Enhanced Forest Resilience project signed into action in Serbia
24 February 2025
A $84M project with FAO will enhance Serbia's forest resilience, improve energy security, and reduce emissions, benefiting 3 million people sustainably.
Belgrade, 20 February 2025 – Over the past four decades, climate change has had considerable effects on Serbia and forest ecosystems in the country are vulnerable to droughts, increased temperatures, extreme weather events, fires, pest outbreaks and diseases. Forest cover is degrading due to unsustainable wood harvesting, a heavy reliance on forests for energy, rural depopulation and lack of financial and knowledge capital of landowners.
On 20 February an agreement for the project “Enhancing the resilience of Serbian forests to ensure energy security of the most vulnerable while contributing to their livelihoods and carbon sequestration (FOREST Invest)’’ was signed between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in its capacity as an Accredited Entity of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Government of the Republic of Serbia, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, as well as two public enterprises “Srbijašume” and “Vojvodinašume”.
Over the course of seven years, FOREST Invest will enhance the resilience of forest ecosystems, improve energy security for vulnerable communities, and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Nearly three million residents of Serbia will indirectly benefit from improved forest resilience and sustainable management.
Additionally, the project envisions afforestation of 7 000 hectares with climate-resilient tree species, the conversion of 51 000 hectares of degraded low forests into high forests, and the rehabilitation of at least 500 hectares of abandoned private agricultural land through agroforestry plantations. By implementing these and other measures, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to be reduced by 8.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 e).
The project, valued at USD 84 million, is funded by the Green Climate Fund, while co-financing is provided by the Government of the Republic of Serbia and FAO. This initiative is the result of years of collaboration between FAO, the Forest Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management, and other key national-level partners.
"Serbia is committed to a future where forests are protected, energy is secure, and economic growth is sustainable. This project represents a key step towards realizing that vision, but also an expression of the political will for Serbia to become a leader in climate-smart forest management. Thanks to this initiative, we will protect our forests and strengthen Serbia's energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and open new opportunities for green investments. It is proof of our determination to align national development with global climate goals, while ensuring that the benefits reach communities and economies across the country," said Aleksandar Martinović, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management in the Government of the Republic of Serbia.
"The partnership between FAO and the Government of Serbia is built on a shared commitment to sustainable development, food security, and climate resilience. By combining our technical expertise with national priorities, we can drive meaningful and lasting change," added Nabil Gangi, FAO Deputy Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia.
"This innovative project in Serbia increases investment in sustainable forestry initiatives that include both mitigation and adaptation measures. Progress in Serbia will guide future efforts in other countries,” said Henry Gonzalez, the Chief Investment Officer of the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
The signing of this agreement marks the beginning of a significant transformation in Serbia’s forestry and energy sectors, aimed at greater resilience, energy security, and sustainable development.
About FAO and the GCF
Since becoming partners in 2016, FAO and the GCF have been scaling up climate investments in high-impact projects that make the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors more efficient, inclusive, sustainable and resilient to climate change.
By leveraging global partnerships, FAO catalyzes public and private investments in agriculture that promote innovative climate change adaptation and mitigation actions and drive the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in line with the FAO Strategy on Climate Change 2022-2031.
The GCF – a critical element of the historic Paris Agreement – is the world’s largest climate fund, mandated to support developing countries to raise and achieve the ambition of their national climate plans known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Related links:
FAO and the Green Climate Fund
FAO’s work on climate and biodiversity
UN entities involved in this initiative
Goals we are supporting through this initiative
