Locations
Improving Local Governance And Environmental Services In Bosnia And Herzegovina
The Municipal Environmental Governance Project (MEG 3) supports Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening local governance systems and improving the delivery of essential public services, particularly in the water and environmental sectors.
Local governments play a critical role in ensuring reliable services such as water supply, wastewater management, and environmental protection. However, municipalities and public utilities often face challenges related to fragmented governance systems, limited institutional coordination, and insufficient management capacities.
Building on the results of previous phases of the MEG programme, the third phase focuses on consolidating earlier reforms and embedding them within institutional systems. The project promotes performance-based governance, stronger regulatory frameworks, and improved coordination among institutions responsible for local service delivery.
Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the project works with governments at all levels, local authorities, and public utility companies to improve accountability, sustainability, and the quality of services delivered to citizens.
Overall Goal
The overarching goal of the project is to advance the democratization of local governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina and enable more equitable, effective, and efficient public service delivery for citizens, with a particular focus on water supply and wastewater management services.
Through strengthened policy dialogue, regulatory frameworks, and governance reforms, the project aims to enhance the sustainability, fairness, and effectiveness of essential municipal services while institutionalizing the achievements of previous phases of the MEG programme.
Key Facts
Project duration: 2026–2030
Budget: USD 7.19 million
Direct beneficiaries: At least 25 municipalities and water utilities, of which at least 10 will be underdeveloped municipalities
Focus: local governance reform, water services, environmental management
SDGs supported: SDG 6, SDG 10, SDG 11, SDG 16
Project Approach and Strategy
The project is structured around two interconnected outcomes aimed at strengthening governance systems and improving environmental service delivery.
Outcome 1: Strengthened governance and accountability in local service delivery
The project supports governments at all levels in institutionalizing performance-driven policies that strengthen accountability, inclusivity, and gender responsiveness in local public services.
Through technical assistance, policy dialogue, and capacity development, the project works to improve coordination between institutions responsible for local governance, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and support municipalities in implementing modern governance practices.
These efforts aim to create more transparent, accountable, and citizen-oriented governance systems that improve the overall performance of local administrations.
Outcome 2: Improved governance of water and wastewater services
The project supports the development of stronger policy and regulatory frameworks in the water sector, enabling local governments and utility companies to deliver inclusive, accountable, and high-quality water and wastewater services.
Activities include strengthening sector governance, improving operational performance of public utilities, and promoting sustainable management of water resources. By supporting reforms in the water sector, the project contributes to better service quality, environmental protection, and improved living conditions for citizens.
Geographic Coverage
The project is implemented across Bosnia and Herzegovina, working with national, entity, cantonal, and local institutions responsible for governance reform and water sector management.
Project activities directly involve up to 25 local governments and their public water utilities, while also supporting policy and regulatory improvements that benefit municipalities across the country.
Donors and Partners
The project is funded by:
• Government of Switzerland
• Government of Sweden
• Government of the Czech Republic
Key institutional partners include ministries responsible for local governance, justice, and water management at state and entity levels, as well as associations of municipalities and cities and public utility companies across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Timeline
The project runs from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2030.
Focus Area
Effective Governance
