Strategic regional initiative: Western Balkans to launch forest landscape restoration plan

The plan is a central component of Pillar 5 of the Green Agenda, which focuses on the protection of nature and biodiversity. By integrating Nature-based Solutions into development policy, the framework provides a pathway toward a climate-neutral region by 2050. The project is being implemented under the ADAPT 2.0 project, supported by Sweden, which emphasizes mitigation and adaptation to climate change through ecological restoration.

To ensure the plan’s success, the Regional Cooperation Council has established the Western Balkans Biodiversity Task Force (BDTF WB). This body, along with a specialized Thematic Group on Ecosystem Restoration, will provide the scientific and strategic oversight necessary to align regional efforts with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Paris Agreement.

"The development of this Plan will be a turning point for the region," stated Oliver Avramoski, Director of the IUCN Regional Office. "It demonstrates our collective commitment to restoring forest landscapes and protecting nature for future generations."

The process will involve extensive consultations with public institutions, academia, civil society, and experts in forestry and agriculture. An assessment report on restoration opportunities is expected to be finalized in 2026, serving as the technical foundation for the final Strategic Plan. Once adopted, the framework will guide national policies and sectoral planning to ensure the long-term ecological integrity of the Western Balkans.