In most Eastern European countries there are too few national parks, in 10 countries they constitute less than 2% of the area. CDN stands for the expanding the number and area of national parks in all the Eastern European countries as vital for nature conservation, ecological education, the development of responsible tourism and the future natural heritage.

Pictured: Djerdap National Park, Serbia

Many of the Eastern European forests have been significantly negative affected by human activity: not protected or turned into arable land. We believe it is necessary to take action for the sustainable management of forests and the protection of these valuable ecosystems: introduction of new management standards that take into account social participation and transparency in forest management, as well as the protection of biodiversity and sustainable use of forest resources.

Pictured: Trebević, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Water protection is extremely important, as water is a fundamental natural resource, necessary for human life and health and the functioning of ecosystems. By protecting the purity and quality of these waters, we ensure access to safe and appropriate quality drinking water and the protection of public health.

We believe that the right to water is human right at should be included in the highest legal documents, as constitutions. Companies that use a lot of water should pay progressively more for their consumption, and polluters should be punished much more severely.

Pictured: Gauja National Park, Latvia

We believe we need a holistic framework to protect our seas. Action is needed to protect the Baltic and Mediterranean seas, as well as the Black Sea in regions where possible and to create a comprehensive plan for the protection and recultivation of the Black Sea – that currently suffers contend with mines, polluted shorelines and severe damage to marine wildlife caused by Russia – after the withdrawal of the Russian army from the occupied territories of Ukraine.

Pictured: Long Beach in Ulcinj, Montenegro (Mjuzikxhankej/Wikimedia Commons)

The Eastern Europe has been struggling with urban chaos for years, which affects also the biodiversity. But urban ecosystems are important: they reduce noise, regulate micro-climate, mitigate the floods risk, and offer leisure and recreation opportunities. We need more green and blue infrastructure cities. We need plant more trees and flowers, attract wildlife. Existing facilities needs to be revitalise and new solutions implemented: rain gardens, green roofs, community gardens.

Pictured: Dnipro in Kyiv (Alexxx1979/Wikimedia Commons)

We believe that protecting wild animals is extremely important for modern society. It is an investment in the future of our planet, maintaining ecological balance and ensuring a lasting natural heritage for future generations. Wild animals play an important role in maintaining ecosystems, acting in the food chain, dispersing seeds and pollinating plants. Their presence affects the ecological balance and the preservation of biodiversity. Wild animals are often threatened with extinction due to poaching, habitat loss, climate change and other factors. The protection of these species is crucial to preserving genetic diversity and ensuring the survival and future development of ecosystems.

Pictured: European bison (Andkulak/Wikimedia Commons)