Biodiversity Task Force WB

A growing regional partnership for #biodiversity of the #WesternBalkans. Secretariat @IUCN_ECARO, under the auspices of the @rccint #GreenAgenda

[Biodiversity Task Force WB @BDTF_WB]

📢 Interesting opportunity for CSOs, including from the #WesternBalkans!

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

Calling civil society organisations in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia! 📢

@IUCN and @theGEF invite potential applicants to join an upcoming webinar on the CSO Challenge Program, a new global initiative that supports high-impact, innovative environmental solutions led by civil society organisations.

📅 Monday, 15 June 2026
🕗 8:00–9:00 AM Eastern Time / 14:00–15:00 Central European Summer Time
🔗 Register here 👉 https://t.co/LkwPByytA1

The CSO Challenge Program offers grants of up to USD 300,000 to help CSOs scale and replicate promising environmental approaches.
More 👉 https://t.co/XEIcV2Mzh6

#environment #EasternEurope #Caucasus #CentralAsia #funding #grants

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

Local species, global signals 🌷

This #WorldEnvironmentDay, we are looking at what biodiversity in the #WesternBalkans can tell us about climate resilience.

All around, nature is already sending signals. Some can be seen in iconic species like the Balkan lynx. Others are hidden in rare plants, freshwater insects and reptiles found only in some parts of the region. Their presence, decline or recovery tells us something important about the health of the ecosystems.

Today, we open a series of local biodiversity stories, starting with the Balkan lynx and Fiala’s milk-vetch, with more species to follow👉https://t.co/83PIhanMNm
Stay tuned!

#NowForClimate #RegionalCooperation #EUGreenDeal
#SpeciesConservation #GreenAgendaWB @PPNEA #InternationalPartnershipsAustria @ContactMES

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

How can regional cooperation help turn biodiversity commitments into action?

Last week in Tirana, the 15th Regular Meeting of the @BDTF_WB reviewed the progress and agreed on next steps for Pillar 5: Protection of Nature and Biodiversity under the #GreenAgendaWB.

How can we support nature conservation and restoration across the region? How can #NatureBasedSolutions help mobilise finance for nature? Which regional processes are already moving forward in line with EU biodiversity commitments and the #GBF?

For answers, go here👉https://t.co/TfwZJUKM9N

🙌Supported by Sweden @Sida and #InternationalPartnershipsAustria

#EUGreenDeal #RegionalCooperation #NatureRestoration #WesternBalkans @Bionet @rccint

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

Spotlighting protected areas from our region: Special Nature Reserve Uvac, Serbia 🦅

Known for its dramatic canyon scenery, rich geo/biodiversity and iconic meanders.

🦅 One of the most important strongholds of the #GriffonVulture (Gyps fulvus) in the Balkans. As nature’s clean-up crew, Griffon vultures play a vital role in the ecosystem by feeding on carcasses, helping prevent the spread of disease and keeping natural processes in balance.

Many thanks to the team of the Special Nature Reserve Uvac for their warm welcome🙌 We enjoyed the visit, learned so much, and will be coming back 💫

#SpeciesConservation #BiodiversityMonitoring #ProtectedAreas #GreenAgendaWB #InternationalPartnershipsAustria @zzpsrbije

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

This week in Sjenica, Serbia, experts from across the Western Balkans are coming together for a regional training on the use of the @IUCNRedList for biodiversity monitoring and reporting.

By strengthening knowledge, harmonising approaches, and encouraging regional exchange, the training is helping lay the groundwork for stronger species assessments and closer cooperation in the region.
Read more👉https://t.co/DJWspxqDfW

Supported by #InternationalPartnershipAustria 🤝 @BDTF_WB

@ZSLScience #GreenAgendaWB #EUGreenDeal #RegionalCooperation #WesternBalkans

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

#HappeningNow: A regional training on the use of the @IUCNRedList for biodiversity monitoring and reporting in the #WesternBalkans 🙌

Coinciding with #EarthDay, the training brings together institutions, experts and CSO representatives nominated by the @BDTF_WB to strengthen knowledge, align methodologies, and support better species conservation data and reporting across the region.

Because good conservation starts with good knowledge and shared tools 🦇

Supported by #InternationalPartnershipAustria 🤝

@ZSLScience #GreenAgendaWB #EUGreenDeal #RegionalCooperation

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

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

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

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 👉 https://t.co/kLJqIA1UtR

@Sida #GreenAgendaWB #WesternBalkans #EUGreenDeal #InternationalParntershipsAustria @MjedisiGovAL @akzmalbania @AMMK_KEPA_AZSK @MinistarstvoZZS @MOEPPMKD @rccint

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

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  https://t.co/oafvFTqOto
⏲️ Submission deadline: 3 March

#GreenAgendaWB #RfP @Sida

[Biodiversity Task Force WB @BDTF_WB]

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!

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

Healthy forests, rivers, wetlands and landscapes support people’s livelihoods, strengthen climate resilience and protect biodiversity.

The Nature and Biodiversity Pillar of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans helps economies across the region work together to protect and restore these vital ecosystems.

Our new video explains what this pillar is all about and how it is being put into action, featuring voices from @IUCN_ECARO and the @BDTF_WB.

📽️Watch the video 👉https://t.co/kLJqIA1UtR

@rccint @Sida #InternationalParntershipsAustria #AustrianDevelopmentAgency #GreenAgendaWB
@BDTF_WB #EUGreenDeal

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

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 👉https://t.co/H3ljQkPqcR

@rccint @Sida #InternationalParntershipsAustria #AustrianDevelopmentAgency #GreenAgendaWB @BDTF_WB

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

🌿 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.

🔗https://t.co/1vu95txfir

#WesternBalkans #Biodiversity #EcosystemRestoration #GreenAgendaWB 🌍#InternationalParntershipsAustria #AustrianDevelopmentAgency

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

💚 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
👉https://t.co/wkykslBAOK

#AustrianDevelopmentAgency @Sida @rccint #InternationalParntershipsAustria

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

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 👉 https://t.co/wkykslBAOK

@Sida #AustrianDevelopmentAgency #InternationalParntershipsAustria @rccint

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

#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 👉 https://t.co/O1xE6wdwka
#IconicSpecies #SpeciesConservation @BDTF_WB

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

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🦇

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

🦅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 👉 https://t.co/v5d33A36ps

#UniteForNature #VultureConservation @4Vultures

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

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

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

#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 👉 https://t.co/KhqjEHj3B7

[IUCN Eastern Europe and Central Asia @IUCN_ECARO]

📢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 👉https://t.co/v7Auc6eXWJ

#GreenAgenda for the #WesternBalkans #GAWB
@rccint @BDTF_WB