LocationsTo mark World Environment Day, on 5 June 2025, UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina launched the implementation of local projects in Prozor-Rama aimed at enhancing tourism through green practices. These projects are supported under the initiative "Sustainable Tourism for Green Growth along the Via Dinarica Trails in Bosnia and Herzegovina" (Via Dinarica III).
PROZOR-RAMA EMBRACES SUSTAINABILITY: EIGHT NEW GREEN PROJECTS LAUNCHED ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
June 5, 2025
The event titled "A Green Start: Investing in Sustainable Tourism along the Via Dinarica" brought together representatives of local communities, government institutions, international partners, and project beneficiaries, with the aim of promoting the green transition in tourism.
As part of the third phase of the initiative, eight new beneficiaries have been supported with a total budget of approximately BAM 300,000. The selected beneficiaries include: Fortica Nature Park d.o.o. (Mostar), Topić Rural Household (Šipovo), Visit Jablanica d.o.o., Varcar Craft Brewery (Mrkonjić Grad), Rama Rowing Club (Prozor-Rama), Extreme Sports Club “Four Seasons” (Jablanica), Plasa Mountaineering Association (Jablanica), and the Ribnik Tourist Organization.
All project beneficiaries received a "Certificate of Commitment to Green Growth", symbolizing official recognition of their selection and support, their dedication to environmentally responsible development, and their partnership in advancing sustainable tourism along the Via Dinarica trail.
All project beneficiaries received a "Certificate of Commitment to Green Growth", symbolizing official recognition of their selection and support, their dedication to development in line with environmental standards, and their partnership in promoting sustainable tourism along the Via Dinarica trail.
"Today we reaffirm our joint commitment to environmental protection and the advancement of sustainable practices. When guided by ecological principles, tourism can be a powerful tool for landscape preservation, support to local communities, and responsible use of natural resources. The projects launched today along the Via Dinarica trail are a testament to that vision. I extend my gratitude to all local partners and beneficiaries investing in green innovation and environmental responsibility. The Ministry remains a strong partner in supporting tourism that is sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with the rich natural and cultural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Minister Nasiha Pozder.
This phase of the project marks the official launch of eight new tourism development initiatives, funded through a public call co-financed by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
The supported projects include activities such as the introduction of solar- and electric-powered boats, composting of organic waste, glass recycling, tree planting, and organization of educational eco-workshops.
"On this World Environment Day, we are reminded that protecting nature is not a choice—it is a responsibility we all share. Today, we celebrate the local leaders and communities who are taking concrete and measurable steps toward a greener and more sustainable future. Through initiatives like Via Dinarica, UNDP is proud to support environmentally responsible tourism that generates jobs and opportunities while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina for future generations. These projects demonstrate how investing in nature-based solutions can drive inclusive, resilient development aligned with global sustainability goals," said Victor Munteanu, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Aligned with the spirit of World Environment Day, the event promotes sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally conscious rural tourism as a tool for green growth and heritage preservation.
Through the Via Dinarica initiative, UNDP has so far supported the creation and/or retention of 170 jobs and strengthened the capacities of over 100 tourism service providers, offering them both financial support and technical assistance.
These efforts are further reinforced by the announcement of new environmental investments. The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, upon the proposal of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, has approved an allocation of BAM 3.75 million for the implementation of the Environmental Strategy Action Plan. The funds will be directed towards improving waste management systems, closing non-sanitary landfills, rehabilitating illegal dumpsites, and strengthening the capacities of local governments to manage protected areas. This decision marks an important step in aligning with European environmental standards and confirms the country’s strategic commitment to sustainable development and the protection of natural resources.
"Via Dinarica stands out as a green backbone of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where concrete and innovative sustainable tourism experiences are being developed—from solar boat tours on lakes and family-friendly hiking trails to eco-friendly via ferratas and authentic rural hospitality. The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, together with the Embassy of Italy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is proud to support this transformative process in partnership with UNDP and a network of local actors, combining nature conservation, cultural heritage promotion, and community empowerment," said Mersiha Behlulović, Programme Officer at AICS in BiH.
As part of the event, participants enjoyed a boat tour on Ramsko Lake and visited the Franciscan Monastery Rama–Šćit, experiencing the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region.
The Via Dinarica project is implemented and co-financed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with financial support from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) / Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). The project is carried out in cooperation with national partners, including the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Ministry of Trade and Tourism of Republika Srpska, as well as local authorities, and actors from the civil and private tourism sectors.
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