects can put significant stress on locals, who often feel voiceless. For example, the rapid increase of mining activities in Bor, Serbia—a district already facing environmental challenges—has rendered the region one of Europe’s most polluted.

However, a group of locals have emerged as leaders, creating networks and demanding improved environmental conditions and oversight. Their efforts demonstrate the resilience of activists who make their voices heard, even against steep odds.

This photo essay, created during the making of the forthcoming Bertelsmann Foundation documentary investigating international investment in the Balkans, shares a glimpse of the impact of Chinese investment on local Serbs.

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