Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD)

15/09/2026

What an inspiring experience at the GEO-ADAPT Summer School!

We explored how geospatial technologies can support wildfire monitoring and climate change adaptation across the Western Balkans.

Through practical sessions, we learned about:
🔥Satellite image analysis for active fire monitoring
🌍 Burnt-area mapping and change detection
📊Wildfire risk assessment and modelling
🛰️ Remote sensing and Google Earth Engine

The programme also brought together expert lectures, scientific presentations, field visit to National Park Galicica, and lively group discussions. It was a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas and learn more about wildfire management initiatives across our region.

📌One of key takeaways was the broad role satellite centers can play: mapping high-risk areas, building statistical datasets, estimating damage, detecting fire origins, forecasting fire spread, tracking land-use change, and improving prediction. Their work can also support fire calendars, public communication, regional networks, access to data, institutional cooperation, capacity building, and the sharing of effective prevention and response measures.

At the same time, the discussions highlighted the need to maintain platforms properly and strengthen cooperation, especially as climate change continues to increase wildfire risk.

Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies IAMO

14/09/2026

Beautiful Ohrid and a memorable visit to the S&S winery as part of the SWG Assembly session. We enjoyed the city’s unique atmosphere, breathtaking lake views, and the opportunity to discover local winemaking traditions. A wonderful blend of productive discussions, cultural exchange, and unforgettable moments with SWG delegates and our partners 🍇🍷🌊

14/09/2026

🌱 Building climate-resilient agriculture in Montenegro!

Extension and advisory professionals met in Berane to exchange practical solutions for climate adaptation in soil, water, crops and livestock. The workshop was organized by Ministarstvo poljoprivrede, šumarstva i vodoprivrede in cooperation with Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD).

🌍“Green Agenda for the Western Balkans – Support to the Western Balkan Countries in Climate Change Adaptation"
Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
GIZ North Macedonia

🔗 https://seerural.org/news/montenegro-strengthens-agricultural-advisory-capacities-for-climate-adaptation/

Representatives of public institutions, advisory services, municipalities and academia met in Berane, Montenegro to explore practical, locally adapted solutions for climate-resilient agriculture.

10/09/2026

The 66th SWG Assembly Session is taking place in Ohrid, North Macedonia, bringing together representatives of SWG member and observer institutions for two days of discussions on regional cooperation in agriculture and rural development.

The Assembly provides an opportunity to look back at the progress made in recent months, discuss ongoing SWG activities and exchange views on priorities for the months ahead, including climate change adaptation and the work of the Regional Expert Advisory Working Groups.

A key focus of the discussions is the follow-up to the Agricultural Policy Forum and the Prishtina Agenda 2026, as well as preparations for the 20th Annual Meeting of Ministers of Agriculture from South East Europe, which will take place in Belgrade at the end of September.

The Assembly also looks ahead to the future of SWG cooperation, including the SWG Strategy 2026–2030 and upcoming activities across the region.

07/09/2026

Second National Workshop on Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture hel on 4 September in Čačak . Organized by Министарство пољопривреде, шумарства и водопривреде the event focused on practical tools and knowledge to help farmers build resilience to climate risks through improved soil, water, crop, livestock, and farm management practices.

📍 Regional project “Green Agenda for the Western Balkans – Support to the Western Balkan Countries in Climate Change Adaptation” is founded by the German Government through Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ North Macedonia in partnership with Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD).

More info: https://seerural.org/news/second-national-workshop-for-agricultural-extension-and-advisory-services-on-climate-change-adaptation-in-agriculture-held-in-serbia/

The Second National Workshop for Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services from Serbia brought together agricultural advisors and experts to strengthen capacities for climate change adaptation through practical tools, decision-support systems, and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

05/09/2026

Strengthening climate resilience in agriculture through knowledge and collaboration🌱

Two national training workshops organized by Ministria e Bujqësisë dhe Zhvillimit Rural in Korçë and Fier brought together 71 agricultural extension and advisory specialists to strengthen their capacity to support farmers in adapting to climate change. Topics included sustainable soil and water management, climate-smart crop and livestock production, and the economic assessment of adaptation measures.

The activity was organized within the regional project "Green Agenda for the Western Balkans – Support to the Western Balkan Countries in Climate Change Adaptation", funded by the German Government through Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ North Macedonia in partnership with Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD).

27/08/2026

Empowering rural women means strengthening communities, economies, and the future of the Western Balkans.

Our latest policy brief highlights key challenges, opportunities, and data-driven recommendations to support women’s leadership, access to resources, and equal participation in rural development. 🌿

🔗Link to the Policy brief: https://seerural.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Policy-Paper-Policy-Brief-Empowering-Rural-Women-in-the-Western-Balkans.pdf?v=2

🔗 Link to the study:https://seerural.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/The-Role-of-Women-in-the-Rural-Areas-In-The-Western-Balkans.pdf

GFA Consulting Group GmbH
IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH
Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD)

19/08/2026

Agrivoltaics can help Southeast European agriculture become more resilient to drought, heatwaves and extreme weather.

By combining agricultural production with solar energy, agrivoltaic systems can improve microclimate conditions, retain soil moisture, reduce erosion and lower irrigation needs while also diversifying farmers’ income and supporting rural development.

GFA Consulting Group GmbH
IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH
Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD)



👉https://seerural.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Policy-Brief-Agrivoltaics.pdf

22/07/2026

Applications are now open for the GEO-ADAPT Summer School 2026!

Join the GEO-ADAPT Summer School: "Geospatial Information for Wildfire Monitoring and Risk Assessment" from 6–12 September 2026 in Ohrid, North Macedonia.

Designed for students and professionals from the Western Balkans, the Summer School offers hands-on training in wildfire monitoring, satellite remote sensing, and Google Earth Engine, while exploring the latest approaches to wildfire risk assessment in the region.

📅 Application deadline: 31 July 2026

📩 Apply by sending your CV and motivation letter to [email protected]

Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies IAMO
Landscape Fire Management in the Western Balkans
Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD)

More info🔗 https://seerural.org/.../call-for-participation-in-the.../

21/07/2026

🌿 Join us at the Southeast European Conference on Organic Markets!

🌱 Organic producer associations and their members are warmly invited to register for the Southeast European Conference on Organic Markets, taking place on 23 September 2026 in Chisinau, Moldova, on the occasion of EU Organic Day 2026.

🤝 This regional event will bring together organic producers, associations, businesses, policymakers, importers, traders and development partners to exchange ideas, explore market opportunities and strengthen cooperation across Southeast Europe.

We would be delighted to welcome you to the conference. Register today and feel free to share this opportunity with colleagues and others interested in the organic sector.

More info🔗 https://seerural.org/news/join-us-at-the-southeast-european-conference-on-organic-markets/