I am honoured to be given the opportunity to declare open the 54^th International Fair of Hunting and Fishing and the Fair of Ecology, said the president of the Assembly of the AP Vojvodina, Istvan Pasztor, declaring these events open at the Novi Sad Fair.

I am one of many who grew up following the events at the Novi Sad Fair, including this important one, which for the 54^th time confirms that science and economy are ready and intellectually capable to make such an event fresh and current, because that is the only way for it to be attractive and respectable for so long.

According to him, this event was originally dedicated to hunting and fishing as hobbies, but it has grown significantly since then.

- This fair event has become one where hunting and fishing are treated less as hobbies, and more as ecological and management tools at our disposal, said Pasztor thanking experts at every stand. He also pointed out that we could be rightfully proud of the cooperation between science and management, as well as between science and the public sector.

- Next year, we are celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the Hunting Association of Vojvodina, and that jubilee shows what kind of treasure we have, what treasure we have inherited and what treasure we need to manage. This is also confirmed by the 20^th anniversary of the “Vojvodinašume“, PC, which plays an important social role in the fields of ecology, water and forest management, as well as game and fish management and which will in the future be an important pillar of development of this branch of economy, i.e. this way of thinking, said Pasztor.

He added that this event was basically focused on education and cherishing the knowledge acquired through education.

- It is the responsibility we have towards ourselves, towards nature that we have inherited and that we need to protect and pass onto new generations. It is the responsibility to look after our environment and I am sure that is the main message this fair event is sending, said Pasztor.

The Provincial Secretary of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry, Čedomir Božić said that the work of the Novi Sad Fair had been supported, especially in terms of overcoming the consequences of the COVID-related crisis and that support had also been provided to the hunting industry.

- The Provincial Secretariat for Agriculture allocated 48 million dinars to the hunting industry last year, while this year the amount is 71 million. The plan is to invest 91 million dinars next year. When it comes to the 100^th anniversary of the Hunting Association of Vojvodina, the Secretariat allocated 9.5 million dinars last month to support the opening of the Museum of Hunting in Vojvodina, Božić explained.

The General Manager of the Novi Sad Fair, Slobodan Cvetković estimated that this institution would be the leader in promotion of hunting and fishing over the next several days, but also the biggest exhibition of novelties and internationally recognised equipment. All this will be accompanied by a number of events for the youngest visitors, as well as for other members of the general public.

In line with the purpose of the Fair of Ecology, each participant at the opening ceremony planted one Pančić spruce, known to grow well in polluted urban areas despite its sensitivity to the negative effects of humans on natural habitats.

Support to improved energy efficiency

- For 54 years, the beginning of autumn in our city has been marked by Lorist, where numerous exhibitors from Serbia and abroad meet, said the Deputy Mayor of Novi Sad, Milan Đurić. – Apart from presenting the latest offer, products, prestigious exhibits and trophies, this fair event encourages education and professional development, raises important questions, stimulates the exchange of know-how and, most importantly, raises awareness about the importance of environment protection and introduction of energy-efficient systems, Đurić said.

According to him, the citizens of Novi Sad can get detailed information at the stand of the Department of environment protection of the city council about the project related to the replacement of joinery in order to preserve energy.

- In order to improve energy efficiency, the city of Novi Sad has this year allocated over 70 million dinars and I hereby invite all the interested citizens to apply and get a 50% discount for their attempt to improve energy efficiency in their homes, Đurić said.

He also pointed out that the Novi Sad Fair was managing, despite various challenges, to maintain its tradition and professional organisation of successful events, most of which are international.

- Throughout its history, the Novi Sad Fair has gained international reputation as well and has, thus, become a brand of the city of Novi Sad. The city recognises that, supports it and encourages its companies and institutions to take part in the events organised at the Novi Sad Fair, Đurić said.