Advancing Biodiversity Conservation in the Western Balkans: Collaborative Efforts of BDTF WB and IUCN

Organisers: IUCN, Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of North Macedonia

This session seeks to deepen stakeholders' appreciation for the critical and often complex regional role of the Biodiversity Task Force of the Western Balkans (BDTF WB) and IUCN, which serves as its Secretariat, in advancing biodiversity conservation in the Western Balkans. The session will highlight how, despite the inherent challenges and complexities in planning, financing, implementing, and monitoring the Nature and Biodiversity Pillar of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB), the collaborative efforts of the BDTF WB are instrumental in driving the progress. This can serve as a strong example of how such bodies can also navigate intricate processes to deliver on commitments under the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework while contributing to Sustainable Development Goals 14 (Life below water), 15 (Life on land), and 17 (Partnerships for the goals).

Background

The Western Balkans region grapples with a range of pressing environmental challenges. Against this backdrop, the BDTF WB, in close partnership with IUCN and the Regional Cooperation Council that coordinates the GAWB processes, has emerged as a driving force in fostering regional cooperation and aligning efforts towards biodiversity conservation. Leveraging the EU's Stabilisation and Association process, the BTDF WB seeks to catalyse transformative change in the region’s approach to biodiversity conservation and restoration.

Objectives

1. Promotion and strengthening of collaborative efforts spearheaded by the BDTF WB and IUCN in advancing biodiversity conservation and restoration in the Western Balkans;   
2. Sharing of insights related to strategic planning, financing mechanisms, and on-the-ground implementation of the Nature and Biodiversity Pillar of the GAWB;  and
3. (3)    Fostered dialogue on the importance of regional cooperation and stakeholder engagement in achieving tangible conservation outcomes.

Structure

The session is structured as an expert dialogue, comprising four blocks. Moderator: Milica Mišković, Conservation Action Programme Officer, IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECARO). 

Opening remarks (5’)

• Oliver Avramoski, Director, IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECARO)
• Vlatko Trpeski, BDTF WB member Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, North Macedonia
• Ivana Markovic-Boskovic, Senior Expert on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, Regional Cooperation Council (tbc)

Setting the Scene (5’) 

An overview of needs for regional cooperation in addressing the challenges of conserving biodiversity in the Western Balkans, highlighting the imperative for concerted action and civic engagement. This segment will provide context for the subsequent discussions, outlining the strategic importance of the BDTF WB collaborative efforts in advancing biodiversity conservation and restoration in the region. 
Speaker: Milica Mišković, Conservation Action Programme Officer, IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECARO)

Expert Dialogue (30’) 

Contributions from four invited speakers from the region, representing key stakeholders in biodiversity conservation, regional cooperation and civil society. Each speaker will draw from their recent experiences and expertise to provide insights into specific initiatives that are supporting the implementation of the Nature and Biodiversity Pillar of the GAWB and the work of BDTF WB.

• Oliver Avramoski, Director, IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECARO)
• Vlatko Trpeski, BDTF WB member Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, North Macedonia
• Jula Selmani, BDTF WB member National Agency of Protected Areas, Albania
• Ksenija Medenica, Center for the Protection and Research of Birds, Montenegro on behalf of BioNET, BDTF WB Associated Member.

Open Discussion (10’)  

The wider expert audience will be invited to propose recommendations on how to advance biodiversity conservation and restoration in the Western Balkans in the context of local challenges and global biodiversity goals. The session will conclude with a synthesis of key insights and actionable recommendations, fostering continued collaboration and building on the momentum towards achieving tangible conservation outcomes in the region.

The session will conclude with a synthesis of key insights and actionable recommendations, fostering continued collaboration and momentum towards achieving tangible conservation outcomes in the region. 

Desired Outcomes
1.    Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the collaborative efforts spearheaded by the BDTF WB and IUCN in advancing biodiversity conservation and restoration in the Western Balkans. 
2.    The BDTF WB Secretariat gathers inputs and insights from the broader expert community to further advance biodiversity conservation and restoration in the Western Balkans.