Conclusion:

BiH still remains as a weak state

(unable to develop clear stragtegies for its own social and economic
development)
Country is blessed with rich natural resources and can potentially benefit
from the relevant existing Multilateral Environment Agreements
(fresh water, aboundant forest, rich biodiversity...)
International Environmental Agreements
The National Environmental Action plan was produces in 2003
(as a result of guidance and incentives based on International Agreements)
There have been other Action plans but they have been adopted for spatial
planning and land management.
Following the CBD requests the National Strategy and Action Plan for
Biodiversity was drafted in 2008.
EU Directives and conservation networks also provide opportunities for
exchange of best practice and partnerships
Ecosystem services for sustainable development

Strong link between economic development and the use of ecosystem

services
(economic sectors : agriculture and food industry, forestry and tourism
industry)
The energy and water sectors show potential for renewable energies.
(This analysis should be further worked out in detail, but already provides
the incentive with information and strategies meant for the different
stakeholders to develop the principles of ecosystems services to power the
economy with a sustainable approach. Because of its comprehensive and
integrated approach policy measures cannot be considered in an isolated
or fragmented manner. All relevant ministries have to be included for the
planning as well as for the implementation process.)
Bosnia and Herzegovina has to use the opportunities being offered for
regional cooperation on cross-border cooperation with neighbouring
countries with an important role to play by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and Trade.
However the creation of a state level environmental agency would allow
proper cooperation between the relevant ministries in both entities.
The important role of citizens, civil society and business sector

Active participation of citizens is of great importance to implement

international and governmental policies for ecosystem services
(to set the general framework and provide guidance, rules and laws for
society to get organized)
Public awareness and push for change are essential to move forward and
implement policies recommended. Public awareness can be increased by
achieving through some information campaigns.
A balanced society in harmony with its environment

Nature offers services for sustainable economic development, scientific

knowledge and qualityof life and sets beautiful examples of the importance
of cooperation for the harmony and the efficiency of the system. Every
element of the system contributes to the overall harmony and efficiency in
a complementary way.
Important values such as respect , honesty and patience play a key role in
the way human societies interact with each other to ensure a sustainable
use of its natural resources.
5.4. Education and Information campaign

In order to move towards additional attention to biodiversity and

ecosystem services in Bosnia and Herzegovina a real change in mindset is
required both for citizens and for local authorities.
This can be done by creating many campaigns.
The campaign as well as the education can be most effective if it is:
combined with study visits in existing protected areas, with service
projects such as voluntary schemes for youth and incentives for
sustainable economic activities around the protected areas with the
development of sustainable forestry, organic farming, and eco tourism.
Also, information/education campaign is needed. Education about the
importance of biodiversity and its impact on human societies should be
included systematically at every level of the education system.
Awareness on ecosystems as a services for society should be included in
the formal education
The action plan should be created and it should include typical
communication strategies with basic instruments and mass media
instrument, press, radio, television, web sites, etc.
5.5. Potential for additional cross border cooperation using ecosystem
services

Cross border river basins:

Most major water ways in the country flow into the Sava River which is the
upper area draining into the Black Sea through the Danube. The map of
the Sava River Basin clearly illustrates the dependence of neighboring
countries on quality water coming from BiH thus on sensible water
resources management policies.
( ubaci mapu na kojoj je prikazan sliv Save) Pokraj save breze male alim
se

Sava River Basin project is initiated by OSCE, UNITAR and Regional

Environmental Centre in 2004 and 2005
It represend a good example of Regional Environment inter-border
cooperation and Peace Building in the Balkans
Bosnian rivers flowing into the Sava include the Bosna, Vrbas, Drina along
which numeroustowns have been built. This Bioregionalisation approach

along the Sava River provides valid elements for reconciliation between
Croats, Serbs and Bosniaks after the fratricide war in the Balkans.
In June 2001 the Stability Pact (see annex 5) launched the Sava Initiative64
to provide a Forum for the four Sava countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia. An International Framework Agreement for
the SAVA River was signed by the four environmental ministers in Slovenia
in December 2002.
In December 2002, the four Sava countries signed an International
Framework Agreement to establish an international regime for the
navigation and sustainable water management of the Sava River, and to
take measures against floods, ice hazards, droughts and incident pollution.
The Sava river Basin is now regulated by a commission with a secretariat
since 2006 with its seat in Zagreb. 67Party members are countries that
include the Sava Basin in their territory: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia with Parties Member.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has the largest share of water which is 40%, and
largest share of territory within the basin which is 76%.
Cross bordering land and mountain parks:

Mountain nature reserves can be managed through cross border

cooperation too.
(for example Sutjeska national park which can be expanded with the
Serbian and Montenegro borderline)
The Dinaric Arc Ecoregion Project was initiated by WWF (World Wide Fund
for Nature) in the late 1990s which resulted in a joint statement for the
Dinaric Arc as a side event during the CDB (Convention on Biological
Diversity) COP (Conference of the parties) 9 in Bonn, on 29 May 2008,
made Albania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and
Slovenia the Dinaric Alps Initiative in collaboration with WWF UNESCO,
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), UNDP (United
Nations Development Programme), FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations), UNEP (The United Nations Environment
Programme), CoE (Council of Europe), Euronatur.
transboundary collaboration between BiH and Montenegro on the Sutjeska
National Park in BiH and the Durmitor National Park in Montenegro.
The Tara National Park in Serbia and the Drina Catchments in BiH, on both
sides of the Drina River.