The idea behind the project was born as a result of over 10 years of successful cooperation and is based on the alumni of three training programmes (NatuRegio), but welcomes other experts working in the target region. It started as a contact platform and platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences and is open to develop further activities.

During the four working days of the Forum, that took place from 21st to 24th of April 2017 in Tirana, Albania, the participants exchanged knowledge and experience about their work and projects across the Balkan region. The event culminated in the handing over of the coordination and administration of the network to its members, as was envisaged by the project coordinators from the Alfred Toepfer Academy for Nature Conservation. In the coming months the now voluntary network will launch its website and will open to more membership applications. BNN's aim is to be an independent organisation that contributes to nature conservation in the region, develops and implements its own projects, establishes and broadens transnational connections and provides training in specific topics.

IUCN is committed to supporting the initiative and is an active member of the network. To find out more about future activities of the network look out for the next issue of A Voice for Nature Newsletter.

Read more about the project http://www.balkanaturenet.nna.de/