The Western Balkans Carbon Initiative (WBCI) officially launches

We are proud to announce the launch of the Western Balkans Carbon Initiative, WBCI, a pioneering educational platform dedicated to accelerating climate action by empowering the development of carbon markets across the Western Balkans.

At a time when the region remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels and faces increasing pressure to align with EU climate policies, WBCI aims to position the Western Balkans as a credible, forward-looking player in the global carbon economy. By advancing voluntary carbon markets and laying the groundwork for high-integrity compliance mechanisms, WBCI supports a just, inclusive, and financially viable transition to a low-carbon future.

Our Mission: Carbon Markets as a Catalyst for Change

WBCI was established to raise awareness, share knowledge, and foster collaboration around carbon finance. We believe that carbon markets can unlock investment, drive innovation, and deliver measurable climate and development benefits across the region.

Key Focus Areas:

• Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets: Building local capacity and trust in carbon credit generation through high-integrity, project-based solutions.
• Compliance Readiness: Supporting governments and institutions in preparing for future carbon pricing instruments and EU-aligned standards.
• Access to Finance: Connecting project developers and investors to carbon finance opportunities, both within and beyond the EU framework.
• Policy and Regulatory Engagement: Helping stakeholders navigate evolving frameworks, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
• Community Empowerment: Providing the tools, knowledge, and partnerships needed for local actors to engage meaningfully in climate markets.

Why It Matters

The Western Balkans emit around 90 million tons of CO₂ annually, with coal still a dominant part of the energy mix. The potential for high-quality carbon projects - across renewable energy, nature-based solutions, and sustainable land management - is immense. Yet, access to carbon finance and market infrastructure remains limited.

WBCI seeks to change that - by catalyzing investment, aligning regional efforts with international standards, and showcasing the Western Balkans as a region capable of climate leadership.

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Join Us

We invite governments, private entities, civil society, and international partners to collaborate with WBCI. Together, we can scale carbon markets, accelerate decarbonisation, and build a resilient, sustainable future for the Western Balkans.

Bledar Beqiri, founder

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Contact:

press@wbci.eu

Western Balkans Carbon Initiative, WBCI