The Global Youth Biodiversity Network Western Balkans (GYBN WB) was officially launched on 1 April 2026, establishing a regional platform that unites young people committed to biodiversity conservation and to strengthening their engagement in environmental decision-making.

Building on global and European GYBN efforts, the initiative connects youth from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Albania, with the aim of strengthening their role in shaping nature protection policies and supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at national and local levels.

During the online launch event, the GYBN Western Balkans Action Plan was presented, outlining key priorities, areas of work and modalities for regional cooperation. It represents an important step in translating youth engagement into concrete actions and enabling a more coordinated and impactful contribution to biodiversity protection across the region.

The launch builds on regional consultations held in Sarajevo in August 2025, where young experts and activists identified key priorities and contributed to shaping the Action Plan that will guide the network’s future work.

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).