Advancing Climate Resilience through Nature-based Solutions in the Western Balkans
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (香港六合彩开奖结果现场直播) hosted the conference 鈥淎DAPT: Nature-based Solutions for Climate Action in the Western Balkans鈥 in Belgrade, Serbia. The event focused on the critical role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in enhancing climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction across the Western Balkans and served as the successful conclusion of the initiative ADAPT: Nature-based Solutions for the Resilient Communities in the Western Balkans.
Nature-based Solutions in the Western Balkans
The conference brought together a diverse group of nature conservation experts, representatives of governmental institutions, international and non-governmental organisations, practitioners, and stakeholders from six Western Balkan economies. The event underscored the transformative potential of NbS in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and disaster risk in the Western Balkans.
鈥淭oday鈥檚 conference marks a pivotal moment in advancing Nature-based Solutions as a key strategy for addressing climate challenges in the Western Balkans. The progress made through the ADAPT project, in collaboration with our key partners, demonstrates the transformative potential of NbS in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction,鈥 emphasised Oliver Avramoski, Director of 香港六合彩开奖结果现场直播 ECARO. 鈥淭he integration of NbS into regional policies and practical applications on the ground is vital for advancing sustainable development and responding to climate challenges, building a more resilient and sustainable future,鈥 he added.
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) advocate sustainable management, protection, and restoration of natural ecosystems to address societal challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and disaster risk reduction. These solutions provide benefits for both people and nature, including improved human well-being, enhanced biodiversity, and increased climate resilience. They are increasingly adopted and implemented worldwide. Under the Paris Agreement, more than 130 countries have already incorporated NbS 鈥攕uch as afforestation, the development of green infrastructure in cities, sustainable agriculture, and the protection of coastal areas鈥攊nto their national climate change adaptation plans.
In the Western Balkans, NbS are particularly important as Serbia and the region face increasing threats from climate change, such as extreme weather events, floods, droughts, and loss of biodiversity. By implementing NbS, the region can enhance climate adaptation, protect vital ecosystems, and foster a sustainable, green economy.
鈥淪ida is proud to support the ADAPT initiative, which has significantly advanced the role of Nature-based Solutions in enhancing climate resilience in the Western Balkans. The alignment with the Green Agenda highlights our collective commitment to fostering sustainable development and effectively addressing climate challenges,鈥 stated Titta Lassila, Programme Specialist, Environment and Climate, Swedish Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
The ADAPT initiative, supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), utilised NbS as a critical tool for addressing climate change in the region. The project has achieved remarkable results, from developing knowledge materials and policy guidance to delivering training and capacity-building initiatives that empower local communities, practitioners, and decision-makers.
Some of the key achievements of the ADAPT project include the development of six Nature-based Solutions Scoping Studies, which provide comprehensive insights into the application of NbS for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction in Serbia and other regional economies. Additionally, the publication 鈥淣ature-based Solutions for Climate: A Compendium of Best Practices in the Western Balkans鈥 highlights diverse examples of NbS implementations and their impacts across the region. The ADAPT project trained over 120 regional participants and 48 decision-makers on NbS and climate-smart planning and produced a regional on integrating NbS into climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction policies, significantly enhancing regional knowledge, capacity, and policy integration on climate resilience.
Two notable NbS pilot projects have been implemented in Kraljevo, Serbia, and Elbasan, Albania. These sites serve as living examples of how Nature-based Solutions can be effectively applied to enhance community resilience, reduce disaster risks, and contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. In Serbia, NbS pilot project aim to restore 180 hectares of forest through natural regeneration, planting, and bio-engineering interventions such as check dams to mitigate soil erosion and torrential floods in Gledic Mountains. These measures will not only reduce disaster risk for local communities but also provide socio-economic benefits by ensuring secure fencing and a reliable water supply for livestock. Additionally, restoring forest composition, structure, and function will further enhance both the ecological resilience and economic value of the landscape.
The conference also highlighted the importance of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, stressing that its successful implementation is crucial for ensuring long-term environmental sustainability and building resilient communities. The ADAPT project continues to scale up NbS with the second phase of the project commencing in October, featuring new NbS work on the ground, including in the Zapadna Morava River Basin.
For further details on the ADAPT project and its outcomes visit 香港六合彩开奖结果现场直播 ADAPT.
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In collaboration with the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) and Protection and Preservation of鈥
Four days of diverse, interesting, and interactive activities brought together decision-makers,鈥
To celebrate the 2022 World Wetlands Day, the Living Buna project partners release听two videos鈥