LocationsSerbia Strengthens Biodiversity Protection Through Local Initiatives and Investment in Nature
International Day for Biological Diversity Marked
May 22, 2026
Belgrade, 22 May 2026 – Accelerating efforts to conserve biodiversity is essential, as it means investing not only in nature protection but also in climate resilience, the preservation of vital resources, and a healthy economy, it was stated today at the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 event at the United Nations building. The event, titled “From Local Initiatives to Global Impact – Serbia on the Road to CBD COP17”, was organised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, with support of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Country Team in Serbia.
“International Day for Biological Diversity is an opportunity to remind ourselves how precious nature is, but also of our responsibility to protect it through care and responsible behaviour, so that we can preserve it for future generations. Biodiversity conservation is not only a professional task, nor the policy of a single government or institution, but an obligation of every individual. The Republic of Serbia places nature protection among its strategic priorities and is acting consistently and decisively in that direction”, said the Minister of Environmental Protection, Sara Pavkov.
As the 17th United Nations Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP17) will be held in October this year in Yerevan, Armenia, the Head of the Belgrade office of the Embassy of Armenia in Prague, Hayk Hemchyan, addressed the event on behalf of the Ambassador of Armenia to Serbia.
“This represents a great responsibility and honour for Armenia, as well as an important opportunity to contribute to global environmental governance and international cooperation. I would also like to note that the Ambassador of Armenia to Serbia, H.E. Ashot Hovakimian, in discussions with Serbian institutions and representatives of the United Nations, has strongly supported and promoted the idea of organising a dedicated event in Serbia related to COP17 and cooperation in the field of biodiversity”, Hemchyan stated.
Representatives of international organisations, including the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and the company IKEA, discussed the importance of partnerships among different stakeholders, improving the management of protected areas, and securing additional financial resources as key prerequisites for effective nature conservation. Managers of protected areas Tara, Gornje Podunavlje, Obedska Bara and Kraljevac presented successful initiatives for the conservation of species and their habitats, implemented with the support of the European Union, Switzerland and Sweden.
“Using the European Union’s Green Agenda as a roadmap, Sweden is strengthening biodiversity protection and investment in ecosystems in Serbia through cross-sector partnerships and the mobilisation of biodiversity financing. The Swedish ecosystem-based approach views nature as essential infrastructure – by restoring and managing wetland ecosystems, we simultaneously address challenges related to climate, water and biodiversity, while delivering tangible benefits for people and the economy”, said H.E. Charlotte Sammelin, Ambassador of Sweden to Serbia.
“Serbia is characterised by rich biodiversity. Its healthy forests, grasslands and wetlands ensure water security and support agriculture, energy resilience, tourism and public health. To preserve natural wealth for future generations, with the support of international and national partners, over the past three years we have supported the implementation of 42 local initiatives for the conservation of rare species and their habitats. These initiatives are already helping to restore and revitalise key ecosystems in protected areas such as Tara National Park, Fruška Gora and the Gradac River Gorge”, said Yakup Beris, UNDP Serbia Resident Representative.
The International Day for Biological Diversity was marked as part of the “EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia” initiative, implemented by UNDP with the technical and financial support of the European Union, in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and in cooperation with Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with additional funding provided by the governments of Sweden, Switzerland, and Serbia.
