News | 01 Feb, 2024
The first Maldives Protected and Conserved Areas (PCA) Forum was organised from the 15th to 18th of January 2024. The PCA Forum brought together individuals engaged in the field of Protected and Conserved Areas across Maldives. The forum provided a platform to share and exchange knowledge,…
Story | 26 Jan, 2024
Navigating the Bay of Bengal through collaboration: BOBLME II sets sail
In a significant step toward safeguarding the marine ecosystem in South and Southeast Asia, the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem Project Phase II (BOBLME II) officially kicked off with an inception workshop held from 12 – 14 December 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. With funding from the Global…
News | 07 Sep, 2023
Safeguarding vital forests in Albania and North Macedonia for the benefit of nature and people
In collaboration with the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) and Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), with the support of the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, Republic of North Macedonia, a new project “Northern Forests Initiative: Forest…
Page | 29 Aug, 2023
Forest Restoration in North Macedonia and Albania
As part of The Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation's Northern Forests Initiative, a new forest restoration project aims to contribute to the restoration and preservation of vital forests in Albania and North Macedonia and strengthen the capacity and commitment of local, regional, and national…
Story | 29 Jun, 2023
Vjosa, a National Park in the making
A number of national and international experts and relevant authorities visited the Vjosa River Valley in Albania on a study tour this June, making the first steps towards building an effectively conserved and managed, and equitably governed Vjosa Wild River National Park.
Story | 05 May, 2023
Western Balkan Officials on Nature-based Solutions Study Tour to Bonn
Four days of diverse, interesting, and interactive activities brought together decision-makers, practitioners, and policymakers from the Western Balkans and representatives from affiliated UN and government institutions to the City of Bonn to exchange and explore the role of Nature-based…
Story | 02 May, 2023
IUCN shows its commitment towards sustainable tourism at a key moment for nature in Albania
After the successful declaration of Vjosa Wild River National Park, Albania faces the challenge to reconcile tourism growth with the preservation of vulnerable natural areas, particularly in coastal zones. To help position Albania as a global leading destination for sustainable tourism, IUCN-Med…
Story | 05 Apr, 2023
Celebrating 9 Years of Achievements: REGENERATE Project Comes to a Close
On 22 February 2023, a closing ceremony was held in Male’, Maldives, to celebrate the successful conclusion of the Reefs Generate Environmental and Economic Resiliency for Atoll Ecosystems (REGENERATE) project. The project aimed to improve access to science-based decision making, capacity…
Press release | 15 Mar, 2023
Vjosa, one of our last wild rivers, becomes Europe's first Wild River National Park
Today, the Vjosa River in Albania, one of the last wild rivers of Europe is declared a National Park by the Albanian Government, becoming the first Wild River National Park in Europe. In future, the Vjosa will be conserved as a living, free-flowing river, to the benefit of people and nature.…
Story | 13 Feb, 2023
Commitments to save the Blue Heart of Europe
Freshwater conservation was in the focus at the CBD COP15 Biodiversity Summit in Montreal, when IUCN hosted a side event on “Conserving the Vjosa-Aoos River”, with participation of Mr. Ryan Gellert, CEO Patagonia, H.E. Dr Mirela Kumbaro, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Albania, H.E. Mr.