Third Meeting of the Community of Practice on Nature‑based Solutions (NbS) Convenes in the Western Balkans
From 25 to 27 March 2026, the Urban Research Institute (URI) participated in the Third Meeting of the Community of Practice (CoP) on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), held in Fruška Gora, Serbia. The regional workshop was organized by IUCN within the framework of the ADAPT 2.0 project, supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation through ecosystem-based approaches across the Western Balkans.
The meeting brought together representatives from civil society, academia, and research institutions across the region, including participants from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania. It served as an important platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging knowledge on the practical application of Nature-Based Solutions in different territorial contexts.
A central focus of the workshop was the advancement of ecosystem-based approaches that contribute to climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and sustainable land and water management. Discussions were closely linked to regional efforts to integrate NbS into policy frameworks and planning processes, including forest landscape restoration initiatives and broader environmental agendas in the Western Balkans.
URI actively contributed to the discussions by presenting its experience and case studies from Albania, particularly from Elbasan and Tropoja. These examples highlighted the role of Nature-Based Solutions in addressing environmental challenges such as erosion, land degradation, and ecosystem restoration, while also demonstrating the importance of data-driven and locally adapted interventions.
The workshop also included interactive group sessions, where participants collaboratively assessed different scenarios and developed tailored NbS solutions. These exchanges fostered a deeper understanding of how NbS can be effectively implemented across diverse environmental and socio-economic contexts, while encouraging the sharing of practical experiences and lessons learned.
Beyond technical discussions, the meeting reinforced the importance of regional collaboration in scaling up Nature-Based Solutions. It contributed to building a shared understanding of common challenges and opportunities, while also strengthening partnerships among institutions working towards a more resilient and sustainable Western Balkans.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to continue advancing Nature-Based Solutions through coordinated efforts, applied research, and policy integration.
URI’s Strategic Role in Advancing NbS in Albania and the Region
Through its continuous engagement in regional platforms and its applied work at the local level, URI is positioning itself as a key contributor in advancing Nature-Based Solutions in Albania and the Western Balkans. By linking scientific expertise with practical implementation, URI supports the development of scalable, evidence-based approaches that address environmental challenges such as erosion, ecosystem degradation, and climate vulnerability. Its participation in regional initiatives such as the CoP on NbS further strengthens its role in bridging local experience with regional policy processes and knowledge exchange.
