The Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) serves as a platform that brings together young people committed to biodiversity conservation and to strengthening their participation in policy-making processes under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

In response to the need for stronger regional cooperation, an initiative has been launched to establish GYBN Western Balkans, bringing together young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Albania. The initiative aims to strengthen youth engagement in nature conservation policymaking and to support the implementation of global commitments, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, at the local and national levels.

In August 2025, the first preparatory meeting for the establishment of the network was held in Sarajevo, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the BES-Net II (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network II) project. The meeting brought together young experts and activists from across the region, who exchanged experiences and engaged with the work of the global and European GYBN networks, with a focus on strengthening regional cooperation and capacities. One of the key outcomes was the draft GYBN Western Balkans Action Plan, outlining priorities, areas of action and models of collaboration in the region.

As a continuation of this process, an official online launch event will be held on 1 April 2026, from 11:00 to 13:00. The event is open to all young people interested in biodiversity and nature protection and will provide an opportunity to learn more about the initiative, ways to get involved, and opportunities to contribute. The event will present the network’s vision, mission and Action Plan, as well as next steps for strengthening regional cooperation.

These activities are implemented under the BES-Net II (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network II) project, jointly implemented by UNDP, UNEP-WCMC and UNESCO. The project aims to enhance understanding and recognition of nature’s contributions to people in Bosnia and Herzegovina by strengthening the National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA) platform as a mechanism for evidence-based decision-making in biodiversity. It also contributes to strengthening the role of youth in scientific and policy processes, supporting their active participation in building a sustainable future.

The BES-Net II initiative is financially supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI).