BELGRADE, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Serbia on Thursday launched an 84 million U.S. dollar project to strengthen forest resilience, enhance energy security for vulnerable communities, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Co-funded by Serbia, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the initiative was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management.
The seven-year project aims to reforest 7,000 hectares with climate-resilient species, restore 51,000 hectares of degraded forests, and rehabilitate 500 hectares of abandoned farmland through agroforestry.
Minister Aleksandar Martinovic emphasized that the initiative lays the foundation for long-term forestry sector reforms, ensuring sustainability, climate resilience, and an improved quality of life across Serbia.
He added that the project will help Serbia protect its forests, strengthen energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and create new opportunities for green investment.
According to the ministry, the project's measures are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 8.4 million tons.
