Greening the Western Balkans
The Western Balkans harbours abundant freshwater and forest resources, unique karstic ecosystems, a high level of species endemism, and large-scale natural landscapes of international importance. Home to rich biodiversity, including many threatened and rare species, the region is facing growing environmental pressures.
Through the work of the Biodiversity Task Force of the Western Balkans (BDTF WB) hosted by the IUCN, the Greening the Western Balkans project will work to restore and protect nature while aligning the region with the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB).
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 Nature Restoration Law, a key component of this strategy, integrates biodiversity restoration into development policies, ensuring that nature conservation is a cornerstone of sustainable growth. By endorsing the GAWB in 2020, the region committed to aligning with the European Green Deal's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) has played a pivotal role in that process, through coordinating the drafting of the GAWB Declaration and translating commitments into a comprehensive action plan.
Since 2017, the Biodiversity Task Force of the Western Balkans (BDTF WB) has been enhancing regional cooperation on nature conservation under the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), with its Secretariat hosted by the IUCN. The BDTF WB plays a crucial role in advancing the planning, financing, implementation, and monitoring of the Nature and Biodiversity Pillar of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB).
Project goals
Through the Greening the Western Balkans project, IUCN will build on existing regional structures and leverage the BDTF WB as a key coordination platform. It will foster collaboration between governments, conservation organisations, and policymakers to develop and implement, among other:
- The Western Balkans 2030 Biodiversity Strategic Plan to define long-term conservation objectives;
- A Biodiversity Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for evidence-based policy actions; and
- A GAWB Biodiversity Information Hub to enhance data sharing and decision-making.
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. This initiative will ensure a cohesive and impactful conservation agenda across the Western Balkans through regional convenings, knowledge-sharing mechanisms, and joint advocacy efforts.
Why it matters
By fostering cooperation and strengthening environmental governance, the Greening the Western Balkans project helps safeguard the region’s natural resources, ensuring clean air, water, and resilient ecosystems that support livelihoods, health, and sustainable economic opportunities. Through enhanced financing mechanisms and targeted conservation actions, it delivers tangible results on the ground, aligning regional efforts with global biodiversity commitments. Ultimately, the project advances agreed regional conservation and restoration targets, reinforcing both the resilience of nature and the well-being of people in the Western Balkans.
Project title: Greening the Western Balkans
Project duration: August 2024 – July 2028
Total budget: € 2.0 million
Supported by: Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with a grant of € 1,8 million
