Floods, landslides, and extreme weather events that have affected Bosnia and Herzegovina in recent years have highlighted the need to strengthen communities’ preparedness for timely, appropriate, and effective responses in times of crisis.

Natural disasters themselves represent one of the most significant challenges faced by local communities. However, limited public awareness, insufficient knowledge of basic emergency procedures, and fear of making the wrong decisions during disasters can further worsen the consequences of emergencies and put citizens’ health and safety at risk.

Addressing these challenges and strengthening the resilience of local communities to the impacts of natural disasters, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 13 – Climate Action (SDG 13), is the focus of civil society organization projects supported through the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3). ReLOaD3 is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with 14 municipalities and cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Through the project “Prepared Population for Response to Natural Disasters”, implemented by the Red Cross of Ilijaš Municipality and the Mountain Rescue Service “Stećak”, educational workshops were organized in all 14 local communities of Ilijaš Municipality. More than 300 citizens had the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and practical skills related to disaster prevention and first aid.

“A key focus was to ensure that citizens are not merely observers in crisis situations, but active and prepared participants who know how to protect themselves and others until emergency services arrive,” says Amina Hasečić, the project coordinator.

In addition to the educational workshops, the project also produced a series of programmes broadcast on a local radio station, introducing citizens to the key services and organizations involved in the protection and rescue system. Representatives of the Police Station, Civil Protection Service, Health Centre, Voluntary Fire Brigade, Red Cross, as well as other experts and project participants, discussed the importance of preparedness, prevention, first aid, and effective response in emergency situations.
 

Photo 1: Demonstration by Red Cross of Ilijaš Municipality 

In the area of Sanski Most, the Extreme Sports Club Condor implemented the project “Education and Training of Young People for Response to Natural Disasters.”

The project included a series of workshops for young people focused on climate change and the challenges it brings, as well as on actions that can help mitigate these challenges in the future. Youth camps were also organized, where participants learned how to operate rafting and motor rescue boats, properly use rescue equipment, and carry out rescue operations using mountaineering gear. In addition, they were trained in setting up command centres and temporary facilities for receiving and assisting affected persons during emergency situations.

“This project responds to a significant need within our local community. Young people are highly motivated and eager to contribute to their community, and through this project we have helped channel that willingness in the right direction,” said Edin Seferović, project trainer and President of the Club.
  

Through the implementation of these projects, the technical and operational capacities of both organizations were further strengthened through the procurement of equipment such as rescue ropes and carabiners, protective helmets, water rescue life jackets, tents, raincoats, and headlamps. The equipment was used during practical training sessions and demonstration exercises and will remain available to the organizations for future activities, member training, and continued engagement in the field of protection and rescue.

Photo 2: Demonstration by Red Cross of Ilijaš Municipality 

By engaging citizens, particularly young people, in educational programmes and practical activities, projects such as those implemented in Ilijaš and Sanski Most contribute to building communities that are better prepared to respond promptly and effectively when faced with natural disasters. This represents an important step towards the long-term development of safer, more resilient, and better-prepared local communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.