The countries of the Western Balkans are known for their extraordinary richness of biodiversity, with a large number of endemic species and characteristic habitats, which give these natural ecosystems European and global importance for nature conservation.

Protected areas are key to preserving this biodiversity and their importance is recognized in global policies, not only for nature protection but also for socio-economic development.

Poor public awareness of the importance of protected areas, lack of participation of local communities in decision-making on the way these areas are managed, as well as poor state funding, results in their unsustainable management. The primary role of protected areas is neglected, while unsustainable activities such as deforestation, mass construction, and mass tourism take precedence.

Recognizing the values ​​of protected areas, but also the threats to their preservation, WWF Adria is implementing the "Protected areas for nature and people" project, with a vision to preserve biodiversity in the Western Balkans and ensure well-being for all present and future generations.

With the aim for all people to benefit from protected areas, we listen, support, and collaborate with local and national initiatives, organizations, media, public institutions, schools and decision makers, with whom we create and implement sustainable solutions.

In this way, we secure the further enjoyment of ecosystem services that protected areas provide, such as climate change mitigation, land stabilization, and flood mitigation.

"Protected Areas for Nature and People II" is a regional project to be implemented from 2019 to 2022 in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, and Kosovo. It is a continuation of the project under the same name that lasted from 2016 till 2019.

The goal of the project is the efficient and financially sustainable management of protected areas, supported through the involvement of local communities and civil society organizations. We strive to achieve this through:

● Improving national policies for Protected Area management and biodiversity conservation;
● Strengthening the accountability of decision makers;
● Raising awareness of the importance of protected areas and biodiversity in general
● Promoting and supporting civic activism
● Increasing the participation of local communities in the management of protected areas
 
The project is supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).