In a significant step towards advancing environmental sustainability and climate resilience in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism has signed two major agreements with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in BiH, totalling BAM 1,115,000. The signing ceremony took place on 9 July 2025 at the UN House in Sarajevo, with Minister Nasiha Pozder representing the Ministry and Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative in BiH, signing on behalf of the UNDP.
The first agreement confirms the launch of the third phase of the Via Dinarica project, supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy (MAECI). This initiative has long played a pivotal role in sustainable tourism development across the Dinaric Alps, boosting local economies while preserving the region’s natural and cultural wealth.
The second agreement reflects a shared commitment to long-term environmental transformation through the Catalysing the Green Transition in BiH portfolio. This five-year programme, funded by Sweden, aims to accelerate decarbonisation, enhance waste management, protect biodiversity, and improve institutional readiness for climate challenges.
Together, these agreements bring the total value of past and new initiatives between the Ministry and UNDP to BAM 2,620,180, a clear sign of growing momentum behind sustainable development in the country.
Minister Nasiha Pozder commented: “This partnership with UNDP shows that Bosnia and Herzegovina has both the domestic capacity and international support for a green transition. The projects we will implement address key priorities: nature protection, improved quality of life for citizens, and tangible contributions to climate resilience. I am particularly proud of the development of the Expert Justification for declaring Prenj a protected area, which is a significant step toward safeguarding our natural heritage.”
Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative in BiH echoed this commitment, stating: “The signed agreements reaffirm UNDP’s commitment to continue investing, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, in solutions that deliver concrete benefits to citizens, local communities, and the environment, while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Projects such as Via Dinarica demonstrate how nature and sustainable tourism can drive local development, while the Green Transition Portfolio represents a unique approach to systemic transformation in the areas of environmental protection, climate resilience, and the circular economy. Together, with the support of our donors and partners, we are laying the foundations for a sustainable future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
The renewed cooperation continues to strengthen efforts aimed at meeting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s environmental and development targets through impactful, measurable, and forward-looking initiatives.
