Biodiversity Task Force WB

Regional cooperation can help turn global biodiversity commitments into action 🐝 At #COP17Armenia, IUCN brought together perspectives from the Western Balkans and the Caucasus to explore what countries can learn from one another as they advance green transitions and implement the Global Biodiversity Framework #GBF. Our message from the regions is simple: implementation becomes stronger when countries share knowledge, build trusted institutions and work around common priorities. Read more about the key session takeaways👉iucn.org/story/202610/advanc… #GreenAgendaWB #InternationalPartnershipsAustria #RegionalCooperation @Sida #TakingActionForNature

Did you know that Serbian bittercress is found in just one gorge in Serbia? 🌿 Endemic to the #WesternBalkans, in Serbia, it is known only from the Derventa Gorge in Tara National Park. Experts are working to better understand it and improve its habitat. Protecting this plant also means safeguarding fragile gorge ecosystems that provide clean water and prevent erosion. Interested in endemic species of the Western Balkans? Explore the series 👉 bit.ly/4ftky1g #GreenAgendaWB #GreenAgenda @BDTF_WB #InternationalPartnershipsAustria

🌿 NEW BROCHURE 📘 From global commitments to regional action: Biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration in the Western Balkans A practical resource linking global biodiversity commitments, EU #policy #frameworks and regional action to support coherent and effective conservation and restoration efforts. Developed under #NatureAlignedWesternBalkans and contributing to broader regional initiatives, including #ADAPT20 and #GreeningTheWesternBalkans. 🔗Download: bit.ly/4izufwF #Biodiversity #EcosystemRestoration #NaturePositive #IUCN

🐭 Did you know that a species not recorded in the wider Prokletije area for more than 70 years has now been documented there again? Meet the Balkan Snow Vole (Dinaromys bogdanovi), a rare mammal endemic to the #WesternBalkans, recently recorded in Prokletije National Park by experts from the National Parks of Montenegro. It is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) on the @IUCNRedList, yet across much of its range, knowledge gaps remain, calling for more consistent monitoring and conservation assessment. Interested in endemic species of the Western Balkans? Explore the series 👉 bit.ly/4ftky1g #GreenAgendaWB | #GreenAgenda | @BDTF_WB | #InternationalPartnershipsAustria

🗞️ A Voice for Nature #35 This edition brings together news and stories from across Eastern Europe and Central Asia – from the first anniversary of #IUCNCentralAsia and species deep-dives, to growing regional cooperation on ecosystem restoration and #NatureBasedSolutions. Read about the rediscovery of the Dinaric vole in Prokletije, new research on tortoises of Golem Grad, restoration efforts across the region, and progress under the #GreenAgendaWB. We also celebrate the establishment of the IUCN National Committee of Armenia and welcome two new #IUCNMembers. And, ahead of #COP17 Armenia, we invite you to join a timely symposium in Yerevan addressing the governance gap at the heart of the #KMGBF and bringing diverse actors together to shape a shared call to action for effective area-based conservation. All this, and more in the latest issue 👉 bit.ly/4xOXBvt 🍓 If you like it, subscribe for more 🐝 lnkd.in/g7ere8gb

Did you know that a rare plant in a mountain pasture can tell a much bigger story? 🌿Fiala’s milk-vetch (Astragalus fialae) is a Dinaric endemic linked to rocky alpine habitats. Its rarity reminds us why field knowledge, Red Lists and monitoring matter. Because protecting mountain species also means protecting pollinators, water, soils and climate resilience for people. Explore the next story in our Western Balkans endemic species series 👉 bit.ly/4ftky1g #GreenAgendaWB | #GreenAgenda | #InternationalPartnershipsAustria | @BDTF_WB

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👉bit.ly/4ftky1g Stay tuned! #NowForClimate #RegionalCooperation #EUGreenDeal #SpeciesConservation #GreenAgendaWB @PPNEA #InternationalPartnershipsAustria @ContactMES

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👉bit.ly/3RJl69j 🙌Supported by Sweden @Sida and #InternationalPartnershipsAustria #EUGreenDeal #RegionalCooperation #NatureRestoration #WesternBalkans @Bionet @rccint

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

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👉bit.ly/4mOtoIE Supported by #InternationalPartnershipAustria 🤝 @BDTF_WB @ZSLScience #GreenAgendaWB #EUGreenDeal #RegionalCooperation #WesternBalkans

#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

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

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