Western Balkans adopt new biodiversity and tourism management plans

Regional authorities in the Western Balkans and Croatia have adopted new strategic frameworks focused on environmental protection and tourism development.

In Montenegro, ministers approved the Western Balkans Six Biodiversity Strategy Plan 2030 and the Forest Landscape Restoration Plan. These documents aim to protect at least 30% of terrestrial, freshwater, marine, and coastal areas, while restoring 20% of degraded ecosystems by 2030. The initiative aligns regional policies with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the EU Biodiversity Strategy.

Simultaneously, the Zagreb County Assembly unanimously approved amendments to its Destination Management Plan through 2028. The updated plan restructures regional projects into five thematic areas: sustainable and regenerative tourism promotion, sustainable tourism management, enogastronomy, active tourism, and health tourism. These changes aim to better coordinate with local tourism boards and the Ministry of Tourism and Sport.