Biodiversity Task Force WB

The future of the Balkan lynx depends on what range economies do together, not separately 🐾 At yesterday’s side event at @BonnConvention #CMSCOP15, convened by @MOEPPMKD with key partners, the message was clear: conserving one of Europe’s most Critically Endangered large carnivores requires stronger #RegionalCooperation. The event also presented the Regional Strategy and Action Plan for the Conservation of the Balkan Lynx, proposed for endorsement at CMS COP15, and highlighted ongoing cooperation efforts under @BDTF_WB 🙌 #GreenAgendaWB

How are we working to protect nature while supporting sustainable development in the region, in partnership with the @BDTF_WB? We are excited to share a new video highlighting the role of the Nature and Biodiversity Pillar of the #GreenAgenda for the Western Balkans and the work of regional partners and institutions. 🎥Watch and share 👉 bit.ly/3NZomf0 @Sida #GreenAgendaWB #WesternBalkans #EUGreenDeal #InternationalParntershipsAustria @MjedisiGovAL @akzmalbania @AMMK_KEPA_AZSK @MinistarstvoZZS @MOEPPMKD @rccint

Call for Proposals – Report on #NatureBasedSolutions for enhancing biodiversity, climate and societal resilience in the #WesternBalkans The report will provide evidence, practical examples and recommendations to help governments integrate NbS into biodiversity and restoration planning, while also supporting resource mobilisation and investment in nature-positive solutions. 🔗 More info on IUCN Procurement page  bit.ly/3sNVVGs ⏲️ Submission deadline: 3 March #GreenAgendaWB #RfP @Sida

Working together for nature across the #WesternBalkans 🙌 📽️ Learn how the Nature and Biodiversity Pillar of the Green Agenda is being implemented in a new video!

From forests and rivers to wetlands and seas, nature underpins our water, food, climate resilience and well-being. Protecting it is not separate from development, it is essential to it. That’s where the #GreenAgenda for the Western Balkans comes in. Adopted in 2020 and aligned with the #EUGreenDeal, it sets out a shared regional vision for a more sustainable future. One of its key building blocks is Pillar 5: Protection of Nature and Biodiversity. Our new infographic tells the story of Pillar 5 - what it is, why it matters, and how it guides action across the region 👉bit.ly/4k8SsZw @rccint @Sida #InternationalParntershipsAustria #AustrianDevelopmentAgency #GreenAgendaWB @BDTF_WB

🌿 Experts from across the Western Balkans met in Belgrade to launch IUCN’s new Thematic Groups on Ecosystem Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation — strengthening science-based action for nature and supporting the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. “Mobilising regional expertise will guide stronger, evidence‑based decisions for nature,” said Oliver Avramoski, Director of IUCN ECARO. 🔗bit.ly/45uts98 #WesternBalkans #Biodiversity #EcosystemRestoration #GreenAgendaWB 🌍#InternationalParntershipsAustria #AustrianDevelopmentAgency

💚 Nature is not a barrier to growth; it’s the foundation of a sustainable future. In October, governments from across the region adopted the Dubrovnik Declaration at their second meeting on the #GreenAgenda for the Western Balkans, reaffirming their resolve to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030, and restore degraded ecosystems, among other actions. As part of this process, IUCN coordinates Pillar 5 – Nature and Biodiversity, supporting and strengthening #RegionalCooperation through the work of the @BDTF_WB. More in our new blog 👉bit.ly/4nFYMaR #AustrianDevelopmentAgency @Sida @rccint #InternationalParntershipsAustria

What’s next for nature in the Western Balkans after the Dubrovnik Declaration? 🌿 The declaration was endorsed at the second #GreenAgenda for the #WesternBalkans ministerial meeting, further aligning the region with the European Green Deal and the Global Biodiversity Framework. Which documents were adopted, and what comes next? How are #RegionalCooperation and the @BDTF_WB supporting the process? Read in a blog by Kornelija Radovanović, IUCN ECARO Governance and Policy Officer 👉 bit.ly/4nFYMaR @Sida #AustrianDevelopmentAgency #InternationalParntershipsAustria @rccint

#DYK the European Eel travels thousands of kilometres from the Sargasso Sea to Europe’s rivers and lakes, including the #WesternBalkans, a migration still shrouded in mystery? 🌊🐟 No adult eel has ever been seen spawning in the wild. A true symbol of connected, living waters 🔴 @IUCNRedList status: Critically Endangered (CR) Populations have declined by over 90%. Urgent action is needed to secure the future of this extraordinary species 👉 bit.ly/479ggrb #IconicSpecies #SpeciesConservation @BDTF_WB

Heartfelt thanks to our hosts at the Protected Landscape Bijambare!🌿 During a recent visit to 🇧🇦, our team and members of the @BDTF_WB explored this natural gem near Sarajevo. Rolling meadows, forests, and caves form a mosaic of life, home to 800+ plant species and diverse fauna. Its iconic Middle Bijambare Cave stands among the #WesternBalkans natural wonders. 👏 Warm thanks to Asad Jelešković and his team for their hospitality and commitment to protecting this remarkable landscape🦇

🦅Field notes | A win for vultures in North Macedonia #WildlifePoisoning has long been one of the greatest threats to biodiversity in the Balkans, driving species like the Bearded and Cinereous Vultures to extinction in North Macedonia by 2006. In the latest IUCN #UniteForNature magazine, Velian Jagev from @ContactMES shares how the BalkanDetox LIFE project is helping turn the tide 🙌 Read the full article 👉 bit.ly/48wHOI3 #UniteForNature #VultureConservation @4Vultures

The 14th Regular Meeting of the @BDTF_WB concluded in Sarajevo 🌿- a strong step forward for #NatureConservation and #RegionalCooperation under the #GreenAgendaWB. Key outcomes included: 🔹 Updates on advances in biodiversity protection 🔹 Agreement on the vision, mission & goals of the Biodiversity Strategic Plan 🔹 Adoption of methodologies for the Restoration Opportunity Assessment & State of Nature reports 🔹 Recommendations from the Social & Gender Inclusion Analysis 🔹 Recognition of new thematic working groups Day two featured a workshop on the @IUCNRedList, introducing National Red Lists as powerful tools for biodiversity monitoring and policy-making. Organised with support from @Sida (ADAPT 2.0) and the #AustrianDevelopmentAgency (Greening the Western Balkans) #InternationalParntershipsAustria

#WesternBalkans is rich in biodiversity, featuring vast forests and freshwater, to unique karst ecosystems and rare species. These landscapes sustain people with clean water, fertile soils and climate regulation. But pressures from degradation and #ClimateChange put them at risk🔥 To help address these challenges, IUCN is working with governments, Members, and partners to: 🌊 Safeguard freshwater resources, vital for both biodiversity and people 🌳 Restore and sustainably manage forests, enhancing resilience to climate change 🌿 Scale up #NatureBasedSolutions to reduce disaster risk and strengthen community resilience 🤝 Support regional collaboration through the @BDTF_WB, aligning efforts with the Global Biodiversity Framework #GBF and the #GreenAgenda for the Western Balkans. More 👉 bit.ly/3KepKs8

📢Few days left to apply! Lead the State of Nature in the Western Balkans report that will inform governance, policy, and action across the region. Deadline 🗓️ 8 Sept 👉bit.ly/3sNVVGs #GreenAgenda for the #WesternBalkans #GAWB @rccint @BDTF_WB

Biodiversity is the foundation of our health, prosperity, and resilience 🐝 The #WesternBalkans is one of Europe’s biodiversity treasures, and we are seeking an expert to lead the development of the State of Nature Report. 📢 Extended deadline is 8 Sept. For more info, go here 👉bit.ly/3sNVVGs #GreenAgenda for the #WesternBalkans #GAWB @rccint @BDTF_WB

Wondering why the Volcanoes of Kamchatka are on @UNESCO #WorldHeritage List? One of the world’s most outstanding volcanic landscapes, it has 29 active volcanoes and 6 protected sites where glaciers and volcanoes create a dramatic environment. It is also a biodiversity hotspot, as: 🐟 Its rivers hold the world’s richest diversity of salmonid fish, with all 11 species coexisting 🦅 A home of Steller’s Sea eagle (50% of its global population) 🐻 along with vast populations of brown bear and sea otter, and many endemic and threatened plants🌱 More 👉bit.ly/45tTvgV

⏰Last call – deadline approaching! Are you an experienced #biodiversity expert eager to lead the development of the State of Nature in the Western Balkans – Biodiversity Conservation Report? Apply before 25 August 👉 bit.ly/3sNVVGs #WesternBalkans #GAWB #EUAccession #GreenAgendaWB #EU2030 #Consultancy

There’s still time to apply! 📢 Are you, or do you know, an experienced #biodiversity expert to develop the State of Nature in the Western Balkans – Biodiversity conservation report? This call closes on 25 August👉 bit.ly/3sNVVGs #WesternBalkans #GAWB #EUAccession #GreenAgendaWB #EU2030 #Consultancy

With its sky-blue body, black spots, and striking antennae, the Rosalia Longicorn (Rosalia alpina) is one of the most beautiful beetles 😍 #DYK it depends on old beech forests, which also give us clean air, fresh water, and climate regulation? 🌳 Once widespread, it’s now Vulnerable (VU) on the @IUCNRedList due to loss of old-growth forests & habitat fragmentation 👉 bit.ly/3H8qrCt

🗞️ #AVoiceForNature 31 is out now, dive in news and stories from #EasternEurope and #CentralAsia 🙌 Read about the exciting updates from Central Asia, a special feature for #BiodiversityDay, launch of the #IUCNGreenList process in Albania, several restoration projects, and much more. Congratulations to our members, @CZIP_CG on its 25th anniversary, CAMP Alatoo on national medal for environmental engagement, and two 2025 Goldman Env. Prize winners from Albania 🏆. Finally, the countdown to the #IUCNCongress continues - check the programme that is taking shape! 👉 bit.ly/45qFkYC #NatureConservation #newsletter