UNDP and EU Hosted Dialogue on Advancing Depollution Efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Organized under UNDP's Green Transition Platform

April 22, 2024

On the occasion of International Mother Earth Day, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union (EU) Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina jointly organized a stakeholder dialogue on advancing depollution efforts in the country.

Hosted by the Mechanical Engineering Faculty in Sarajevo, the event focused on transitioning towards a low-carbon, climate-friendly, and depolluted economy and society in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Key stakeholders, including representatives from the Parliamentary Assembly, policy experts, and environmental advocates, participated in the dialogue.

Saša Magazinović, Member of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Chair of the Green Club, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue and thanked UNDP for organizing this event, as well as for the support provided to Bosnia and Herzegovina in this area.

Today, I am here as the chairperson of the Green Club, which brings together individuals from different levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina, representatives of various political parties, who have set aside all political differences to focus on topics of common interest. This issue is a priority for all of us, but still insufficiently understood and supported. It is important to raise awareness about this issue among citizens so they can understand its significance and their role. Additionally, resources are needed, and countries that cannot finance these obligations on their own require support. The message I am conveying today is that we should not fear unfamiliar concepts such as decarbonization or energy efficiency. Collaboration and learning are crucial for us to make progress.

Saša Magazinović, Member of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Chair of the Green Club

Antonella di Sandri, Head of Operations Section for Economic Development, Natural Resources and Infrastructures, EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized depollution as a key pillar of the EU's Green Deal, aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

The Western Balkan countries have embraced these goals through their endorsement of the Sofia Declaration or the Green Agenda. However, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, progress in implementing actionable measures remains slow. It is imperative for Bosnia and Herzegovina to leverage the support offered by the EU in this area. The EU reiterates its unwavering commitment to this cause, and cooperation with partners and key stakeholders, to collectively advance our depollution objectives.

Antonella di Sandri, Head of Operations Section for Economic Development, Natural Resources and Infrastructures, EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina

This event is the third in a series of dialogues organized under UNDP initiated Green Transition Platform, aimed at strategically addressing this challenge through four key areas: decarbonization and resilience to climate change, circular economy, reducing air pollution, and preserving the environment and biological diversity.

The Green Transition Platform encompasses policies, regulations, investments, innovations, and multi-sector cooperation, all geared towards realizing a long-term vision of transitioning to an economy and society with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in alignment with the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. Our aim is to expedite the green transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina through a comprehensive approach, bolstering cooperation and investments. This holistic approach is vital for stabilizing climate conditions, reducing air pollution, and safeguarding the environment and biodiversity.

Narine Sahakyan, Resident Representative a.i., UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Today's discussion focused on policy and strategy frameworks for depollution, a significant challenge in the country. Issues of waste management, pollution control, and environmental degradation were addressed, especially as they disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, exacerbating existing inequalities. Distinguished speakers, including representatives from the European Commission DG Environment and the Regional Cooperation Council, contributed insights into depollution policies and strategies, and on waste pollution by EU4Green Project Country representative.

Successful pilot projects aimed at reducing pollution were showcased, including by UNDP-implemented and Sweden-funded POPs project on plastic pesticide packaging, KEMEKO BiH company, Hungarian Association of Environmental Enterprises and Eko-daska Podgorica, Montenegro. Attendees engaged in brainstorming sessions to identify priority interventions for environmental improvement.

The event underscored key points: the importance of prevention and the necessity for collective commitment and collaboration among all stakeholders, actively seeking investments and innovative solutions to ensure a depolluted future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

English