Webinar “20 Years Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme”
Two Decades of Science, Transboundary Cooperation, and Hope for Europe’s Rarest Cat
Introduction
Twenty years ago, the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme (BLRP) was launched in response to the critical conservation status of the Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus), one of Europe’s rarest wild cats. Since 2006, conservation organisations, scientists and local partners from across the Western Balkans and beyond have been working together to secure the future of this unique lynx population.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the programme, EuroNatur warmly invites you to a special webinar on 19 October 2026 at 18:30 CET. Join us and some of our partners to look back on two decades of conservation efforts, celebrate key achievements, and explore the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the recovery of the Balkan lynx.
What You Will Learn
During the webinar, experts involved in the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme will share insights into:
- The origins of the programme and the transboundary cooperation that has driven its success.
- How scientific monitoring, camera trapping and GPS tracking have improved our understanding of the Balkan lynx and its habitat. Major conservation achievements, including the establishment and strengthening of protected areas across Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia.
- The role of awareness-raising, education and communication in building public support for conservation of the Balkan lynx and its habitats.
- The importance of working with local communities, hunters, foresters and public authorities to promote coexistence and conservation.
- Current challenges that the Balkan lynx population faces, including low genetic diversity and the long-term outlook for population recovery.
- Future conservation priorities, including the implementation of a Regional Conservation Strategy and the assessment of additional conservation measures.
