LocationsAn investment of nearly USD 5.8 million to strengthen climate action and biodiversity conservation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
July 8, 2026
Two new Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded initiatives worth nearly USD 5.8 million have been launched in Bosnia and Herzegovina to strengthen climate transparency, protect ecosystems and accelerate nature-based solutions that support sustainable development and greater resilience to climate change.
Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina (MoFTER BiH), the initiatives will strengthen climate reporting systems, improve environmental decision-making, restore ecosystems and support Bosnia and Herzegovina in meeting its climate and biodiversity commitments.
The inception workshops, held on Trebević on 7 and 8 July, marked the official launch of two complementary initiatives bringing together institutions and partners from across the country.
The project Introducing Nature-Based Solutions to Ensure Resilient Ecosystems, Green Recovery and Sustainable Livelihoods (GEF-8 NbS), with a budget of USD 4.83 million, will support biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management and climate resilience, while creating new opportunities for local communities. The project is implemented in cooperation with entity ministries, Brčko District institutions, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), environmental funds and other national partners.
The second initiative, Strengthening the Enhanced Transparency Framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina (CBIT 2), financed by GEF with USD 912,649, will improve national capacities for greenhouse gas inventories, climate reporting and environmental data management in line with the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework.
Staša Košarac
Opening the workshops, Staša Košarac, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighted the importance of stronger climate governance, environmental protection and institutional cooperation.
“These projects represent an important investment in a sustainable future for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through its coordinating role, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to strengthening climate transparency, improving environmental governance, and supporting the fulfilment of international commitments. Continued cooperation among all levels of government and international partners is essential for achieving long-term results,” said Košarac.
Renaud Meyer
Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative, emphasized that effective climate action requires both strong institutions and healthy ecosystems.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina can build a more resilient future by using better data and investing in nature. These two GEF-supported initiatives will strengthen climate transparency, improve the management of more than 42,500 hectares of protected areas, introduce sustainable land management practices across 15,000 hectares and help avoid approximately 2.35 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions over the next two decades. This is an investment in biodiversity, climate resilience, stronger institutions and a more sustainable future for people across Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
The launch of these initiatives represents another milestone in UNDP’s long-standing partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance climate action and environmental sustainability. Together with institutions and partners, UNDP will continue supporting solutions that protect nature, strengthen resilience and create opportunities for people and communities across the country.
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