UMWELTORGANISATION WWF CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Introduction

EU policy, legislation and funding programmes are central to WWF-CEE’s efforts to “Save the Green Heart of Europe”, i.e. to conserve many of Europe’s most valuable remaining rare species and areas of wilderness, forests, rivers and wetlands in Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Moldova.

Work Programme Overview

The FY2025 work programme contributes to all 21 specific objectives from the FY2023-25 FPA (including organisational development). Focus is on the implementation of relevant policies under the EU Green Deal as well as the EU Nature and Water Framework Directives in order to ensure the sustainable management of forests and river basins.

Key Species Conservation

The programme aims to maintain or improve the status of key species including:

1. Large carnivores
2. Bison
3. Sturgeon

National Engagement

We will engage national authorities to make ambitious pledges on meeting the following targets of the Biodiversity Strategy:

• 30% protected areas
• 10% strict protection

Climate Change Mitigation

Climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts are focused on:

• National policy-making
• Biodiversity safeguards for renewable hydropower and biomass

Advocacy for Integration

We will advocate for integrating biodiversity and climate targets into sectoral decision-making, including:

• Transportation and other infrastructure
• Forestry
• Water and basin management
• Funding measures under the Operational Programmes, the Common Agricultural Policy and National Recovery and Resilience Plans

Addressing Violations

Where these efforts are not successful, we will bring violations of EU environmental policies to the attention of:

• The EU Commission
• National courts
• The public

Public Engagement

In support of these efforts and to mainstream environmental work in societies of CEE countries, we will engage the general public, especially youth, as well as business for action for biodiversity and climate.

Focus on Ukraine

We will significantly step up our engagement in Ukraine, supporting the country to prepare for selected EU policies and legislation and helping shape planning for reconstruction.