# Balkan regional environmental and ecosystem initiatives > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-regional-environmental-and-ecosystem-initiatives > Updated: 2026-10-16T11:28:13.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Environmental initiatives in the Balkan region have focused on reforestation, eco-tourism, and ecosystem restoration. In North Macedonia and Albania, efforts centered on expanding protected areas and sustainable tourism. Mali Sharr National Park partnered with ‘Pure Promise’ for a reforestation project involving 30,000 saplings, while Albania’s Albanian Development Fund (FSHZH) allocated 2.4 million euros to expand Eco Park Dumrea near Lake Marina through the addition of tree houses and glamping facilities. Subsequent regional efforts in Montenegro and Serbia shifted toward soil protection and large-scale land restoration. In Montenegro, the ECOBASE project held a partnership meeting to address soil erosion and pollution through nature-based solutions. In Serbia, a scientific platform was established to restore the Deliblato Sands ecosystems following fires that impacted 12,000 hectares, with experts advocating that restoration prioritize biodiversity conservation over timber production. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-16: Regional environmental initiatives focus on soil protection and ecosystem restoration Environmental initiatives in Montenegro and Serbia focus on soil protection via the ECOBASE project and the ecological restoration of the Deliblato Sands following significant wildfire damage. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/regional-environmental-initiatives-focus-on-soil-protection-and-ecosystem-restoration ### 2026-09-28: Environmental and eco-tourism projects expand in Mali Sharr and Belsh Environmental and tourism initiatives are advancing in the Balkans, featuring reforestation in Mali Sharr and a 2.4 million euro eco-tourism expansion in Belsh, Albania. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/environmental-and-eco-tourism-projects-expand-in-mali-sharr-and-belsh --- Cite as: Balkan regional environmental and ecosystem initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/balkan-regional-environmental-and-ecosystem-initiatives