New funding to advance the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans

The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB) is the region’s roadmap to align with the European Green Deal and the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, which seeks to protect at least 30% of land and sea. The EU Law on Nature Restoration, a key component of this strategy, integrates biodiversity restoration into development policies, ensuring that nature conservation is a cornerstone of sustainable growth.

“The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans is a critical framework for the region’s future that integrates nature conservation into development priorities while fostering regional cooperation. As the Secretariat of the Biodiversity Task Force of the Western Balkans, IUCN remains committed to supporting regional and national partners in safeguarding the unparalleled biodiversity of the region, as well as to promoting Nature-based Solutions that harness the power of nature to mitigate climate change, restore biodiversity, and provide lasting benefits for both people and ecosystems,” stressed Oliver Avramoski, IUCN Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

While regional economies have made progress in aligning with EU environmental policies, the need for stronger conservation strategies, restoration efforts, and sustainable financing remains urgent. IUCN’s Greening the Western Balkans project, supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), will be instrumental in advancing regional cooperation on biodiversity protection. By strengthening the Biodiversity Task Force for the Western Balkans (BDTF WB), the project will enhance cross-sector collaboration and intensify efforts in monitoring and research. Improved data collection and analysis will provide robust, science-based insights to inform policy decisions and track progress toward biodiversity goals.

At the same time, IUCN-led ADAPT 2.0: Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in the Western Balkans project, funded by Sweden, is designed to embed Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into national and regional policies. “The approach to Nature-based Solutions requires holistic planning, community participation, effective management and long-term commitment, which the MoEPP is seriously addressing through amendments to the nature legislation. These solutions offer sustainable and cost-effective ways to address climate and environmental challenges while providing benefits for people and nature," said Teodora Obradovikj Grncharovska, State Counsellor on Climate Change, Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of North Macedonia.
 

IUCN

Teodora Obradovikj Grncarovska, Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of North Macedonia

Building on the success of its first phase, the ADAPT 2.0 will support the development of the Western Balkans Forest Landscape Restoration Plan and aim to create a regional fund to scale up restoration efforts and ensure long-term investment in nature-based climate solutions.

"We are proud to support these actions, as they play a crucial role in integrating Nature-based Solutions into regional climate adaptation efforts. By advancing both environmental sustainability and socio-economic development, we are fostering a more resilient future for the Western Balkans," emphasised Maria Melbing, Head of Unit for Western Balkans and Turkey, Department of Europe, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

The second day of the conference will feature the launch of the Community of Practice on Nature-based Solutions (CoP NbS), co-convened by IUCN and the EU4Green project, which is funded by the European Union and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and implemented by the Environment Agency Austria to support the region in implementing the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. This platform will bring together leading experts, policymakers, and practitioners to drive the adoption and scaling of NbS, ensuring that nature remains central to sustainable development in the region.

The conference will conclude with the 13th Regular Meeting of the Biodiversity Task Force of the Western Balkans (BDTF WB), convened by IUCN as the BDTF WB Secretariat, under the auspices of the Regional Cooperation Council. This meeting will focus on key biodiversity policy developments, strengthening regional efforts to align with EU biodiversity commitments and advance nature conservation and ecosystem restoration across the Western Balkans.

“Through the Greening the Western Balkans project, Austria reaffirms its commitment to supporting the region’s sustainable development, fostering biodiversity conservation, and strengthening environmental governance. Austria has a long-standing partnership with the Western Balkans, and this initiative is another step toward ensuring that nature remains at the heart of sustainable economic and social progress,” said Mathias Humenberger, Deputy Head of Mission, Austrian Embassy Skopje.

By securing substantial international funding and fostering regional collaboration, Greening the Western Balkans and ADAPT 2.0 will accelerate the implementation of the Green Agenda, strengthen biodiversity protection, and scale up climate resilience efforts across the region. These projects mark a major step towards achieving the region’s environmental commitments, ensuring that nature restoration and conservation are at the heart of development.

IUCN

Oliver Avramoski, IUCN ECARO Regional Director; Teodora Obradovikj Grncarovska, State Councillor on Climate Change, Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, North Macedonia; Maria Melbing, Head of Unit of Western Balkans and Turkey, Department for Europe, Sida; Mikael Atterhorg, Head of Cooperation, Swedish Embassy in Skopje 

About the projects 

Greening the Western Balkans builds on existing regional structures and leverages the Biodiversity Task Force for the Western Balkans (BDTF WB) as a key coordination platform. It fosters collaboration between governments, conservation organisations, and policymakers to develop and implement the Western Balkans 2030 Biodiversity Strategic Plan, which will define long-term conservation objectives. The project will help advance restoration efforts across the region and establish a Biodiversity Monitoring and Evaluation Framework to support evidence-based policy actions. Additionally, the creation of a GAWB Biodiversity Information Hub will enhance data sharing and decision-making, strengthening the overall governance and effectiveness of conservation policies. In addition to strengthening regional governance, the project will mobilise funding for conservation actions, build technical expertise, and facilitate policy alignment with EU and global biodiversity frameworks. Through regional convenings, knowledge-sharing mechanisms, and joint advocacy efforts, Greening the Western Balkans will ensure a cohesive and impactful conservation agenda across the region. Greening the Western Balkans is financially supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). 

ADAPT 2.0: Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in the Western Balkans aims to enhance the understanding and implementation of NbS for climate change mitigation and adaptation while promoting their integration into regional policies and practices. Building on lessons learned from the first phase, ADAPT 2.0 facilitates regional cooperation by embedding NbS into policies and practice aligned with the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB) and supports the development of strategic frameworks such as the Western Balkans Forest Landscape Restoration Plan and formation of the Restoration Coordination Working Group. ADAPT 2.0 aims to catalyse opportunities for deploying NbS on the ground in the Western Balkans with a long-term focus. One of its key goals is to investigate options for establishing a regional fund to mobilise resources for future NbS development and implementation. The ADAPT 2.0 project is funded by Sweden.  

IUCN ECARO