A new Community of Practice on Nature-Based Solutions (CoP NbS) has been officially launched in the Western Balkans, marking a significant step toward integrating nature-based approaches into regional environmental and climate policies. Organized by International Union for Conservation of Nature, Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (IUCN ECARO) within the ADAPT 2.0: Nature-based Solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation in the Western Balkans initative, and the EU4Green project, the event brought together policymakers, experts, and civil society representatives to strengthen regional cooperation on sustainable solutions.

A Collaborative Platform for Nature-Based Solutions

The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge and discuss the role of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) in implementing the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. The discussions emphasized the importance of NbS in climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable land and water management.

The CoP NbS will aslo serve as a robust network of professionals, civil society organizations (CSOs), researchers, policymakers, and conservation community leaders focused on enhancing the understanding, development, and implementation of NbS in the Western Balkans. The initiative will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, best practices sharing, and collaborative efforts, all contributing to the region’s climate resilience.

„Today’s meeting marks a significant step forward in advancing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the Western Balkans through the Community of Practice (CoP) platform. More than just an exchange of ideas, this initiative represents a collaborative, cross-sectoral effort to promote sustainable and climate-resilient development in the region,“ stated Oliver Avramski, Regional Director, IUCN ECARO.

The event featured an overview of the CoP NbS initiative, outlining its goals, benefits for stakeholders, and its role in facilitating consultations on key policy processes. Participants shared experiences on NbS implementation, with case studies presented from pilot projects in Serbia and Albania, carried out under the first phase of the ADAPT 2.0 project.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

A central focus of the discussions was the practical application of NbS in riparian buffer zones, with the presentation of the newly developed EU4Green Handbook on NbS for Riparian Buffer Zones. Participants also examined financing mechanisms and policy frameworks necessary to scale up NbS in the region.

The workshop concluded with an interactive session where stakeholders identified key challenges, opportunities, and concrete next steps for strengthening the CoP NbS. These include enhancing regional cooperation, improving policy integration, and exploring innovative financing models.

As the Community of Practice on Nature-Based Solutions takes shape, its role in supporting knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and policy dialogue will be crucial in advancing the region’s sustainability and resilience goals.

For more information on the CoP NbS and upcoming activities, please visit the ADAPT 2.0 project.

ADAPT 2.0: Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in the Western Balkans aims to enhance understanding and implementation of NbS for climate change mitigation and adaptation, while promoting their integration into regional policies and practices. Building on lessons learned from the first phase, ADAPT 2.0 facilitates regional cooperation by embedding NbS into policies and practice aligned with the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB) and supports the development of strategic frameworks such as the Western Balkans Forest Landscape Restoration Plan and formation of the Restoration Coordination Working Group. ADAPT 2.0 aims to catalyse opportunities for deploying NbS on the ground in the Western Balkans, with a long-term focus. One of its key goals is to investigate options for establishing a regional fund to mobilise resources for future NbS development and implementation. ADAPT 2.0 project is funded by Sweden.