From 20–22 May 2025, Sjenica, Serbia, hosted the Closing Conference of the BalkanDetox LIFE project, marking the final stages of a five-year international initiative to combat wildlife poisoning — the leading cause of vulture deaths in the Balkans. Around 85 experts, government officials, NGOs, and law enforcement representatives from across the region came together to build […]
In a landmark move for biodiversity conservation, Albania’s Ministry of Tourism and Environment has officially approved the Action Plan for the Protection from Poisoning of Endangered and Endemic Species of Wild Fauna in Albania, 2025–2035. This decision—formalized through Ministerial Order No. 142 on April 11, 2025—is the first of its kind in the country, marking
A huge win for wildlife in Albania: Action Plan against poisoning finally approved! Read More »
In a major breakthrough, Serbian authorities have strengthened efforts to tackle the illegal pesticide trade, carrying out a series of targeted operations that have led to multiple arrests and the seizure of thousands of hazardous chemical packages. This decisive action is a long-overdue yet commendable step by law enforcement to fight a persistent problem that
Serbia’s crackdown on the illegal pesticide trade yields immediate results Read More »
A year after one of Europe’s most devastating bird poisoning incidents in Nakovo, near Kikinda—where over 1,000 birds perished under unexplained circumstances—Serbia is once again facing a tragic wave of wildlife poisonings. This alarming trend threatens not only rare and endangered species but also the delicate ecological balance they help maintain. Widespread deaths across Serbia
New wave of poisoning: Birds of prey in Serbia are fighting for their survival Read More »
A comprehensive study on Raptor Poisoning in Europe provides a continental-wide overview of the impacts of illegal poisoning of raptors, including vultures, in the last 20 years. The study compiled and analysed raptor poisoning incidents across 22 European countries over two decades (1996-2016). The compilation documented 3,196 poisoning events, impacting 4,437 raptors spanning 37 species.
Poison is still widespread in Europe – and has a huge biodiversity impact Read More »
In a significant crackdown on the illegal pesticide trade, authorities have arrested two individuals in Bečej, Serbia, for smuggling banned agricultural chemicals. This operation sheds light on the pervasive black market for such substances in Serbia and the broader Balkans, highlighting severe repercussions for wildlife, the environment, and public health. A closer look at the
Major arrest in Serbia exposes black market pesticide trade threatening Balkan wildlife Read More »
The BalkanDetox LIFE project continues to lead the charge against illegal wildlife poisoning—a destructive practice that harms wildlife, jeopardizes human health, and disrupts ecosystems across the Balkans. In its fourth year of operation, this ambitious five-year initiative, spanning across seven countries, achieved impressive milestones in 2024, strengthening efforts to protect biodiversity, raise awareness, and enhance
In a big step forward for protecting wildlife and the environment, Albania has established a dedicated police unit to tackle environmental crimes and illegal wildlife trafficking. This move responds to growing EU legislative requirements and a sharp rise in wildlife crime reports, marking a turning point in the country’s conservation efforts. Addressing the growing problem
Albania establishes new environmental crime police unit Read More »
Wildlife poisoning is a serious threat in the Balkans, with devastating effects on biodiversity, domestic animals, and even human health. To address this pressing issue, we need collaboration from all stakeholders, and that involves the public. The BalkanDetox LIFE project has released public awareness videos in seven Balkan languages to inform about the dangers of poisoning and empower
What to do when encountering suspected poisoning incidents in the Balkans Read More »
Wildlife crime often goes unpunished, so when authorities take action and build their capacity to fight it, it’s a significant breakthrough. Recently, Serbia took a major step in this direction with two national training courses that brought together the police, environmental inspection, and other key stakeholders to tackle wildlife poisoning. This achievement benefits Serbia’s vulnerable
Recent training courses in Serbia share best practices in wildlife crime investigation Read More »
