Rehabilitation of protected species of birds in South-Western Serbia

The main goal of the project is to provide an adequate place for emergency care, rehabilitation and return to nature, of injured birds and birds that are not able to survive on their own in the wild. The Citizens Society Association “Jadovnik – untouched oasis of untouched nature” has established the necessary infrastructure (five smaller wooden enclosures and one larger wire-mesh aviary, with an auxillary container facility for animal checks) in the immediate vicinity of two protected areas in southwestern Serbia (Special Nature Reserve “Mieleševka Gorge” and Landscape of exceptional features – Ozren-Jadovnik), in order to provide immediate care and rehabilitation of birds of prey and vultures that require assistance and recovery.

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2026

Improving the protection of the Eurasian Eagle-Owl population in Eastern Serbia

The Eurasian Eagle-Owl is the world’s largest owl and a vital predatory bird ensuring ecosystem balance by controlling rodent and other small mammal populations. Despite protection under international and national laws, it faces threats from human disturbances such as habitat loss, electrocution, poisoning, and cultural persecution, leading to population decline. In Europe and Serbia, a lack of nesting sites and essential data on its distribution and habits further complicate conservation.

This pilot project in Eastern Serbia aims to conserve this species using field research, modern technology (GPS tracking devices, audio and video monitoring), and educational activities across five sites in Sokobanja, Zaječar, and Knjaževac. Providing support to five known nesting areas and limiting disturbance by visitors through remote surveillance, as well as directly involving the local community in conservation through workshops and campaigns, all ensure long term results in Eurasian Eagle-Owl protection in Eastern Serbia.

2026

Safeguarding long-term conservation of birds of prey in the Fruška Gora National Park

The supplementary feeding station for birds of prey in Fruška Gora National Park is crucial for birds of prey, especially during the winter. However, the operationality of the feeding site has been suspended in the past few years, as it was no longer possible to provide pig carcasses from local farms due to appearance of the African swine fever in Serbia.

The project provided a solution for the long-term sustainable operation of the feeding site through the use of a terrain vehicle with a trailer for the transport of larger cattle carcasses. Additionally, a video surveillance system with an integrated species recognition software facilitates the monitoring of species at supplementary feeding station. The National Park staff, in collaboration with the Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia, conducted raptor field monitoring activities, as well as capacity building activities for rangers and stakeholders for responding to emergencies involving birds of prey and education activities in nine primary schools in the area.

Results-based budgeting in the Pak Kret City Municipality, Thailand: Integrating biodiversity targets into local government budgets

Pak Kret City Municipality is located on the Chao Phraya River plain in Thailand, an area with fertile soil for agriculture. The subdistrict is home to 63 native durian varieties, a flavorful tropical fruit. However, unplanned urban expansion, pollution, and climate change have threatened urban biodiversity and agricultural activities in Pak Kret. Its proximity to Bangkok, only 20 kilometers away, intensifies these pressures.

Amid this situation, Pak Kret City Municipality, with support from the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), adopted results-based budgeting: an approach that integrates biodiversity targets into government budgets, thereby increasing nature-positive investments.

As a result, Pak Kret invested USD 11 million (THB 372 million) — 17% of its total budget — in biodiversity in 2025, reflecting priority concerns to protect its distinctive durian variety, expand green spaces, and enhance air quality, water, and waste management systems.

Sri Lanka’s National Sustainable Tourism Certification scheme: Promoting sustainable experiences, supporting conservation, and catalyzing biodiversity finance

Habitat degradation, pollution, and over-exploitation have threatened Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity, which contains high levels of endemism. Moreover, an economic crisis that began in 2019 made it challenging to increase public funding for biodiversity. The COVID-19 pandemic aggravated this situation and added pressure to the livelihoods of those dependent on tourism.

While unplanned tourism expansion can be detrimental to biodiversity, the sector is also a source of opportunities for long-term conservation and local income generation. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), and other partners developed a National Sustainable Tourism Certification scheme to promote biodiversity conservation and support economic recovery.

As of June 2025, 37 hotels, one destination, and 204 small and medium enterprises were certified. BIOFIN estimates that this initiative has catalyzed USD 4.026 million in investments for biodiversity.

Connectivity Conservation Initiative for Fresh Drinking Water (Konitsa, Greece)

The solution aims at maintaining ecological connectivity in the long-term by allowing the free movement for the endangered carnivores wolf and brown bear among their habitats considering climate change adaptation objectives. The conservation of ecological corridors between their habitats is essential to sustain biodiversity in a changing climate condition and to ensure the resilience of ecological services. In this framework, the proposed solution address the challenge of securing fresh water supply across corridors that can support basic needs of wildlife species. In addition, this solution is based on the documentation of traditional knowledge on sustainable water management engaging local communities and maintaining traditional building techniques related to cultural heritage.

From World Hertiage to Conservation

Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve, also a key national scenic area, was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1992. Named after the nine Tibetan villages within its boundaries, Jiuzhaigou boasts not only abundant flora and fauna but also its “Six Wonders”: alpine lake clusters, waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-capped peaks, blue ice formations, and Tibetan cultural charm, attracting countless visitors worldwide.

Remarkably, Jiuzhaigou has avoided ecological crises despite tourism development, achieving a win-win balance between economic benefits and environmental conservation. It stands as a successful model of implementing the principle “protection comes first, while tourism serves as the optimal development approach.”

Ceasing Harmful Coastal Construction Subsidies to Protect Biodiversity in the Surroundings of the Mrigadayavan Palace, Thailand

The Mrigadayavan Palace, built in 1924 between the beach towns of Cha-Am and Hua Hin, was the summer house of King Vajiravudh, who ruled until 1925. To prevent coastal erosion and protect this cultural landmark, The Marine Department of Thailand (Ministry of Transport) constructed groins, seawalls, and jetties along the beach near the palace. These rigid structures cost USD 8.4 million in subsidies.

National experts, partners, and the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) measured the impact of subsidies on ecosystems in Thailand. After the team found that rigid coastal structures had accelerated erosion instead of preventing it, they presented these results to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment).

As a result, the Thai cabinet ceased subsidies for coastal rigid structures near the palace. Existing structures were replaced with nature-based solutions, restoring the ecosystem and protecting cultural heritage.

Green Credit and Loans in Ecuador: Supporting small entrepreneurs, empowering vulnerable groups, and using an automated software to assess social and environmental risks

Ecuador is one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, with rich fauna and flora. However, economic reliance on non-renewable resources and unsustainable agricultural practices have threatened its biodiversity. Sustainable entrepreneurship offers an alternative to align economic activities with environmental protection. Yet, low-income women, youth, and other vulnerable groups face barriers in accessing credit to start small businesses.

Amid this situation, the National Corporation of Popular and Solidarity Finance (CONAFIPS) of Ecuador, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), developed a Social and Environmental Risk Management System (SARAS) tool: a free and automated software that enables credit unions to screen loan applications against social and sustainability criteria.

As of August 2024, credit unions approved USD 804 million in green credit using SARAS, fostering a nature-positive economy, conserving biodiversity, and supporting women and the youth.

Diverse Culture Based on the Satoyama Initiative of Shuanglianpi Pond (Yilan, Taiwan)

The Shuanglianpi Settlement, located in the mountains of Yilan, is named after Shuanglianpi Pond. Known for once hosting a third of Taiwan’s native aquatic plant species, the area was designated as the “Yilan County Shuanglianpi WildlifeRefuge” in 2003 to protect its freshwater plants.

This designation and land expropriation led to longstanding conflicts among residents, public

sectors, and externalgroups. In 2018, the Yilan Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency began interviewing local elders and residents, uncovering a shared memory: the damaged century- old irrigation canal. Most residents expressed support for restoring the canal torebuild relationships, foster communication, and establish a partnership basedon mutual support. To advance sustainable development, the Branch invited local partners to join resilience

assessment workshops (RAWs) in 2022 to identify priorities and formedan interdepartmental platform for ongoing adaptive co-management of Shuanglianpi.

Integrated river restoration and community stewardship to protect the Critically Endangered Tradouw Redfin

This Solution applies integrated river restoration and community stewardship to reduce key threats to the Critically Endangered Tradouw Redfin in the Huis River, South Africa. It combines invasive alien plant clearing, targeted riparian restoration, water-saving measures and community awareness to improve habitat quality and river resilience.

The approach addresses habitat degradation, invasive vegetation, water pressure and limited local awareness. By restoring riparian structure and coordinating action through a multi-agency Tradouw Redfin Working Group, the project improved river health indicators, restored critical habitat and strengthened long-term protection for the species through a formal Species Action Plan.

The +Mujeres +Natura (+Women +Nature) Programme: Empowering women through access to nature-positive finance and participation in decision-making for biodiversity

Women have a fundamental role in biodiversity conservation in Costa Rica and globally. However, gender-based barriers limit their access to biodiversity-related financial mechanisms, such as payments for environmental services and credit for sustainable agriculture and bio-businesses.

In 2020, the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica (MINAE) and the Biodiversity Finance Imitative (BIOFIN) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the umbrella programme +Women +Nature to promote gender equality in biodiversity. Central to this initiative are three mechanisms to increase women’s access to finance, including two credit lines and one payment for environmental services scheme.

These mechanisms have strengthened women’s agency in conservation through USD 6,979,050 in credit lines and 530 payment for environmental services contracts, contributing to biodiversity conservation and inclusive economic development in Costa Rica.

World-First Jaguar-Protection Insurance in Misiones, Argentina: Protecting wildlife and supporting livestock farmers

The jaguar (yaguareté) is the largest feline in the Americas and a national symbol in Argentina, yet fewer than 250 remain nationwide, about 90 in Misiones. Habitat loss and declining prey have increased jaguar predation on livestock and pets, harming farmer’s income and driving retaliatory killings. To transform conflict into coexistence, the Government of Misiones, UNDP (BIOFIN and IRFF), the insurer Río Uruguay Seguros, and the NGO Aves Argentinas developed the world’s first jaguar-protection insurance.

Purchased by the province of Misiones and offered free of charge to residents, the insurance provides prompt compensation to producers for verified jaguar predation. Launched in April 2025, the scheme verified five claims in its pilot phase in Comandante Andresito and has since expanded to other municipalities affected by human–jaguar conflict. By protecting rural livelihoods, the insurance discourages retaliation and protects the jaguar.