The Biodiversity Task Force (BD TF) was established in November 2017 by the Regional Cooperation Council, in cooperation with the GIZ/ORF SEE Biodiversity project and the International Union for Conservation of Nature – Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (IUCN ECARO).

The BD TF brought together focal points and deputy focal points nominated by the WB6 governments, with specialised expertise in biodiversity and related policy areas. It operated as an advisory body under the Regional Working Group on Environment (RWG Env), providing technical guidance on integrating biodiversity considerations into environmental policies and regional initiatives.

The Task Force contributed to strengthening regional cooperation and supported the development of biodiversity-related priorities, including within the framework of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. It also facilitated progress towards international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and alignment with EU biodiversity legislation.

The BD TF met regularly and enabled continuous regional exchange on biodiversity protection, sustainable use of natural resources, and joint activities.

In April 2024, the BD TF was succeeded by the Biodiversity Task Force of the Western Balkans (BDTF WB), established under the Regional Working Group on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (RWG GAWB). This updated format reflected a stronger focus on the WB6 region and reinforced its advisory role in supporting the implementation of the Green Agenda and related international and EU biodiversity frameworks.