++ Report reveals shortcomings across Western Balkan biodiversity hotspots ++ EU accession countries of the Western Balkans are falling short of keeping up with the EU environmental directives ++
Flamingos in the Narta lagoon: the completion and operation of the planned Vlora airport would destroy this natural paradise in Albania beyond recall.
© PPNEA
The Livanjsko Polje, a huge karst field in Bosnia-Herzegovina, is under great utilisation pressure. However, extensive grazing is ideal for the area.
© Anto PerkovicRadolfzell, Brussels, 21 November 2024 — Amid urgent global biodiversity discussions at COP16, EuroNatur has released a report spotlighting biodiversity challenges in the Western Balkans. The report, launched today at the European Parliament in Brussels, assesses the biodiversity framework, its implementation, or the lack of it, through case studies in some key ecosystems of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
Although national legislation and international conventions nominally protect areas and species of interest in the Western Balkans, they face immense threats, from infrastructure projects like airports in wetlands to illegal bird killing and habitat destruction. These violations undermine wildlife protections under directives such as the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and the Bern Convention, with severe consequences for species like the endangered Balkan lynx and the Dalmatian Pelican.
Viktor Berishaj, Senior Policy Officer at EuroNatur and lead author, states, "Our findings reveal a persistent disregard for environmental protection across the Western Balkans. For instance, protected areas should be safe havens for biodiversity, yet the reality shows a disturbing trend of mismanagement and neglect. Nevertheless, by utilising the existing room for improvement there is a significant chance to reverse the trend and secure the future of these ecosystems. Substantial policy changes are non-negotiable."
EuroNatur warns that environmental neglect risks setting a damaging precedent for future EU members, especially under the compounding threat of climate change. To close the gap, EuroNatur has outlined actionable recommendations for governments:
1. Strengthening legal frameworks and adherence to EU directives.
2. Enhancing institutional capacity and local engagement in conservation.
3. Establishing rigorous monitoring and management of protected areas.
4. Restoring habitats to support species' ecological connectivity.
5. Raising public awareness on biodiversity issues.
Thomas Waitz, Greens MEP, who hosted the launch event of the report in the European Parliament adds: “The Western Balkans are a biodiversity jewel with wonderful natural heritage in the heart of Europe. Protecting it is a key task for the EU and governments in the Western Balkan countries. Jointly addressing the urgent issues raised in Euronatur’s report would strengthen cooperation and the accession process, and it is crucial to fight the biodiversity and climate crisis our continent faces. There can be no effective climate action without protecting biodiversity.”
Through in-depth case studies, the report provides concrete examples of systemic policy failures, urging immediate action to preserve these ecosystems before it’s too late.
“There is a biodiversity protection urgency in the Western Balkans,” states Gabriel Schwaderer, Executive Director of EuroNatur. “The EU accession process is a unique opportunity for these countries to align with essential environmental protection needs, to start with. We must ensure that these vital ecosystems are preserved and managed sustainably.”
Background information:
- Link to report
- The report addresses these cases:
o Albania: Vlora International Airport
o Bosnia and Herzegovina: Livanjsko Polje
o Montenegro: Salina Ulcinj
o Serbia: Illegal killing of birds
o Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia: Balkan lynx - Western Balkans is a region consisting of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. They are part of the accession process to becoming Member States of the European Union, as does Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova. Due to this, they are also referred to as Enlargement Countries.
Contact:
Anja Arning, anja.arning(at)euronatur.org, Tel.: +49 (0)7732 – 92 72 13