Environmental Hotspots Map

Bosnia and Herzegovina's First Environmental Hotspots Map Provides a Foundation for Future Remediation and Environmental Management

June 3, 2026

The first Environmental Hotspots Map of Bosnia and Herzegovina marks an important step towards the systematic identification, assessment and management of contaminated and potentially contaminated sites across the country.

Through the screening more than 100 potentially contaminated locations across Bosnia and Herzegovina, 48 priority sites were selected for sampling. Based on more than 700 analyses of soil, water and sediment samples, the initiative identified key environmental challenges, priority areas for intervention, and potential pathways for future investigations, remediation and environmental management.

The findings revealed significant environmental risks at 34 sites, underscoring the importance of evidence-based decision-making for the protection of the environment and public health.

Beyond identifying environmental risks, the Environmental Hotspots Map provides a valuable foundation for planning future remediation measures, prioritizing investments and strengthening environmental governance across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of project results, the GIS database developed for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be integrated into the existing waste management information system of the Environmental Protection Fund of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Efforts are also underway to establish a similar approach in Republika Srpska.

The analysis was conducted under the Catalyzing the Green Transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina Portfolio, through the Depollution pillar funded by Sweden and Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

The Catalyzing the Green Transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina Portfolio (GTP) is a joint initiative of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by UNDP, and co-chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH (MOFTER), with the support and strategic partnership of Sweden and the Government of Switzerland. It brings together UN agencies, including FAO, ILO, UNECE, UNEP, UNODC and UN Women, along with national institutions and authorities at all levels, to drive the country’s green, inclusive, and sustainable transition across four key areas: decarbonization, depollution, biodiversity and nature, and circular economy.