BiH20Biodiversity20Analysis2C20Final20Report PDF

MONITORING AND EVALUATION SUPPORT ACTIVITY (MEASURE II)
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA BIODIVERSITY

ANALYSIS AND ADDRESSING THE BIODIVERSITY
NEEDS
FAA 119 ANALYSIS

February 2020
This document is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of the authors and do not
necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
MONITORING AND EVALUATION SUPPORT
ACTIVITY II (MEASURE II)
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

BIODIVERSITY ANALYSIS AND
ADDRESSING THE BIODIVERSITY
NEEDS
FAA 119 Analysis

February 2020
Prepared under the USAID Bosnia and Herzegovina Monitoring and Evaluation Support Activity II
(MEASURE II), Contract Number AID-167-I-17-00004; Task Order Number 72016819F00001
Submitted to:
USAID/Bosnia and Herzegovina, February 2020
Contractor:
IMPAQ International, LLC
USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | I

CONTENTS
LIST OF EXHIBITS......................................................................................................................IV
ABBREVIATIONS......................................................................................................................... V
1 Executive Summary............................................................................................................... 1
2 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 6
Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Methodology .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
3 Country Context .................................................................................................................... 7
Biophysical Setting .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Background on Biodiversity Issue ............................................................................................................................... 8
4 Status of the Country’s Biodiversity .................................................................................... 9
Status of Biodiversity Information .............................................................................................................................. 9
Major Ecosystem Types and Status .......................................................................................................................... 10
Species Diversity and Status ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Genetic Diversity .......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Status and Management of Protected Areas .......................................................................................................... 12
4.1.1 Protected Areas ........................................................................................................................................ 12
4.1.2 Natura 2000 Areas ................................................................................................................................... 14
4.1.3 Ramsar and IBA Sites ............................................................................................................................... 14
4.1.4 Potential Protected Areas ...................................................................................................................... 14
4.1.5 Economic potential of the protected area system............................................................................ 15
Status and Management of Key Natural Resources Outside Protected Areas ............................................. 16
5 Value and Economic Potential............................................................................................ 16
Value of Biodiversity .................................................................................................................................................... 16
Ecosystem Goods and Services ................................................................................................................................. 17
6 Legal Framework Affecting Conservation ........................................................................ 19
National Laws, Policies and Strategies ..................................................................................................................... 19
6.1.1 National Legislation .................................................................................................................................. 19
6.1.2 Entity Legislation ....................................................................................................................................... 19
6.1.3 Cantonal Legislation ................................................................................................................................. 20
6.1.4 Strategies and Action Plans .................................................................................................................... 20
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International Agreements ........................................................................................................................................... 20
Government Agencies ................................................................................................................................................. 22
Conservation Initiatives: Current and Planned Conservation Efforts .............................................................. 22
7 Threats and Actions Necessary to Conserve Biodiversity............................................... 23
Direct Threats to Biodiversity................................................................................................................................... 23
Drivers of Threats and Actions Necessary to Conserve Biodiversity ............................................................ 28
8 Extent to Which the Mission Meets Identified Actions Needed ..................................... 32
9 Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 39
Recommendations Based on Actions Necessary to Conserve Biodiversity .................................................. 39
Annexes ........................................................................................................................................ 41
Annex A: Literature ..................................................................................................................................................... 42
Annex B: List of Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) ................................................................................................. 43
Annex C: List of IP Respondents to the Online Survey ...................................................................................... 45
Annex D: List of FGDs Participants ......................................................................................................................... 46
Annex E: Overview of Indicators on Biodiversity Adopted at BiH Level ....................................................... 47
Annex F: Protected Areas in BiH ............................................................................................................................. 50
Annex G: Importance of Ecosystems of BiH in Providing Key Services ......................................................... 54
Annex H: Legislative and Strategic Framework ..................................................................................................... 55
Annex I: Overview of Multilateral Environmental Agreements Ratified by BiH............................................ 57
Annex J: Relevant Donors' Activities in a Period 2016-2020............................................................................. 60
Annex K: Overview of National Targets and Measures Contained in the NBSAP BiH (2015–2020) ..... 62
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LIST OF EXHIBITS
Figure 1: Map of PAs in BiH .......................................................................................................................................... 51

Figure 2: Map of Potential Natura 2000 Areas in BiH ............................................................................................ 52
Table 1: Main Groups of Threats ................................................................................................................................. 24

Table 2: Actions Necessary Linked to Drivers and Direct Threats .................................................................... 29
Table 3: Actions Necessary and Extent to Which Current USAID/BiH Programming and Other Donors’
Activities Contribute to These..................................................................................................................................... 33
Table 4: Recommendations ........................................................................................................................................... 39
Table 5. List of Key Informant Interviews ................................................................................................................. 43
Table 6. Environmental Indicators Relevant for Biodiversity and UNCBD Within the List of Selected
Environmental Indicators in BiH .................................................................................................................................. 47
Table 7. National Targets and Proposed Indicators for NBSAP BiH (2015 – 2020) ...................................... 48
Table 8. Current Protected Areas in BiH.................................................................................................................. 50
Table 9. Ramsar and IBA Sites in BiH ......................................................................................................................... 52
Table 10. Planned PAs in FBiH ..................................................................................................................................... 53
Table 11. Importance of Ecosystems of BiH in Providing Key Services ............................................................. 54
Table 12. MEAs that BiH Became a Party to............................................................................................................. 57
Table 13. MEAs that BiH Ratified by 2016 ................................................................................................................ 57
Table 14. MEAs Ratified After 2016 and Planned to be Ratified .......................................................................... 59
Table 15. Relevant Activities in a Period 2016-2020 .............................................................................................. 60
Table 16. National Targets and Measures Contained in the NBSAP BiH (2015–2020) ................................ 62
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ABBREVIATIONS
ACCOBAMS Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and
Contiguous Atlantic Area
ADS Automated Directives System
AEWA African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement
BD Brčko District
BHAS Bosnia and Herzegovina Agency for Statistics
BiH Bosnia and Herzegovina
BIMR Biodiversity Information Management and Reporting
BioNET Regional Network of Biodiversity
BMZ The Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development
CDCS Country Development Cooperation Strategy
CEPA Communication, Education and Public Awareness
CEPPS Catalyzing cross-party initiatives
CHM Clearinghouse Mechanism
CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
CMM Mobilizing youth for the reconciliation - Be inspiration
CMS Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
CO-SEED Civil Society Acts for Environmentally Sound Socio-Economic Development
CSO Civil Society Organization(s)
DASHI Dinaric Arc Sustainable Hydropower Initiative
DO Development Objective
DPBES National Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
ENABLE Enhancing and Advancing Basic Learning and Education
ESAP Environmental Strategy and Action Plan
ESAV Ecosystem Services Assessment and Valuation
EU European Union
EUROBATS Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe
FAA Foreign Assistance Act of 1961
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
FARMA II Fostering Agricultural Markets Activity II
FASRB Framework Agreement on the Sava River Basin
FBiH Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
FGD Focus Group Discussion
FINRA Financial Sector Reform Activity
FMAWMF Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry
FSC Forest Stewardship Council
GEF Global Environment Facility
GEPT Supporting Political Pluralism and Good Governance Processes
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GIZ German Development Agency
HCVF High conservation value forest
HPP Hydropower Plant
ICZMP Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Mediterranean
IPs Implementation partners
IPBES Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
IR Intermediate Result(s)
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature
JACA Judiciary Against Corruption Activity
KII Key Informant Interview
LEIWW Integrated Forest and Water Resources Management in Southeast Europe
MEA Multilateral Environmental Agreement
MEASURE Monitoring and Evaluation Support Activity
MedForVal Network of Mediterranean Forest Landscapes of High Ecological Value
MoFTER Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations
NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
NM Nature Monument
NP National Park
NRM Natural Resource Management
NTFP Non-timber forest products
OG Official Gazette
ORF-BD Open Regional Fund for Biodiversity
PA Protected area
PA4NP Protected area for nature and people
PES Payment for Ecosystem Services
PPMG Marginalized Population Support Activity
PL Protected Landscape
RS Republika Srpska
SEE Southeastern Europe
SEI Stockholm Environment Institute
SIDA Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
SOER State of the Environment Report
STEM Science, technology, engineering and math
TABLA General Education Activity
TEIA Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents
TEEB Study on Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity
UNCBD United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNECE United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme – UN Environment
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
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UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization
WHAM Workforce and Higher Access to Markets Activity
WWF World Wildlife Fund
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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is developing a new 5-year Country
Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Following the
requirements under Section 119 (d) of the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) of 1961 (as amended) and
Automated Directives System (ADS) 201.3.9.2 regarding biodiversity analyses for country-level long
term plans, USAID/BiH tasked Monitoring and Evaluation Support Activity II (MEASURE II) to update the
2016 Biodiversity Analysis Report for BiH. A team of consultants from the company ENOVA d.o.o.
Sarajevo was engaged in the preparation of this Biodiversity Analysis Report. The analysis team has used
desk research/comprehensive secondary literature review, semi-structured key informant interviews
(KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and statistical analysis of relevant survey data. The authors
ensured systematic and efficient data collection and triangulated these methods to provide complete and
impartial answers to key research questions. The report is composed of two key parts: (i) actions
necessary to conserve biodiversity and (ii) extent to which current USAID/BiH’s programming meets
the actions necessary to conserve biodiversity.
Country Context: BiH, situated in the western part of Balkan Peninsula, is primarily a mountainous
country covered in forests. In the north, BiH has access to the Sava River and in the south, in Neum, to
the Adriatic Sea. BiH belongs to the Adriatic and Black Sea basins and has a high value in water
resources in the Balkan Peninsula. BiH has a particularly rich biodiversity and one of the greatest
diversity of species of plants and animals in Europe. On the other hand, BiH’s score on Biodiversity and
Habitat Protections in 2019, presented as part of the USAID’s Journey to Self-Reliance Country
Roadmap, is extremely low (0.16/1.0) and is lowest among all indices tracked for BiH across the
Roadmap categories. In spite of the country’s rich biodiversity, international obligations, and growing
anthropogenic pressures, nature conservation efforts remain insufficient. Socioeconomic challenges, such
as unemployment and poverty, have resulted in communities focusing on immediate economic priorities
rather than environmental issues, including biodiversity. Thus, biodiversity conservation is not seen as a
national priority.
Status of the Country’s Biodiversity: Systematic collection and analysis of data on biodiversity in
BiH and biodiversity status monitoring are almost nonexistent. Inventory of flora and fauna has not been
done. Compared to 2016, some progress has been made regarding the establishment of two Information
Systems for Nature Conservation for Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and Republika
Srpska (RS) that have their own web applications and contain List of Endemic Taxa of SEE (only active to
date). The List of Selected Environmental Indicators in BiH has been adopted containing 25 indicators
relevant for monitoring the state of the biodiversity in BiH and reporting according to the UNCBD. In
addition, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) BiH (2015–2020) contains a list of
38 proposed indicators for the measurement of progress towards 21 National Targets defined within
the Strategy.
BiH hosts 252 ecosystems and unique biotopes that are important from both the European and global
conservation perspective but the status of these ecosystems is unknown, since no monitoring system is
in place. There is generally neither a detailed nor recent map of types and distribution of these
ecosystems. BiH's most important ecosystems are also most vulnerable and highly sensitive to climate
change. No official biodiversity data repositories are established in BiH, so it is impossible to track the
USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 1

status of species diversity. There is also no information that any endangered species is extinct or that
the status of any endangered species has improved since 2016. Furthermore, there is no Red List at the
state level. The NBSAP BiH acknowledges that there is insufficient control of the use and export of
various products arising from the use of local genetic resources. There was an initiative to access the
Nagoya Protocol in April 2018, but the Protocol has not been ratified to date.
Some progress has been made concerning the legal and policy framework for genetic diversity. Eleven
new protected areas (PAs) were established in BiH since 2016 (1 in FBiH, 10 in RS) and current
percentage of territory under protection in BiH increased to 2.28% from 1.96% in 2016. However, there
is no Natura 2000 area and subsidiary legislation on Natura 2000 has not been adopted to date. The
number of Ramsar and IBA sites remains unchanged (3 Ramsar and 4 IBA sites) with no planning and
management. There is no national wetland inventory or inventories at the state or entities level.
NBSAP BiH aims to map and protect BiH's specific biodiversity by 2020 in accordance with the current
spatial documents. Based on the analysis of available spatial plans, it can be concluded that BiH strives to
protect 17% of its territory, however, the FBiH Spatial Plan (2008–2028) has not been adopted yet.
Most recognized subsistence benefits in PAs are tourism and recreation, iconic or site-specific values
(i.e., river, mountain peak), water resources, preserved natural values, as well as cultural and historical
heritage, while top economic benefits are jobs in the PAs, tourism, honey production, water resources,
and livestock grazing. In 2018, UNECE reported that general resistance towards the establishment of
new PAs still exists among local communities, due to lack of awareness about the values of PAs and the
ecosystem services they provide. At the same time, there is recognition that biodiversity contributes
significantly to livelihoods in rural and underdeveloped areas of BiH. Local/rural development mostly
depends on following ecosystem services: tourism and recreation, availability of drinking water, pleasant
climate, clean air and cultural. The biodiversity of medicinal and aromatic plants and mushrooms is also
very high. The numbers of families engaged in medicinal and aromatic plants collection is estimated at
approximately 50,000 in BiH of which almost 3,000 are organized in over 50 companies repurchasing
medicinal herbs. However, due to the lack of mechanisms to control harvesting of medicinal herbs in RS
and FBiH, some natural habitats of medicinal herbs have become quite barren.
Legal Framework Related to Conservation: According to the interviews with the entity ministries
of environmental protection/ecology, amendments to the laws on nature protection are planned in both
entities. The Rulebook on Strictly Protected and Protected Wild Species of the FBiH and the Decree on
Strictly Protected and Protected Wild Species of the RS are currently in the process of adoption.
Environmental Approximation Programs in FBiH, RS and Brčko District (BD), Habitats Directive, and
the Wild Birds Directive have not been fully transposed into the legislation, and transposition of the
Habitats Directive and Wild Birds Directive needs to be improved through adoption of new by-laws.
Only Herzegovina-Neretva Canton has aligned their Law on Nature Protection with the law on the
Federation level. NBSAP BiH (2015–2020), adopted in May 2017, is the most significant strategic
document for biodiversity at the state level.
BiH acceded to, signed or ratified a number of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) to date,
which demonstrates a strong state commitment to comply with these agreements; however, there are
numerous weaknesses related to ratification and implementation of MEAs in BiH. Compared to the
2016 Biodiversity Analysis, two new bilateral agreements and 3 MEAs have been ratified/signed. In 2018,

the Council of Ministers of BiH adopted the Decision on the Conditions and Method of Implementation
of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. In the FBiH, the Institute for Nature
Protection has not been established yet, although its establishment was prescribed by the Law on
Nature Protection of the FBiH. In the 2016–2019 period, many nature and biodiversity protection
projects were funded and implemented by MAVA Foundation, European Union (EU), Swedish
International Development Agency (SIDA), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Federal Ministry of
Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic Germany (BMZ), German
Development Agency (GIZ), and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The most significant
activity planned so far is the development of the BiH Environmental Strategy and Action Plan (ESAP) for
2030 and beyond (ESAP will include, among others, a biodiversity chapter).
Threats to Biodiversity: The analysis found that the greatest threats to biodiversity in BiH include: (i)
waste mismanagement (quantities and disposal, problem of illegal landfills), (ii) climate change, (iii)
excessive and illegal logging and deforestation, (iv) pollution in general, (v) energy sector – production of
energy from hydropower plants (HPP) and small HPPs, (vi) invasive alien species, (vii) anthropogenic
actions and economic development activities, (viii) overexploitation of resources, and (ix) conversion of
habitats. The drivers of these threats are grouped into following major categories:
- Institutional arrangements: (i) insufficient human capacities such as expert associates for nature
protection in all ministries (entity and cantonal level), (ii) poor environment legislation and its
enforcement, (iii) lack of organizational structure and mechanism of coordination for effective
implementation of the MEAs; slow process of implementing of MEAs, (iv) lack of clear strategies,
local strategies and documents that are providing a clear guidance, (v) poor industrial regulations,
(vi) low percentage of area under protection, and (vii) insufficient number of projects related to
biodiversity protection
- Economic factors: (i) insufficient funding for biodiversity related actions/projects and research
activities, (ii) insufficient funding for protected areas
- Inadequate technical capacity: (i) lack of professional institutions in the field of environmental
protection (especially in FBiH) and lack of equipment (e.g. laboratory and field equipment), (ii) lack
of staff experienced in gathering, storing and updating information on species of flora, fauna and
fungi, habitat types, and ecosystem in all of BiH – inventory has not been carried out, (iii) lack of
research on biodiversity in general, at any level, (iv) list of invasive species is not defined (at any
level) and monitoring and control of invasive species is not carried out, (v) lack of systematic soil
monitoring
- Inadequate management capacity: unsustainable use of biodiversity (NTFP - mushrooms, aromatic
and medicinal herbs) due to lack of monitoring and control
- Socio-political factors: low level of public awareness on biodiversity value.
Actions Necessary to Conserve Biodiversity: The analysis team identified 34 “Actions Necessary”
to conserve biodiversity in BiH based on the team’s consultations with relevant stakeholders
(government institutions at BiH and entity levels, international organizations, including USAID/BiH IPs,
PA Managers) interviewed during the analysis implementation and desk research. These Actions
Necessary can be grouped as follows:

- Information and decision making: conduct inventory of flora and fauna; establish information
systems and communication protocol for populating data in the system; establish monitoring
system, norms and standards for monitoring; update entities red lists (and develop red list at state
level)
- Policy changes: further approximation of legislation with the EU acquis; adopt new law on forests in
FBiH that will enable forest protection.
- Improvement of multi-sectoral approach: clearly define protection measures by strategic
documents to protect natural values and provide adequate monitoring system.
- Institutional issues and capacity building: improve horizontal and vertical government cooperation;
equip the scientific institutions; strengthen capacities of PAs to become financially self-sustainable
through development of service portfolios and finding new and innovative ways to gain revenue
and raise funds; give more space to experts.
- Financing issues: increase taxes for pollutants; developing new/innovative mechanisms for securing
additional revenue and raising funds that would trigger PAs’ financial self-sustainability.
- Communication: reform official education to teach new generations to care about environment
and natural resources; rely on cooperation with NGOs for education and awareness raising
activities.
- Protected areas: start procedures for establishment of protected areas planned in spatial plans and
monitor their progress; implement study trips and exchange of good practices in nature
conservation; introduce integral management of PAs; establish higher control in PAs and define
duties and authorizations of rangers in PAs.
- Rural development and biodiversity use: develop systemically designed program for rural
development and keeping people in rural areas; keep traditional practices in agriculture; cultivate
commercially valuable herbs instead of relying on natural resources.
- Project on biodiversity: implement biodiversity improvement measures (active conservation
measures: habitat restoration, species reintroduction, etc.); implement best practices from regional
and international levels.
Extent to Which the Mission Meets the Identified Actions Needed: Out of 54 specific actions
identified through the 2016 Biodiversity Analysis, only nine (16.7%) were addressed by USAID/BiH
programming in the 2016-2020 period. These include: 1) developing eco-tourism-related activities based
on natural resources (Via Dinarica and Diaspora Invest Activity); 2) strengthening the capacity of NGOs
in terms of writing projects and applications for international donors (Restoring Civic Mission of
Education and Via Dinarica); 3) adoption of the draft FBiH Law on Forests (USAID's Fiscal Sector
Reform Activity in BiH); 4) establishment of working groups (at the entity and district level) for
coordination of sectors: environmental protection, water management, agriculture, forestry, spatial
planning, energy, mining and industry (Fostering Agricultural Markets Activity (FARMA) II); 5)
preparation of instructions (in the form of a publication) for integration of biodiversity values into other
sectors, i.e., strategies and plans, as well as instructions for monitoring of their implementation, including
organization of regular meetings (FARMA II); 6) improvement of horizontal harmonization of laws
through organization of discussions and roundtables of expert associates from the relevant ministries at
the entity and district level (FARMA II); 7) organization of educational/informational visit to protected
areas (Via Dinarica); 8) construction of ecotourism infrastructure and outdoor furniture in PAs

(Diaspora Invest Activity); and 9) reduction of chemical pollution from industry by strengthening the
environmental permit mechanisms and control inspections (FARMA II).
Recommendations: Based on the analysis of needs, threats, and pressures that biodiversity is facing in
BiH, the analysis team developed the following set of recommendations for USAID/BiH to consider:
- Support and organize activities aimed at raising awareness and educating target groups about the
importance of biodiversity, including:
- Organize educational/informational visits to protected areas for representatives of local
civil society and businesses operating in the areas that need to be protected. These visits
could provide examples of best practices, and raise awareness about promoting
biodiversity and good governance in the field of nature protection);
- Implement biodiversity conservation and environmental protection campaigns by
involving media and/or youth, to change the attitude and behavior of the public toward
reduction of unsustainable exploitation of natural resources and nature and the general
understanding of the purpose and benefits of biodiversity conservation and protection;
- Work with political parties in BiH to include biodiversity issues into their campaigns and
party programs, and help them become catalysts of biodiversity protection and
promoters of natural values;
- Continue to promote natural BiH resources, as well as traditional practices in
agriculture and conservation-friendly agriculture that do not have a negative impact on
natural resources and on biodiversity;
- Include awareness-raising activities on positive impacts of the following on biodiversity;
using renewable energy and natural gas and promoting mitigation measures during the
implementation of investments in energy;
- Increase knowledge and awareness of the importance of environment and biodiversity
conservation (e.g. forest pedagogy and nature school programs) among BiH children and
youth;
- Support initiatives to educate BiH school-age children and youth on best practices for
PA management and conservation methods;
- Ensure indirect contribution to biodiversity conservation by addressing corruption in the
environmental sector;
- Build capacity for effective management of PAs and support exchange of experience and
knowledge for biodiversity conservation in PAs;
- Support the development of required biodiversity- and environment-related legislation to meet EU
accession and other international treaty obligations;
- Emphasize cooperation between different Activities (e.g., FARMA II and Energy Policy Activity) to
support knowledge exchange, including advice on the approaches to biodiversity protection
through implementation of best practices;
- Improve capacity of companies and agriculture to mitigate negative impacts of their activities on
nature conservation;
- Support activities to impose, reform and/or increase fees/taxes for environment polluters;
- Continue activities in support of involvement of local communities and citizens in decision-making
processes.

2 INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE
In 2016, USAID/BiH commissioned IMPAQ International LLC (IMPAQ), through USAID/BiH Monitoring
and Evaluation Support Activity (MEASURE-BiH) to conduct a country biodiversity analysis for Bosnia
and Herzegovina (BiH). Currently, USAID/BiH is developing a new 5-year Country Development
Cooperation Strategy (CDCS). Following the requirements under Section 119 (d) of the Foreign
Assistance Act (FAA) of 1961 (as amended) and Automated Directives System (ADS) 201.3.9.2
regarding biodiversity analyses for country-level long term plans, USAID/BiH tasked Monitoring and
Evaluation Support Activity II (MEASURE II) to update the 2016 Biodiversity Analysis Report for BiH.
The team of consultants from Company ENOVA d.o.o. Sarajevo was engaged in the preparation of the
Biodiversity Analysis report. The team was composed of the following members: Fethi Silajdzic (Team
Leader), Ajla Dorfer (Biodiversity Expert), and Anela Rodic, Belma Jahovic, Nadira Berbic, and Amina
Gabela (Team Members).
This updated Biodiversity Analysis Report is intended to assist the USAID/BiH during the upcoming
strategic planning process for the 2020–2025 period and to achieve better biodiversity outcomes by
following-up on the findings and recommendations highlighted in the 2016 Biodiversity Analysis Report.
This update includes the following segments: (i) identification of the current status and current and
potential threats to biodiversity, (ii) report on actions necessary to conserve biodiversity in the BiH, (iii)
analysis of the extent to which actions proposed by USAID under its strategy meet those conservation
needs, and (iv) recommendations for integrating biodiversity in future USAID/BiH programming.
METHODOLOGY
For the purpose of the Country Biodiversity Analysis for BiH, a detailed Work Plan has been developed.
The Work Plan set the goals of the biodiversity analysis, key questions, methodology, deliverables,
schedule, and level of effort required for the completion of the analysis. In line with the Work Plan, the
analysis team used four different methods to ensure systematic and efficient data collection. Moreover,
the team triangulated these methods to provide complete and impartial answers to the following key
research questions:
1. What is the status of biological diversity in BiH? Have there been any new developments since
2016 in relation to relevant multilateral agreements, international agreements, laws, bylaws,
relevant policies?
2. What are the main threats to biodiversity in BiH? What social, economic, or political factors are
driving those threats?
3. Based on identified threats and their drivers, what actions are needed to conserve biodiversity
in BiH?
4. What support (direct or indirect) was provided by USAID that addresses biodiversity
conservation needs in the country?

5. To what extent are actions proposed by USAID in their new strategy or current USAID
programming meeting identified conservation needs?
6. What actions could USAID take in line with their current/planned portfolio to better support
biodiversity conservation in BiH?
The ENOVA team conducted:
 desk research/comprehensive secondary literature review and 2016 Biodiversity Analysis data update,
 semi-structured key informant interviews (KIIs) with 10 important local and international
stakeholders in biodiversity-related areas (including government officials) and 22 USAID/BiH
Implementation Partners (IPs),
 two focus group discussions (FGDs) with a total of 19 participants (local population, resource users
(e.g. hunters, forest product gatherers) and other local stakeholders) from two protected areas,
Protected Landscape Bijambare (FBiH) and Protected Habitat Tišina (RS),
 statistical analysis of relevant survey data from two online surveys:
- Survey for stakeholders on their perceptions of the value and significance of biodiversity for
sustainable development in BiH (N=46, respond rate 57.5%),
- Survey for USAID/BiH IPs (N=19, respond rate 70.4%).
The list of documents that were reviewed as part of this report is included in Annex A. The list of
stakeholders and IPs interviewed/consulted as key informants is enclosed in Annex B. The list of IPs who
participated in the online survey is provided in Annex C, while the list of FGDs participants is given in
Annex D. All interviewed/surveyed stakeholders were identified through the Stakeholder Engagement
Plan, developed as part of the analysis Scope of Work. Identified stakeholders were divided into three
groups: (i) primary stakeholders, (ii) secondary stakeholders, and (iii) tertiary stakeholders. Given the
long list of identified counterparts, the analysis team consulted only primary and secondary stakeholders.
The primary list of stakeholders includes national and regional biodiversity institutions, BiH ministries of
environment, and USAID/BiH IPs. Secondary stakeholders included environmental funds, institutes for
nature protection, PAs’ managers, international donors and institutions as well as national and local
environmental CSOs and NGOs.
3 COUNTRY CONTEXT
BIOPHYSICAL SETTING
BiH is located at the western part of Balkan Peninsula and is surrounded by the Republic of Serbia
(north-east), Republic Montenegro (south-east) and Republic Croatia (north, west, and south). BiH
covers 51,209.2 km2, of which 51,197 km2 is land and 12.2 km2 is sea. BiH is primarily a mountainous
country covered in forests; According to the most recent but preliminary data from the second
National Forest Inventory, 63% of BiH’s total territory is covered with forest and other wooded land.1
The average altitude is 500 m, with Mt. Maglić as the highest peak (2,387 m). Mountains and hills account
1
UNECE.2018. Environmental Performance Reviews Bosnia And Herzegovina. Third Review. Available at:
https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/epr/epr_studies/ECE.CEP.184.Eng.pdf

for 42% and 24% of the country’s total land surface, respectively. Karst landscapes make up 29% of the
total area, while lowlands cover 5%.2
In the north, BiH has access to the Sava River and in the south, in Neum, to the Adriatic Sea. By its
geographic position, BiH belongs to both the Adriatic and Black Sea basins. BiH has plentiful freshwater
resources, as there are many surface and underground watercourses in the country, including seven
river basins (Una, Vrbas, Bosna, Drina, Sava, Neretva with Trebišnjica and Cetina rivers), a large number
of riverine lakes (on the Pliva and Una rivers), mountain lakes (in the area of the Dinarides) and thermal
and geothermal groundwater resources.3
BACKGROUND ON BIODIVERSITY ISSUE
According to the 2016 Biodiversity Analysis Report, BiH has particularly rich biodiversity due to its
location influenced by three distinct geological and climatic regions: (i) the Mediterranean region, (ii) the
Euro Siberian-Bore American region, and (iii) the Alpine-Nordic region. As a result of unique orography,
geological surface, hydrology, and eco-climate, BiH is characterized by an exceptional diversity of plant
and animal species in Europe. Vascular flora accounts for about 5,000 confirmed taxa of species,
subspecies, and varieties. As much as 30% of the total endemic flora in the Balkans (1,800 species) is
found in BiH. The unique aspects of biodiversity are hidden in protected areas (PAs) that most likely
support new, so far undiscovered, species. This argument is bolstered by several pilot studies which
resulted in discovery of new species not previously known to the BiH scientific community. For
example, the number of bird species increased by 14 since 2011 and the total is now 340 species, while
the number of mammals increased by two since 2011 and reached a total of 87 species.4
According to the 2018 Environmental Performance Review for BiH, the inadequate integration of land,
water, and biodiversity concerns into development planning has resulted in the emergence of threats of
biodiversity loss.5 Moreover, 2019 Biodiversity and Habitat Protections Score for BiH, presented as part
of the USAID’s Journey to Self-Reliance Country Roadmap, is extremely low (0.16/1.0). It is lower than
both the global average and the average of middle-income countries. In addition, this score is the lowest
among all indices tracked for BiH across the Roadmap categories.6 The Biodiversity & Habitat issue
category seeks to evaluate a country's performance in habitat conservation and species protection and
reflects a composite of six underlying indicators (marine protected area, terrestrial biome protection –
national weights, terrestrial biome protection – global weights, species protection index, protected area
representativeness, and species habitat index). By comparison of individual country environmental
performance, BiH has the lowest score in the Eastern Europe and Eurasia region and ranking 158th, out
of 180 countries globally. BiH’s ranking worsened since 2016 when BiH was ranked 150th. Other
2 FBiH Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2014. Fifth National Report to UNCBD of BiH. Available at:
https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/ba/ba-nr-05-en.pdf
3 Ibid.
4 USAID. 2016. Country Biodiversity Analysis: Bosnia and Herzegovina. Available at:
http://measurebih.com/uimages/Biodiversity%20Assessment.pdf
5 UNECE.2018. Environmental Performance Reviews Bosnia And Herzegovina. Third Review. Available at:
6 USAID's Journey to Self-Reliance: FY 2020 Country Roadmap – Bosnia and Herzegovina. Available at:
https://selfreliance.usaid.gov/country/bosnia-and-herzegovina

neighboring and Southeastern European (SEE) countries have significantly higher scores and ranking:
Albania (40), Croatia (41), Montenegro (65), North Macedonia (68), and Serbia (84).7
Data on biodiversity in BiH is scarce, fragmented, and often outdated. In the face of growing
anthropogenic pressures, nature conservation efforts remain insufficient, despite international
obligations assumed by BiH. Socioeconomic challenges, such as unemployment and poverty, have
resulted in communities focusing on immediate economic priorities rather than on environmental issues,
including biodiversity. For example, when the general population is asked about government priorities,
less than 5% mention environmental protection.8 Consequently, biodiversity conservation is not seen as
a national priority.9
4 STATUS OF THE COUNTRY’S BIODIVERSITY
STATUS OF BIODIVERSITY INFORMATION
As reported in the 2016 Biodiversity Analysis, systematic collection and analysis of data on biodiversity
in BiH and biodiversity status monitoring are almost nonexistent. No inventory of flora and fauna has
been conducted. The Strategy and Action Plan for Protection of Biological Diversity of BiH (NBSAP BiH)
2015–2020, adopted by the Council of Ministers of BiH in May 2017, put as a national target no. 12 to
complete the inventory of: (i) flora, fauna and fungi in BiH and (ii) ecosystems and types of habitats in
BiH by 2020. The Sixth National Report to the UNCBD stated that the current data on flora, fauna,
fungi, ecosystems and habitat inventories was incomplete, and the data varied significantly depending on
the categories of organisms in question.10
According to the current laws on nature protection of the entities and BD, the entities and district are
obliged to establish information systems for nature protection. Compared to the 2016 Biodiversity
Analysis Report, the progress in implementation of this legal provision in the entities is evident in the
establishment of two respective Information Systems for Nature Conservation for the FBiH and RS that
contain information/databases on the entities’ respective natural heritage. The systems are mutually and
regionally compatible and unified with systems in Montenegro and North Macedonia because all were
developed through the regional sub-project “Regional Network for Biodiversity Information
Management and Reporting (BIMR)“, supported by the Open Regional Fund for South-East Europe –
Biodiversity (GIZ/ORF-BD). These information systems have their own web applications11 and will
contain databases on PAs, Lists of Endemic Taxa of SEE, Protected Species, indices of plant and animal
species, and the Red List. At the moment, only the module of Endemic Taxa of SEE is functional both in
the FBiH and RS, while other modules will be brought online in the near future. In the interview with
the RS Institute for Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage, it was found out that the University of
7 Environmental Performance Index (EPI). 2018 Results. Available at: https://epi.envirocenter.yale.edu/epi-topline

8 USAID/MEASURE-BiH. 2019. National Survey of Citizens' Perceptions 2018. USAID/BiH. Available at:
http://measurebih.com/uimages/201820NSCP-BiH20Final20Report.pdf
10 FBiH Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2019. Sixth National Report of BiH to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Sarajevo
11 Available at: http://e-prirodafbih.ba/ and http://e-priroda.rs.ba/

Banja Luka’s Forestry Faculty had developed the module Index of RS Plant Species to be integrated and
available at: http://e-priroda.rs.ba/.
Compared to the 2016 Biodiversity Analysis Report, it is important to highlight that the Council of
Ministers of BiH adopted the List of Selected Environmental Indicators in BiH in September 2019 with
59 indicators in 4 thematic areas (biodiversity, land degradation, air quality, and climate change), relevant
for monitoring the state of the environment in BiH and reporting according to the three Rio
Conventions.12 The indicators were developed within the project "Capacity Building for the Integration
of Global Environmental Commitments into National Policies and Development Decision-Making in BiH"
implemented by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The full list of 25 environmental
indicators relevant for biodiversity and UNCBD is provided in Annex E.
In addition, the NBSAP BiH (2015–2020) contains a list of 38 proposed indicators for the measurement
of progress towards 21 National Targets defined in the Strategy. The list of proposed indicators is also
provided in Annex E.
MAJOR ECOSYSTEM TYPES AND STATUS
BiH hosts 252 ecosystems and unique biotopes that are important from both the European and global
conservation perspective.13 Unfortunately, the status of these ecosystems is not known, since no
monitoring system is in place. Generally, there is neither a detailed nor recent map of types and
distribution of these ecosystems. Compared to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in BiH, coastal and
marine ecosystems are especially neglected and insufficiently studied.
The recent project “Supporting Decision Making and Capacity Building to Support the
Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) through
National Ecosystem Assessment” (2018–2023), implemented by the “Academician Sulejman Redžić“
Center for Ecology and Natural Resources, aims to prepare an assessment of ecosystems and ecosystem
services in BiH, including the development of ancillary tools for policy makers, establish conditions for
effective utilization of the Assessment, and develop and make available policy support tools and
methodologies.14
According to NBSAP BiH (2015–2020), the distinctive types of biological diversity of BiH are canyon,
mountain, alpine and wetland ecosystems, karst fields, and alluvial plains. Furthermore, according to the
2018 Environmental Performance Review for BiH, high mountain landscapes, mountain landscapes and
relict and refugial landscapes are ecosystems which are highly sensitive to climate change. The
ecosystems situated in karst landscapes are also vulnerable to climate change and, at the same time, they
12 Rio Conventions: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – UNFCCC, United Nations Convention on
Biological Diversity – UNCBD and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing
Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa – UNCCD
13 UNECE. 2018. Environmental Performance Reviews Bosnia and Herzegovina. Third Review. Available at:
14 Available at: https://www.procjenaprirode.ba/

are also strongly affected by other anthropogenic pressures (among these, the wetlands in karst fields
are particularly sensitive).15
According to the Survey of stakeholders, ecosystems with the best rated conditions are meadow
ecosystems (with an average rating of 3.38 out of 5 - the highest possible rating), followed by pasture
ecosystems (3.28), forest ecosystems (3.12), and agro-ecosystems (3.00). The most degraded
ecosystems are water ecosystems (2.61), followed by wetlands ecosystems (2.74), and urban ecosystems
(2.80).16
SPECIES DIVERSITY AND STATUS
There are no established official biodiversity data repositories in BiH, which makes it impossible to track
the status of species diversity. For example, although stakeholders from the focus groups and interviews
reported that there has been a decline in number of bees and the loss of honeybee species in BiH, there
is no information that any endangered species is extinct or that any endangered species has improved its
status since 2016.17 While the Red Lists have been developed and approved at the entity level (the RS
approved the Red List of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna18 in 2012 and the FBiH approved its
Red List of Endangered Wild Species and Subspecies of Plants, Animals and Fungi19 in 2014), there is no
red list at the state level. Recognizing the need for revision and harmonization of the entities’ red lists,
UNEP is developing the guidelines for revision of red lists in BiH. They have already organized the two
training sessions for stakeholders with the help of international experts from the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This process is conducted under the umbrella of the
project “Achieving Biodiversity Conservation through Creation, Effective Management and Spatial
Designation of Protected Areas and Capacity Building.”20
Both the NBSAP BiH (national goal 12) and Fifth and Sixth National Reports to the UNCBD specifically
mention the need for enhanced biodiversity management in the country. The Fifth National Report to
the UNCBD, for example, praises initial attempts by the conservation authorities in BiH to list
endangered plant and animal species and emphasizes "the importance of spatial protection of valuable
ecosystems and sites and finding the most appropriate regimen of protection."
GENETIC DIVERSITY
The NBSAP BiH acknowledges that there is insufficient control of the use and export of various
products based on local genetic resources, medicinal, vitaminized, and aromatic species, as well as other
ecosystem products to which BiH claims its sovereign rights and recognizes the need to regulate profits
15 UNECE.2018. Environmental Performance Reviews Bosnia and Herzegovina. Third Review. Available at:
16 The survey respondents were asked to answer the question “How would you evaluate the status of the ecosystems listed in your
area? Please circle the answer for every type of ecosystem in your area“ by using the following scale: 1= absolutely unsatisfactory; 2
= unsatisfactory; 3 = neither satisfactory nor unsatisfactory; 4 = satisfactory, 5 = absolutely satisfactory.
Sarajevo
18 OG of RS, No. 124/12
19 OG of FBiH, No. 7/14
20 Available at: https://www.thegef.org/project/achieving-biodiversity-conservation-through-creation-effective-management-and-
spatial

generated by exploitation of local biodiversity. Therefore, the initiative to accede to the Nagoya
Protocol submitted by the BiH Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations to entity-level
ministries of environment in April 2018 is particularly important. Ratification can be initiated after both
entities in BiH give positive opinions. In June 2018, the Federation Ministry of Environment and Tourism
issued a positive opinion, after obtaining approvals from the cantons. However, since the RS Ministry of
Physical Planning, Civil Engineering and Ecology has not yet provided a positive opinion, the Protocol has
not yet been ratified.21
Compared to the 2016 Biodiversity Analysis, some improvements have been observed in terms of
genetic diversity in BiH. As already described in the 2016 Biodiversity Analysis, gene banks were
established at the level of the entities in BiH. In the RS, the plant gene bank is with the Genetic
Resources Institute of the University of Banja Luka, and in the FBiH the plant gene bank is with the
Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences of the University of Sarajevo. Additionally, the RS deposited
reserve copies of their seeds at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway.
At the state level, the Strategic Plan for Rural Development of BiH (2018–2021) addresses plant and
animal genetic resources in a separate chapter on agro-ecological conditions. Although the programs for
conservation of animal genetic resources (specific breeds and varieties) have not been adopted yet in
either entity, it is worth mentioning that the RS adopted two relevant programs for domestic animals,
the 2016–2022 Cattle Breeding Program and the 2016–2022 Goat and Sheep Breeding Program in the
RS. Both programs focus on the existence and importance of indigenous breeds as animal genetic
resources and underline the importance of their conservation. In the FBiH, two rulebooks were adopted
in 2018, the Rulebook on Organic Plant and Livestock Production22 and the Rulebook on Beekeeping.23
An overview of the state of plant and animal genetic resources in BiH, as well as of the current efforts
on their conservation, was conducted within the Project ”Rural Development through Integrated Forest
and Water Resources Management in Southeast Europe (LEIWW)” implemented by GIZ from 2015 to
2018.24
STATUS AND MANAGEMENT OF PROTECTED AREAS
4.1.1 Protected Areas
Pursuant to the entity legislation on nature protection, the system of protection of natural areas
foresees establishment of PAs (in line with IUCN categorization) and Natura 2000 sites. However, IBA25
and Ramsar sites26 are not integrated into the national PA system, as they are not recognized in the
legislation on nature protection in either the FBiH or RS.
Sarajevo
24 Available at: http://seerural.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Agrobiodiversity-Study-BiH-RS.pdf and http://seerural.org/wp-
content/uploads/2018/09/Agrobiodiversity-Study-BiH-Federation.pdf (last accessed on January 9, 2020).

25 IBA is an area identified using an internationally agreed set of criteria as being globally important for the conservation of bird
populations.
26 Wetlands protected by national governments to fulfil their obligations under the Convention on Wetlands of International
Importance (commonly called the Ramsar Convention).

The current percentage of territory under protection in BiH is 2.28% (compared to 1.96% in 2016), with
3.24% and 1.30% in the FBiH and RS, respectively. Coastal and sea areas in BiH have not been protected
so far. Error! Reference source not found. in Annex F shows existing PAs in BiH.
Eleven new PAs were established in BiH since 2016. Annex F presents the officially established PAs in
BiH (PAs established in and after 2016 are highlighted in the text).
FBiH: The FBiH has 121 PAs of which only one is a National Park (NP), Una, four are Natural
Monument (NMs) and six are Protected Landscapes (PLs). The majority of PAs are managed by
dedicated management institutions. Only one new PA has been established since 2016, the Bentbasa
Protected Landscape in 2017.
RS: At present, the RS has 26 PAs, of which three are NPs (Kozara, Sutjeska, and Drina), 14 are NMs,
two are SNRs, three are PAs with sustainable use of natural resources, two are PLs, and two are
Habitat/Species Management Area. The following ten new PAs have been created since 2016: Monument
of Park Architecture University City (2016), Slatina Forest Park (2016), Drina National Park (2017), Kuk
Cave Natural Monument (2018), Gromizelj Protected Nature Reserve (2018), Cicelj Nature Park
(2018), Jelića brdo Forest Park (2018), Lijevčanski Knez Natural Monument (2018), Una Nature Park
(2019) and Tišina Protected Nature Reserve (2019).
BD: There are no PAs in BD.
The responsibility for establishing, managing, and financing PAs is regulated by legislation on nature
protection of both entities. PAs are financed from the budgets of both entities. The legal framework for
nature protection provides many opportunities for revenue generation. These include revenue from the
use of natural resources in PAs, fees (souvenirs, parking, camping), grants, subsidies, and cash incentives.
However, few PA managers are able to generate sufficient resources from these types of revenues, as
there is no green funding system for financing nature protection in BiH and the entities' funds for
environmental protection do not allocate sufficient resources to PAs.27 In the case of the FBiH, most
protected areas are funded by the cantons while the federation level is responsible for funding only the
Una NP, which is an area of federation importance in the FBiH. Another funding exception is the
Vjetrenica cave, which is funded by the municipality, since it is not formally recognized as a protected
area in the FBiH. Finally, both environmental ministries and environmental protection funds in FBiH and
RS have public calls for funding for projects related to biodiversity and protected areas.
According to UNEP (2016), a total of 2,727,207 KM was allocated for PAs of FBiH in 2016. An overview
of the PA funding in 2016 is provided below:
 FBiH government allocated 500,000 KM for the Una NP (and 400,000 KM for co-financing other
PAs at cantonal level)
 The Sarajevo Canton allocated a total of 1,421,209 KM for the Protected Natural Areas of the
Sarajevo Canton,
 The Canton 10/Herceg-Bosna County co-funded the Blidinje Nature Park with 20,000 KM,
 The Canton of West Herzegovina/Canton did not finance the Blidinje Nature Park,
27 UNEP. 2019. Analysis of Financial Mechanisms for Protected Areas in BiH and the Region. Sarajevo

 The Herzegovina-Neretva Canton/County co-funded Nature Park Blidinje with 36,000 KM and
allocated 13,000 KM for the Hutovo Blato Nature Park,
 Tuzla Canton allocated 200,000 KM from the budget for the needs of the Konjuh PL,
 Central Bosnia Canton/County allocated 80,000 KM for the needs of the Prokoško Lake Nature
Monument,
 The Zenica-Doboj Canton allocated around 140,000 KM for the Tajan Nature Monument.
For the PAs in the RS, the government allocated a total of 1,958,088 KM. 1,800,000 KM or 91.93%,
were transferred to the Sutjeska and Kozara NPs, while the remaining 158,088 KM, or 8.07%, was used
to co-fund the Banja Luka Genetic Resources Institute. The RS Government did not fund other PAs in
2016.28
4.1.2 Natura 2000 Areas
Although the entity laws on nature protection allow for the possibility to establish Natura 2000 areas,
currently, no such areas have been officially created.29 Protection is proposed for 122 areas (about 19%
of the territory of BiH), including 200 species and 60 habitats, as well as establishment of an
environmental network in BiH.30 Error! Reference source not found. in Annex F shows potential
Natura 2000 areas in BiH. No subsidiary legislation on Natura 2000 has been adopted to date.
4.1.3 Ramsar and IBA Sites
The number of Ramsar and IBA sites remains the same compared to the 2016 Biodiversity Analysis.
There are 3 Ramsar and 4 IBA sites in BiH, as shown in Annex F. The question of management and
funding of these areas is difficult, since they are not recognized by entity laws on nature protection nor
integrated into the national protected areas network/system. Even though some activities have been
developed in recent years, in particular in the promotion of wetlands awareness, scientific research and
monitoring, none of the Ramsar sites have a management plan and there is no national wetland
inventory at the state or entities level. No planning and management is available for the IBA sites as well.
4.1.4 Potential Protected Areas
The NBSAP BiH aims to map and protect BiH's specific biodiversity by 2020 in accordance with the
current spatial planning documents (legislation on nature protection stipulates that protected areas are
established on the basis of spatial plans). According to the Sixth National Report to UNCBD and based
on the analysis of available spatial plans, BiH is trying to protect 17% of its territory. A Draft Proposal of
28 UNEP. 2019. Analysis of Financial Mechanisms for Protected Areas in BiH and the Region. Sarajevo
29 FBiH Law on Nature Protection (OG of FBiH, No. 66/13) recognizes Natura 2000 sites and affirms that certain areas may
be designated for the European program Natura 2000 to be included in an international environmental network for
conservation of natural habitats and habitats of species by a regulation of the FBiH Government. The FBiH Government will
compile a list of the types of habitats widespread on the FBiH territory in a decree, on the basis of submitted relevant scientific
information. The list can be amended. Measures for conservation of such habitat types in favorable conservation status will be
prescribed by the Federation Minister of Environment and Tourism after receiving approval from the Federation Ministry of
Agriculture, Water and Forestry. Measures for conservation of habitat types in a favorable state shall be integrated in spatial
planning documents and management plans of protected natural areas.
Pursuant to the RS Law on Nature Protection of (OG of RS, No. 20/14), the RS Government shall adopt a regulation that
establishes the environmental network and the method of its management and funding, and identifies environmentally important
areas for the EU, which will become part of the European Environmental Network Natura 2000.
30 As available at: https://www.fmoit.gov.ba/bs/okolis/ekoloska-mreza-natura-2000

the FBiH Spatial Plan (2008–2028), which is still in the adoption process, provides for establishment of
14 new PAs with a total area of about 4,488 km,2 which represents 18.5% of the total surface area of the
FBiH. The RS Spatial Plan till 2025 set the goal to protect 15 to 20% of the entire RS territory.
The abovementioned UNEP/GEF Project “Achieving Biodiversity Conservation through Creation and
Effective Management of Protected Areas and Capacity Building for Protection of Nature in BiH”31
actively works to officially protect nine new areas:
1. Livanjsko Polje,
2. Orjen-Bijela Gora,
3. Mts. Bjelašnica–Visočica–Treskavica–Rakitnica River Canyon,
4. Mt. Zvijezda,
5. Cave at the spring of the Mokranjska Miljacka River,
6. Tišina (already proclaimed as protected),
7. Mediteranetum Botanical and Floral Reserve,
8. Vjetrenica cave system,
9. Govjestica cave system.
4.1.5 Economic potential of the protected area system

Little analysis of the economic potential of the PAs has been conducted to date. In 2016, the WWF
Adria NGO conducted a benefit assessment32 using the PA-BAT methodology (Protected Areas Benefits
Assessment Tool33) in three national parks (Una, Sutjeska and Kozara), as well as in three additional
areas in different protection categories (Hutovo blato Nature Park, Bijambare Protected Landscape and
Vrelo Bosne Natural Monument). According to this assessment, there is a difference in the recognition
and valuation of subsistence benefits (non-economic benefits that contribute to well-being such as
health, nutrition, clean water and shelter) and economic values (benefits that provide the ability to earn
an income, consume and have assets). Tourism and recreation, iconic or site-specific values (i.e., rivers,
mountain peaks), water resources, preserved natural assets, as well as cultural and historical heritage,
are the best recognized subsistence benefits, while jobs in the PAs, tourism, honey production, water
resources and livestock grazing are most significant in economic terms.
In 2018, the UNECE reported that local communities still tend to oppose establishment of new PAs,
because there is insufficient awareness about the value of PAs and the ecosystem services they provide.
Based on the experience of the analysis team, local communities often oppose establishment of new PAs
for three main reasons: (i) a lack of awareness of the potential economic opportunities associated with
PAs, (ii) concerns that PAs will limit access to natural resources and existing natural-resource based
31 Available at: https://www.thegef.org/project/achieving-biodiversity-conservation-through-creation-effective-management-and-

spatial
32 WWF. 2016. Protected Areas Benefit Assessment (PA-BAT) in Bosnia and Herzegovina available at
https://natureforpeople.org/protected_areas/bih_bat_report_2016_eng_web__3_.pdf
33 More info on the PA-BAT methodology on https://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?174401/PABAT (last accessed on January 3,
2020)

livelihoods, and (iii) PAs will affect the sale and market value of their properties. Information sharing is
extremely limited and data on biodiversity is scattered among several academic institutions.34
STATUS AND MANAGEMENT OF KEY NATURAL RESOURCES OUTSIDE

PROTECTED AREAS
Beside the legislation on nature protection, which is primarily important for the establishment of PAs in
both entities, certain aspects of the natural world are protected by other laws, in particular the laws on
forests (protective forests and special purpose forests) and laws on water (water protection zones) in
both the entities and in the cantons (in the case of the FBiH).
The 2018 BiH Environmental Performance Review established that 7,600 ha of the country’s forests are
registered as protected forests and 14,800 ha as special purpose forests. These forests are managed by
public forestry enterprises in accordance with specific measures set out in the forest management
plans.35
The concept of high conservation value forest (HCVF) came into focus with the introduction of the
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards in the country. HCVFs in a forest management area are
identified based on their significance, biodiversity concentration, rare and endangered ecosystems they
host and importance of providing basic needs to local communities. Based on the FSC certification
reports of four certified forest companies, 75,530 ha (or around 2.5% of the total forest cover) of BiH
forests is of high conservation value.36
5 VALUE AND ECONOMIC POTENTIAL
VALUE OF BIODIVERSITY
There is no available assessment of economic value of the country’s biodiversity and natural resources.
The NBSAP BiH’s national goal no. 15 is that, by the end of 2020, benefits from forest, agricultural and
water ecosystems should be mapped and evaluated, and the environmental permit mechanism and
supervisory inspection within protected areas, areas of special interest, and areas from the Natura 2000
ecological network plan strengthened. The measure no. 2.1. of the NBSAP BiH is also important from
this standpoint, as it refers to preparation of The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)
study. The aim of TEEB is for decision-makers to recognize the value of ecosystem services and
biodiversity.37 The NBSAP BiH also noted that there was no professional institution in charge of the
36 FAO. 2015. The Forest Sector in BiH. Available at: http://www.fao.org/3/a-au015e.pdf
37 BiH Council of Ministers. 2017. Strategy and Action Plan for the Protection of Biological Diversity of Bosnia and Herzegovina
for the 2015-2020 period. Available at:

http://www.vijeceministara.gov.ba/akti/prijedlozi_zakona/default.aspx?id=25304&langTag=hr-HR

issues of evaluation and reevaluation of natural assets and heritage in BiH, nor of the development of
legislative and institutional frameworks for sustainable management.38
In 2018, the UNECE reported that one of the major barriers to nature conservation in the country was
a widespread lack of awareness of biodiversity issues among the population. Knowledge and awareness
of the value of biodiversity and protected areas, as well as about sustainable use of resources, are rather
limited.39
The only significant ecosystem services assessment was conducted in 2018 by the GIZ for the Neretva
and Trebišnjica River Basins (the area that spans three economies and four political entities: RS and
FBiH, Croatia and Montenegro). This study underlined the magnitude of economic value at stake:
 Gross primary returns from water use are almost USD492 million a year,
 Tens of thousands of jobs – and hundreds of thousands of livelihoods – depend directly on
freshwater ecosystems (e.g., hydropower facilities generate around 4,400 GWh of electricity a year
from the waters of the Neretva and Trebišnjica, earning revenues of almost USD416 million),
 About 16% of cropland in the FBiH is irrigated from the two rivers, generating more than USD25
million in income and supporting around 5% of the population and in the RS, up to 80% of
commercial wine production in the area covered by the study, almost USD4.4 million depends on
irrigation,
 Municipal water utilities distribute some 18 million m3 a year of water from the Neretva and
Trebišnjica basins in BiH and Montenegro alone, and collect more than USD17 million in public
revenues,
 Tourism is still a small but rapidly growing sector. By 2016, some 83% of tourists (more than 122,000
people) came specifically to enjoy freshwater-based activities such as rafting, kayaking, caving and
bird-watching, which generated direct spending of almost USD8 million.40
ECOSYSTEM GOODS AND SERVICES
The NBSAP BiH singled out three groups of ecosystems with essential services:
 Forest ecosystems, which cover around 27,000 km2, or 53% of the country’s territory. From the
perspective of timber production, as one of the first essential services to the population of BiH,
forest ecosystems can be broadly divided into highly productive and low productive forests. From the
standpoint of protective functions of forests as special ecosystem services, alpine forests and riparian
forests have an essential role but both are under severe pressure due to urbanization and road
construction along rivers. Other, no less important benefits of forests are reduced flooding risks,
absorption of CO2, climate regulation, air purification, and regulation of soil erosion.
38 Ibid.
39 UNECE.2018. Environmental Performance Reviews Bosnia and Herzegovina. Third Review. Available at:
40 GIZ. 2018. STREAMS OF INCOME AND JOBS: The Economic Significance of the Neretva and Trebišnjica River Basins.
Available at: https://balkangreenenergynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Economic-Significance-of-the-Neretva-and-

Trebi%C5%A1njica-River-Basins.pdf.

 Freshwater ecosystems or ecosystems of rivers, mountain streams, glaciers, lakes and wetland
habitats, where moorland ecosystems are particularly valuable, as well as marine ecosystems. Some
of these ecosystems are threatened by negative effects of HPPs, which is the cause of one of the
major conflicts in sustainable water management in the country’s policy and environmental
community.
 Agricultural ecosystems in BiH are very important for food production and ecosystem services
derived from agrobiological diversity. Food production in agrobiological systems is an ecosystem
service whose potential is underused, which indicates the need for serious and organized
rehabilitation of neglected agro-ecosystems. Of the total land area of BiH, around 2,572 million ha, or
50.3%, is suitable for agriculture. Arable land accounts for 1,009,000 ha, or 20.0%, of total land, of
which 478,000 ha, or 47%, is currently uncultivated.41
According to the assessment provided in the publication “Ecosystems of BiH for the Purpose of
Sustainable Development,”42 BiH ecosystems are grouped in 19 large groups of ecosystems
characterized by great diversity. Each of the 19 groups of ecosystems provides different type of
ecosystem services. This publication provides an assessment of importance of 17 groups of main
ecosystem services in each of the 19 ecosystem groups. Annex G illustrates the importance of BiH
ecosystems in providing these key services.
As stated in the 2016 Biodiversity Analysis Report, biodiversity contributes significantly to livelihoods in
rural and underdeveloped areas of BiH and has potential to give a noticeable boost to rural development
of certain mostly protected areas.43 According to the Stakeholder Survey, 87.8% of respondents stated
that biodiversity contributes to local rural development (with 41.5% stating that biodiversity absolutely
contributes to local rural development). In their view, local/rural development mostly depends on the
following ecosystem services: tourism and recreation (73.1%), availability of drinking water (31.7%),
pleasant climate, clean air and cultural heritage (29.3%), followed by aesthetic value of these areas and
existence of numerous rare or endemic species of flora and fauna (26.8%) and availability of wild
medicinal herbs, forest fruits, ornamental plants (17%). Curiously, they put a greater emphasis on the
cultural and regulatory rather than on the provisioning group of ecosystem services even though
provisioning ecosystem services bring direct benefits for population.
Gathering/natural habitat harvesting and cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, forest fruits and
mushrooms has a long tradition in BiH. The biodiversity of medicinal and aromatic plants and
mushrooms is high, making the country very competitive on the international market. According to the
BiH Foreign Trade Chamber, exports of medicinal plants, forest fruits, and honey in 2018 reached 39
million KM (USD 22 million), which was a 55% increase relative to 2017.44 The number of families
engaged in gathering medicinal and aromatic plants BiH is estimated at approximately 50,000, and almost
41 BiH Council of Ministers. 2017. Strategy and Action Plan for the Protection of Biological Diversity of Bosnia and Herzegovina
for the period 2015–2020. Available at:
42 Barudanović, S., Macanović, E., Topalić-Trivunović, Lj., Cero M. (2015): Ecosystems of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the
purpose of sustainable development, PMF, UNSA; Fojnica d.d. Fojnica

43GIZ. 2018. STREAMS OF INCOME AND JOBS: The Economic Significance of the Neretva and Trebišnjica River Basins.
Available at: https://balkangreenenergynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Economic-Significance-of-the-Neretva-and-

Trebi%C5%A1njica-River-Basins.pdf.
44 Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH. Available at: http://www.bhepa.ba/analiza-razmjene-za-2018-godinu-sektor-ljekovitog-bilja-
etericnih-ulja-sumskih-plodova-i-meda/

3,000 of them are organized in more than 50 companies which purchase and resale medicinal herbs.
Most collectors earn their incomes by collecting herbs, mushrooms and forest fruits.45 Local
communities use their traditional knowledge and practices in production of food and medicine from
homemade and natural products. However, due to the lack of mechanisms to control harvesting of
medicinal herbs in the RS and FBiH, some natural habitats of medicinal herbs have become quite
barren.46
6 LEGAL FRAMEWORK AFFECTING CONSERVATION
NATIONAL LAWS, POLICIES AND STRATEGIES
6.1.1 National Legislation
Pursuant to the BiH Constitution,47 environmental policies and use and management of natural
resources are a competence of the entity and BD governments, which adopt laws, regulations and
standards to regulate environmental matters. Almost all relevant legislation is adopted and enforced at
the entity and BD level.
6.1.2 Entity Legislation
Given that the competences in the sector of nature protection in BiH are entrusted to the entity level
(RS, FBiH and BD), the FBiH Law on Nature Protection (OG of the FBiH, No. 66/13), RS Law on
Nature Protection (OG of RS, No. 20/14) and BD Law on Nature Protection (OG of BD of BiH, No.
24/04, 1/05, 19/07, and 9/09) are the principal biodiversity legislation. In addition, the RS Law on
National Parks (OG of RS, No. 75/10) regulates in detail the issues of importance for protection,
development, promotion, management, financing, and sustainable use of national parks in the RS
territory. A list of by-laws adopted in the RS and FBiH is provided in Annex H. No environmental by-law
has been adopted in the BD. According to the interviews with entity ministries of environment
protection/ecology, amendments to the laws on nature protection are planned in both entities. The
Rulebook on Strictly Protected and Protected Wild Species of the FBiH and the Decree on Strictly
Protected and Protected Wild Species of the RS are currently in the process of adoption in both
entities.
According to the entity and BD Environmental Approximation Programs, the Habitats Directive and
Wild Birds Directive have not been fully transposed into the abovementioned legislation in the FBiH, RS
and BD, and transposition of these two directives needs to be enhanced through adoption of new by-
laws.
In the RS, two new by-laws were adopted in 2016 and 2017, and the Law on Proclamation of the Drina
National Park48 was passed in 2017, and five decisions on proclamation of five new PAs were adopted in
45 Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, 2017. Strategic Plan for Rural Development of BiH (2018–2021), Available
at: http://www.mvteo.gov.ba/data/Home/Dokumenti/Poljoprivreda/Strategic_Plan_for_Rural_Development_of_BiH___Eng.pdf
Sarajevo
47 Available at: http://www.ccbh.ba/osnovni-akti/ustav/?title=preambula (accessed on 24 December, 2019)
48 OG of RS, No. 63/17

the 2016–2019 period (Slatina Forest Park (2016), Gromizelj Protected Nature Reserve (2018), Cicelj
Nature Park (2018), Una Nature Park (2019), Tišina Protected Nature Reserve (2019)).
Beside these specific laws, environmental legislation includes numerous laws and by-laws relevant to
environmental protection in general, as well as water, air, and solid waste management. These define
and set goals, principles, measures, responsibilities, documents, funding, and supervision of
environmental protection in BiH that has direct impact on the status of biodiversity. The overview of
the abovementioned legislation is provided in Annex H.
Out of all these laws, the matter of adoption of the FBiH Law on Forests is of special importance for
biodiversity conservation in the FBiH, as confirmed through the Sixth National Report to UNCBD as
well as through this analysis (survey and interviews).49
6.1.3 Cantonal Legislation
Only two cantons have adopted laws on nature protection (Central Bosnia Canton and Herzegovina-
Neretva Canton), but only the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton has aligned their Law on Nature
Protection50 with the FBiH Law on Nature Protection.
6.1.4 Strategies and Action Plans
The NBSAP BiH (2015–2020) is the most significant strategic document for biodiversity at the state
level, and it was developed under the UNEP/GEF Project “Support to BiH in Revising Strategy and
Action Plan for Protection of Biological Diversity and Development of the Fifth National Report under
Biological Diversity Convention.” By adopting the NBSAP at the BiH level, the institutions have
committed to implementation of the measures it contains to achieve national targets from the NBSAP
and implement the provisions of UNCBD in BiH. As already mentioned, the NBSAP BiH was adopted in
May 2017 when many prescribed measures were supposed to have already been implemented, so at this
time it is impossible to evaluate how effective the implementation was.
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
BiH acceded, signed or ratified a number of MEAs to date, which demonstrates a strong state
commitment to comply with these agreements; but the process of ratification and implementation of
MEAs in BiH suffers from numerous weaknesses:51 (i) weak or absent organizational structures and
mechanisms of coordination for effective implementation of the MEAs; (ii) obligations of the entity and
49 The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry (FMAWMF) has developed the Preliminary Draft of the
Law on Forests and submitted it for consideration to the Government of FBiH in November 2011. After submission of the
Preliminary Draft, between 2012 and 2015 the FMAWMF has requested in several occasion for the Government of FBiH to
take it into consideration. In September 2015, the Government of BiH passed a conclusion based on which a working group
was established to provide technical assistance to the FMAWMF in producing Draft Law on Forests. After the new preliminary
draft has been completed, and public discussion held, the FMAWMF submitted the new Preliminary Draft of the Law on Forest
to the Government of FBiH, and the Government adopted it on 27th of May 2016, and submitted it in the form of Draft to the
parliamentary procedure. The Draft Law is still in the parliamentary procedure. In the meantime, nine cantons have adopted
their own legislation on forestry.
50 OG of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, No. 12/17
51 UNEP. 2014. Legal analysis on ratification and implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) in BiH.
Sarajevo

BD level institutions to bring their legislation in line with the ratified MEAs, (iii) coordination of the
activities of the BiH level, entity level and BD institutions on the implementation of MEAs, (iv) reporting
obligations of the entity- and BD-level institutions towards Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic
Relations (MOFTER) on the status of progress made on implementation of the activities agreed upon
during coordination meetings, (v) nomination procedure for Focal Points, which should also regulate the
rights and obligations of nominated Focal Points in the conduct of their activities, (vi) procedure for
coordination of the activities on implementation of different MEAs. Some of these issues concerning
implementation of MEAs have been confirmed through interviews conducted within the framework of
this analysis.
The list of international agreements, treaties, and conventions of which the country is a member and
that are specifically related to biodiversity is presented in Annex I. Since the 2016 Biodiversity Analysis,
two new bilateral agreements and 3 MEAs have been ratified/signed:52
 Agreement Between the BiH Council of Ministers and the Government of the Republic of
Croatia on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development
(OG of BiH, No. 2/17),
 Agreement Between the BiH Council of Ministers and the Government of the Republic of Serbia
on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development (OG of
BiH, No. 2/16),
 Decision on the Ratification of the Paris Agreement (OG of BiH, No. 1/17),
 Decision on the Ratification of the Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment (OG of BiH,
No. 3/17),
 Decision on the Ratification of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of
Wild Animals (CMS) (OG of BiH, No. 8/17).
With regard to specific MEAs, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, it is worth mentioning
that, in accordance with the Sixth National Report of BiH to the UNCBD (2019), the following
mechanisms have been established to support the implementation of the Convention in BiH:
 Cooperation between the entities and BD,
 Major legislation on the protection of nature has been adopted,
 Funding measures related to biological diversity are implemented at the entity- BD-, cantonal
and local level (although without a common database that would integrated all funding allocated
to this purpose),
 Activities on establishing two information systems at the entity level are in progress,
 A BiH portal, with a mechanism for sharing the biological diversity information, i.e., CHM BiH,
was established in 2013.53
The implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has been
improved since 2016. In 2018, the BiH Council of Ministers adopted the Decision on the Conditions and
Method of Implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (OG of BiH,
No. 31/18).
52 MOFTER Website with the list of ratified conventions available at http://www.mvteo.gov.ba/Content/Read/vodni-resursi-

zastita-okoline-konvencije-sporazumi?lang=bs (accessed on 14 January, 2020)
53 Available at http://www.bih-chm-cbd.ba (accessed on 14 January, 2020)

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
At the BiH level, environmental matters are the responsibility of the Sector for Natural Resources,
Energy and Environment of the MOFTER. MOFTER is responsible for the implementation of
environmental protection programs that result from international treaties and for cross-sectoral
coordination between other sectors of environment.
At the entity level, the primary ministries in charge of biodiversity conservation are the Federation
Ministry for Environment and Tourism and RS Ministry of Urban Planning, Civil Engineering and Ecology.
According to the interview conducted with the representative of the Federation Ministry for
Environment and Tourism, only two persons work on biodiversity protection in this Ministry, even
though the job classification envisages a total of 4 employees. In the RS, only one staff member works on
biodiversity protection issues in the RS Ministry of Urban Planning, Civil Engineering and Ecology, even
though job classification requires two employees for these tasks. During the interview with the RS
Ministry of Urban Planning, Civil Engineering and Ecology representative, it was highlighted that this
Ministry needs more than one employee for these tasks based on their current and future needs.
In the RS, the Department for Natural Heritage within the RS Institute for Protection of Cultural,
Historical and Natural Heritage is responsible for protection and conservation of nature, conservation
of biological, geological and landscape diversity. Of seven employees in this department as required by
the job classification, six are actually employed. According to the RS Law on Nature Protection, this
Institute is responsible for nature monitoring, collection and processing of data on the state of nature,
preparation of reports and updates for the RS Information Systems for Nature Conservation. In the
FBiH, a similar institute has not been established yet, although its establishment is stipulated by the FBiH
Law on Nature Protection. For this reason, the FBiH Information Systems for Nature Conservation will
be maintained and updated by the FBiH Environmental Protection Fund.54 According to the interview
with the Federation Ministry of Environment and Tourism (FMET), the capacity of the Fund will be
increased by creation of a professional department within the Fund which will operate the Information
Systems.
At the cantonal level in the FBiH, in each of its 10 cantons one ministry is responsible for environmental
protection. The cantonal ministries have competence over environmental and nature protection issues,
as well as the establishment and management of PAs of categories III, IV, V, and VI.55
CONSERVATION INITIATIVES: CURRENT AND PLANNED CONSERVATION

EFFORTS
In the 2016–2019 period, numerous nature and biodiversity protection projects were funded and
implemented by both international and national institutions and organizations. Most active among the
donors and international NGOs were: MAVA, EU, SIDA, GEF, BMZ, GIZ, and UNEP. Relevant activities
that have been implemented since 2016 are shown in Annex J.
54 Additional information is available on the following link: http://e-prirodafbih.ba/en/ (accessed on 26 January, 2020)
55 FBiH Law on Nature Protection (OG of FBIH, No. 66/13), Article 134.

The most significant planned activity is the development of the BiH Environmental Strategy and Action
Plan (ESAP) for 2030 and beyond with support from the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Swedish
Embassy in BiH, and SIDA. The ESAP will include a biodiversity chapter. During the two-and-a-half-year
project, the SEI will work with the authorities at the BiH and entity levels. The BiH ESAP 2030+ will be
developed collaboratively and its launch is scheduled for 2022.56
7 THREATS AND ACTIONS NECESSARY TO CONSERVE

BIODIVERSITY
DIRECT THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY
This section elaborates direct threats to biodiversity. Each direct threat to degradation or loss to
biodiversity may have several drivers (indirect threats).
The BiH Fifth National Report to the UNCBD57 and 2016 Country Biodiversity Assessment Report58
emphasized that most intensive threats/pressures to biodiversity in BiH include: conversion of habitats,
over-exploitation of resources, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and anthropogenic actions
and economic development activities. The analysis team confirmed that identified biodiversity threats in
2016 still apply today while additional threats have also been identified. These include waste
mismanagement, excessive and illegal logging and deforestation, and energy generation. Specifically,
almost half of surveyed stakeholders consider waste mismanagement to be a biodiversity threat. The
predominant method for waste disposal in BiH is landfilling, which many citizens oppose (mostly due to
health issues associated with landfilling). Hence, waste mismanagement was a motive for number of
public demonstrations that gained substantial media attention and raised this topic as an important issue
among the general population. However, differences in the perception of threats or at least the level of
prioritization of threats identified by the biodiversity experts (e.g. those engaged in reporting to the
CBD) and surveyed stakeholders are evident. Specifically, some threats were emphasized more strongly
among the surveyed stakeholders than in the available public reports that address biodiversity issues.
For example, excessive deforestation is not mentioned in the reports reviewed as part of the extensive
desk research the analysis team conducted. However, 22 percent of the surveyed stakeholders consider
it to be a very serious issue. On the other hand, the conversion of habitats was not mentioned among
surveyed stakeholders although it was recognized as a biodiversity threat in the available literature. A
possible explanation for this divergence could be stakeholders’ understanding that habitat conversion is
a consequence of anthropogenic actions and economic development activities (mostly infrastructure
construction and urbanization) that are identified as biodiversity threats by 7 percent of survey
respondents. Table 1 provides an in-depth overview of biodiversity threats and pressures in BiH among
the surveyed stakeholders.
56 Available at: https://news.cision.com/stockholm-environment-institute/r/bosnia-and-herzegovina-developing-new-

environmental-strategy-and-action-plan-with-swedish-support,c2956176
57 FBiH Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2014. Fifth National Report of BiH to the Convention on Biological Diversity of
BiH. Available at: https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/ba/ba-nr-05-en.pdf

58
USAID. 2016. Country Biodiversity Analysis: Bosnia and Herzegovina. Available at:
http://measurebih.com/uimages/Biodiversity%20Assessment.pdf

Table 1: Main Groups of Threats
Percentage
of
stakeholders
Threat who Elaboration59
identified
this issue to
be a threat
The predominant method for waste disposal in BiH is landfilling. According to the BiH Agency for Statistics, between
2011 and 2015, the share of waste permanently disposed of in landfills fluctuated between 67% and 79%. The recovery
Waste rate was increasing during this period, but by end-2019 it still did not reach 1% of the waste that is generated. Although
mismanagement waste statistics are hardly reliable, there is a huge difference between the amounts of generated municipal solid waste
(volumes and (MSW) and disposed waste, which suggests that about 20–30% of the collected MSW ends up in illegal dumpsites. Even
47 though several regional sanitary landfills have been constructed, more are needed. The completion of their construction
disposal,
problem of would be one of the most important steps towards creating a sustainable MSW disposal system. There are deficiencies
illegal landfills) with the management of other types of waste, most significantly for medical waste – even the quantities are unknown.
Significant funds and investments will certainly be required for the development of adequate facilities for proper disposal
of medical waste.
Extreme climate events in BiH have become more frequent. In the 2003–2014 period, 6 of the 12 years were either very
dry or extremely dry. In 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, and 2014, extraordinarily disastrous floods hit large portions of the
country. These extreme climate and weather episodes have caused substantial material and financial damages, as well as
casualties. Meteorological data shows that the problem of drought and drought periods is increasingly shifting toward the
continental and hilly-mountainous region of BiH, and that an evident need for adaptation to the new situation is emerging.
Droughts started to occur regularly in the winter period, which can significantly affect not only the provision of soil
Climate change 25 moisture reserve in spring, but also water supply. It is important to highlight that, for species that constitute most
mountain forest ecosystems, such as fir, Norway spruce and Scots pine, BiH is situated at their areal’s southern limit. The
increase in average temperatures could have a negative impact primarily on the size of the population of these species,
which, in combination with other anthropogenic factors may lead to their vulnerability and, ultimately, complete loss in
the region. The loss of wetlands, such as the Hutovo Blato NP, which is one of the two main bird resting areas in BiH,
could lead to the disappearance of bird and turtle populations that inhabit swamps during the year or are present only
during migrations.
Excessive and 22 According to publicly available reports, there is no overcutting of the forest by state forest management companies in
59UN Environment. 2019. State of the Environment Report (SoER) for BiH. Final draft. Sarajevo UNECE. 2018. Environmental Performance Reviews Bosnia And Herzegovina.
Third Review. Available at: https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/epr/epr_studies/ECE.CEP.184.Eng.pdf
FBiH Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2019. Sixth National Report of BiH to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Sarajevo

Percentage
of
stakeholders
identified
this issue to
be a threat
illegal logging BiH; 5.7 million m3 of timber is harvested per year and an annual increment is more than 11 million m 3, so wood
and production uses up only around 50 percent of the annual incremental increase. However, reports show that there is
deforestation excessive logging in certain forest categories (especially the high forest) and in certain locations, such as more accessible
areas in terms of terrain and proximity to forest transport infrastructure). Some other categories and locations are not
logged. Logging data for private forests are not reported.
The issue of illegal logging in BiH has been widely recognized by both entity governments. Illegal logging is conducted by
private individuals for subsistence needs (especially for firewood) and by organized groups for illegal logging, transporting
and processing. Aggregate data on illegal logging are not available at neither the state nor entity level. Rural poverty is a
driver of illegal logging, but inadequate supervision and control of the forests as well as the level of crime and corruption
in forestry sector are problems of equal magnitude.60,61 The Cantonal Forest Office in the Central Bosnia Canton
reported a decreasing trend in illegal logging because of the increased number of employed forest guards. Other major
challenges in the forestry sector include: forest fires; powerful attacks of pathogens and insect pests; large areas of mined
forests and forest lands; a large accumulation of waste in forests and watercourses; poor openness of forest areas to
communications; and poor forest road infrastructure. Deforestation is largely linked to urbanization (conversion of forest
land into construction land), and construction of new roads and other infrastructure. Forest protection (e.g. from fires)
as well as a small degree of afforestation remain a problem.
Pollution directly impacts the quality of air, water, and soil and indirectly affects biodiversity. Air pollution in BiH mostly
comes from industrial activities, domestic heating, and traffic. Constant increases in traffic also increase the emissions of
exhaust gases, which is most evident in major urban centers. Due to the specific climatic conditions and temperature
inversions, air pollution is significantly higher in winter months in many major urban centers, especially in cities located in
the valleys where pollution is "captured" for a longer period. Some BiH cities are among the most polluted cities in all of
Pollution in Europe. The most commonly used fuel in individual household heating systems is the cheapest coal and sometimes even
17
general waste, which also has a major impact on air pollution. About water in BiH, there is a clear problem of inadequate
domestic and industrial wastewater discharge. Based on data on wastewater discharge for 2012, only 4% of all
wastewater is delivered to the treatment plant. During 2017, this percentage significantly increased and amounted to 42%
of the total wastewater discharged into water recipients (in relation to the increase in the sewage network coverage). In
2017, the share of treated water was 63.1% of all released wastewater, the share of polluted water was 16.6%, and the
share of non-polluted wastewater was 20.3%. Soil degradation is also on the rise. Changes in the land use patterns and
60 FAO. 2015. The forest sector in BiH. Available at: http://www.fao.org/3/a-au015e.pdf

61 Available at: http://illegallogging.rec.org/publications/BiH_IL%20Fact%20Finding_Final.pdf

Percentage
of
stakeholders
identified
this issue to
be a threat
the loss of agricultural land were caused by sudden urbanization, industrialization and changes in commercial
development. A wide range of pesticides and fertilizers are used, especially in agriculture, but the data on quantities used
is not available.
BiH is a net exporter of electricity. Around 35% of electricity is generated from hydropower, and the remaining 65% is
generated in six brown coal/lignite-fired thermal power plants (TPPs). The combined share of wind, solar, and biofuels in
electricity generation in BiH is below 0.5%. In both entities, there are cases where construction of multiple small HPPs is
planned on the same watercourse. The assessment of their cumulative effect on the environment is rarely made although
Energy sector – it is a requirement included in the Environmental Impact Study. Moreover, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is
electricity not required for HPPs with a capacity up to 5 MW; for such facilities environmental permits can be issued without an EIA.
generation from 15 The lack of cumulative effect assessment, combined with no mandatory EIA, is particularly worrying where there are
HPPs and small multiple small HPPs in one area. In 2018, the BiH Council of Ministers adopted the BiH Framework Energy Strategy until
HPPs 2035. This strategic document contains a table with planned projects for new electricity generation plants, including HPP
and new blocks for TPPs. However, no SEA was performed for this strategic document. Only the HPP that will be
constructed by public electric power utility companies are encompassed by the strategy, and it does not include
information on HPPs (especially small HPPs) that will be constructed by private entities.
There is no inventory of invasive species nor any strategy to combat invasive alien species. The list of existing invasive
species and data on distribution and population size of these species are fragmented and produced as results of various
Invasive alien studies. Invasive species are found in almost all biological categories, but most data refer to invasive plant and animal
12 species. Decisions have been made and action plans adopted providing for monitoring, control and reduction of negative
species
effects of some of these species, primarily those that exert harmful effects on human health, e.g., the weed plant species
ambrosia.
The data on anthropogenic pressures on natural resources refer to the following economic development activities:
Anthropogenic  construction of infrastructure facilities (construction of a traffic transport network, construction of electric power
actions and plant especially HPPs and their accumulations, electric power stations, power transmission plants, pipelines, gas lines,
economic 7 construction of water supply/catchment areas, ditches, artificial lakes with dams, water gates, dams),
development  agricultural activities (reclamation, exhaustion of habitats by monoculture, use of pesticides and mineral fertilizers-
activities nutrition load),
 uncontrolled urbanization and realization.

Percentage
of
stakeholders
identified
this issue to
be a threat
Overexploitation of certain species of plants and animals stands out as one of the main reasons for the loss of biodiversity
in general. BiH has over 700 species of medicinal and aromatic plants, of which 200 are harvested.62 Various non-wood
forest products (NTFPs) are extensively utilized by the local population and by private companies, which hire local people
Overexploitation in the rural areas to collect mushrooms, medicinal plants, berries, etc. There are no clear statistics on the collection of
of resources NTFPs. It is estimated that around 100,000 people collect various types of NTFPs organized in companies registered for
7
(unsustainable their collection and processing. Exploitation of freshwater resources in BiH primarily relates to fishing of economically
use) important fish species. Overexploitation of natural resources in this sense implies both uncontrolled overfishing and the
degradation of aquatic habitats, which lowers the rate of natural reproduction and renewal of populations, and has
potential to impoverish and destabilize ecosystems.
Habitat conversion (change in purpose) is recognized as one of the major drivers of biological diversity loss in the
secondary literature, but not perceived as such in other sources of information. Adoption and implementation of spatial
planning documents at all levels in BiH has been slow, which resulted in uncontrolled urbanization and fragmentation and
loss of agricultural, forest, wetland and other habitats. Forest fires are the main cause of degradation and loss of forest
Conversion of habitats, while other causes include natural disasters, cattle, insects and plant diseases, illegal use and land acquisition. The
n/a
habitats biggest threat to fertile agricultural lands with agrobiological diversity is the process of urbanization and conversion into
construction land. When it comes to degradation and fragmentation of land, it happens because of urbanization,
construction of infrastructure facilities, fire, erosion, discharge of pollutants into the ground, and illegal construction of
facilities.
62 Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH. Available at: http://www.bhepa.ba/analiza-razmjene-za-2018-godinu-sektor-ljekovitog-bilja-etericnih-ulja-sumskih-plodova-i-meda/

DRIVERS OF THREATS AND ACTIONS NECESSARY TO CONSERVE BIODIVERSITY
This section discusses the drivers63 that give rise to the identified biodiversity threats and proposes
actions necessary to conserve biodiversity in BiH. All threat drivers are confirmed in secondary
literature (primarily in the NBSAP BiH and the Fifth and Sixth National Reports to the UNCBD) or
through surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The drivers were grouped into the following major
categories:
1. institutional arrangements,
2. economic factors,
3. inadequate technical capacity,
4. inadequate management capacity, and
5. socio-political factors.
The analysis team identified 34 actions necessary based on the team’s consultations with the relevant
stakeholders (government institutions at BiH and entity levels, international organizations, including
USAID/BiH IPs, PA Managers) interviewed during the analysis implementation. The actions necessary are
also derived from the NBSAP BiH and aligned with its National Targets and measures. All National
Targets and measures included in the NBSAP BiH are listed in Annex K.
It is important to note that one driver may affect more than one threat with varying degrees of intensity.
Also, one or more actions necessary are needed to address any single identified threat. The correlation
between drivers, threats, and actions necessary is explained in Table 2.
63A driver is a constraint, opportunity or other important variable that positively or negatively influences direct threats. Drivers
are commonly referred to as indirect threats, factors or forces that influence the direct threats.

Table 2: Actions Necessary Linked to Drivers and Direct Threats
Drivers Links to Direct Threats64 Actions Necessary
Institutional arrangements
Absence of the Law on Forests in  Excessive and illegal logging and deforestation FBiH has not had a Law on Forests in place for more than 10 years.
FBiH  Overexploitation of resources The draft Law has been stuck in the parliamentary procedure for
 Conversion of habitats several years already. Adoption of the new law on forests in FBiH
 Anthropogenic actions and economic should enable forest protection; improvement of horizontal and
development activities vertical government cooperation.
 Climate change
Insufficient capacity of expert  Conversion of habitats Strengthen capacities of PAs to become financially self-sustainable;
associates for nature protection in  Overexploitation of resources implementation of good practices from the regional and international
all entity and cantonal ministries  Invasive species level – study trips.
 Excessive and illegal logging and deforestation
Horizontal legislation is not fully  Pollution Policy changes and further approximation of legislation with the EU
aligned with the EU environmental  Anthropogenic actions and economic acquis; improvement of horizontal and vertical government
acquis and the existing development activities cooperation.
environmental legislation is not fully  Waste mismanagement
implemented  Excessive and illegal logging and deforestation
 Conversion of habitats
 Overexploitation of resources
 Climate change
 Invasive species
 Electricity generation in HPPs and small HPPs
Lack of organizational structure and  Climate change Improvement of horizontal and vertical government cooperation;
coordination mechanisms for  Overexploitation of resources Improvement of multi-sectoral approach; policy changes and further
effective implementation of MEAs;  Pollution approximation of legislation with the EU acquis.
slow process of implementation of  Invasive species
MEAs
Lack of strategies at the entity level,  Conversion of habitats Develop systemically designed program for rural development and
municipal level strategies and  Overexploitation of resources keeping people in rural areas; clearly define protection measures by
planning documents containing  Pollution strategic documents to protect natural values and provide adequate
specific measures for protection and  Climate change monitoring system; improvement of the multi-sectoral approach;
improvement of natural values and  Anthropogenic actions and economic improvement of horizontal and vertical government cooperation.
biodiversity development activities
 Waste mismanagement
64 Prioritized – sorted by strength and significance of the link or impact.

 Invasive species
Poor industrial regulations  Pollution Increase taxes for polluters; policy changes and further
 Climate change approximation of legislation with the EU acquis; provide private
 Anthropogenic actions and economic sector with information on mitigation measures which will improve
development activities environmental performances of the companies and public-private
 Waste mismanagement cooperation.
Low percentage of area under  Conversion of habitats Enable communication, education and public awareness activities
protection  Overexploitation of resources related to value of biodiversity and importance of PAs for local
 Anthropogenic actions and economic sustainable development; involve local communities in all activities;
development activities conduct valuation of ecosystem services and integrating them into
 Electricity generation of hydropower dams and decision making; start procedures for establishment of protected
mini hydropower dams areas planned in spatial plans, and monitor their progress;65 introduce
stronger control in PAs and define duties and powers of rangers in
PAs; introduce integral management of PAs.
Insufficient number of projects  Conversion of habitats Implement biodiversity improvement measures (active conservation
related to biodiversity protection  Overexploitation of resources measures: habitat restoration, species reintroduction, etc.) and
 Invasive species biodiversity conservation measures (pressure reduction, current
status preservation).
Economic factors
Insufficient funding for biodiversity –  Conversion of habitats Increase taxes for polluters; find new mechanisms for financing
related actions/projects and research  Overexploitation of resources projects for biodiversity conservation, such as the inclusion these
activities  Invasive species issues in the portfolio of environment protection funds; supply
private sector with information on mitigation measures which will
improve environmental performances of the companies and public-
private cooperation; strengthen the funds for environment to finance
inter-sectoral projects (e.g., green infrastructure).
Insufficient funding of Pas  Conversion of habitats Find new mechanisms to finance biodiversity conservation, such as
 Overexploitation of resources the inclusion of these issues in the portfolio of environment
 Invasive species protection funds; strengthen capacities of PAs to become financially
self-sustainable.
Inadequate technical capacity
Lack of information on species of  Conversion of habitats Capacity building of scientific institutions and NGO sector, provision
flora, fauna and fungi, habitat types  Overexploitation of resources of equipment for the scientific institutions; establishment of a
and ecosystems in the entire area of  Invasive species monitoring system and acting based on collected data; inventory and
BiH – no inventories have been research; updating of red lists; help in establishing of information
65 Measure 11.2 from the NBSAP BiH (2015–2020)

conducted systems and communication protocols for populating data in the
system.
Lack of research on biodiversity in  Conversion of habitats Strengthening of NGO sector and scientific institutions, provision of
general, at any level  Overexploitation of resources equipment for the scientific institutions; inventory and research;
 Invasive species providing more space for experts’ input and involvement.
List of invasive species is not defined  Invasive species Inventory and research; clearly define protection measures by
(at any level) and there is no  Conversion of habitats strategic documents to protect natural assets and provide an
monitoring or control of invasive adequate monitoring system; implementation of awareness raising
species. activities; strengthening of NGO sector; strengthening and equipping
scientific institutions with necessary instruments/tools (e.g.
laboratory, field equipment etc.); providing assistance in establishing
of information systems and communication protocols for populating
data in the system.
Lack of systematic soil monitoring  Pollution Strengthening of NGO sector and scientific institutions, provision of
 Anthropogenic actions and economic equipment for scientific institutions to enable them to conduct field-
development activities related inventory and research; providing more space for experts’
 Waste mismanagement input and involvement.
 Conversion of habitats
Inadequate management capacity
Unsustainable use of biodiversity  Overexploitation of resources Cultivation of commercially valuable herbs instead of reliance on
(NTFP – mushrooms, aromatic and  Excessive and illegal logging and deforestation natural resources; development of systemically designed rural
medicinal herbs) due to lack of  Conversion of habitats development programs to keep people from leaving rural areas;
monitoring and control  Anthropogenic actions and economic preservation of traditional practices in agriculture; involvement of
development activities local communities in all activities.
Socio-political factors
Low level of public awareness of the  Conversion of habitats Better quality education on environmental issues; involvement of
value of biodiversity  Overexploitation of resources local communities in all activities; involvement of media in awareness
 Pollution raising campaigns; reform of official education – teach new
 Climate change generations to care about environment and natural resources; rely
 Invasive species on cooperation with NGOs for education and awareness-raising
 Anthropogenic actions and economic activities.
development activities
Waste mismanagement

8 EXTENT TO WHICH THE MISSION MEETS IDENTIFIED
ACTIONS NEEDED
The Country Biodiversity Analysis conducted in 2016 identified 54 specific actions needed to conserve
biodiversity in BiH. According to the survey conducted with IPs, 9 out of 54 specific actions identified
(16.7%) have been addressed, directly or indirectly, through current USAID programming, as follows:
1. Development of eco-tourism-related activities based on natural resources (Via Dinarica: Rural
Incomes and Sustainable Enterprises and Diaspora Invest Activity),
2. Strengthening of the capacity of NGOs in terms of writing projects and applications for
international donors (Restoring Civic Mission of Education and Via Dinarica: Rural Incomes and
Sustainable Enterprises),
3. Adoption of the draft FBiH Law on Forests (USAID's Fiscal Sector Reform Activity in BiH),
4. Establishment of working groups (at the entity and district level) for coordination of sectors:
environmental protection, water management, agriculture, forestry, spatial planning, energy,
mining and industry (Fostering Agricultural Markets Activity II – FARMA II),
5. Preparation of instructions (in the form of a publication) for integration of biodiversity values
into other sectors, i.e., strategies and plans, as well as instructions for monitoring of their
implementation, including organization of regular meetings (FARMA II),
6. Improvement of horizontal harmonization of laws through organization of discussions and
roundtables of expert associates from the relevant ministries at the entity and district level
(FARMA II),
7. Organization of educational/informational visit to protected areas (Via Dinarica: Rural Incomes
and Sustainable Enterprises),
8. Construction of ecotourism infrastructure in PAs (Diaspora Invest Activity),
9. Reduction of chemical pollution from industry by strengthening the environmental permit
mechanisms and control inspections (FARMA II).
USAID/BiH’s contribution to addressing updated list of actions necessary as presented in the previous
chapter, is presented in Table 3 below. Table 3 also provides an overview of other donors’ activities
targeting identified actions necessary.

Table 3: Actions Necessary and Extent to Which Current USAID/BiH Programming and Other Donors’ Activities Contribute
to These
Actions necessary to achieve Extent to which the current USAID programming contributes to Relevant activities performed by other donors/
conservation of biodiversity sustainable management and conservation of biodiversity organizations
1. Clearly define protection The mission does not currently address development of the strategic BiH is preparing an environmental strategy (including entity level
measures by strategic documents to protect natural assets or the adequate monitoring system. strategies) and action plan for 2030 and beyond, with support of
documents to protect the SEI, the Swedish Embassy in BiH and the SIDA. This strategy
natural assets and will be developed during the two-and-a-half-year period and will
establish an adequate contain chapters related to nature protection issues. The
monitoring system development of these strategies has not started yet.
2. Better quality education Two USAID Activities are focused on the education sector (Enhancing and According to the analysis of activities performed by other
on environmental issues Advancing Basic Learning and Education (ENABLE) and General Education organizations listed in Annex J, there are no activities that address
Activity (TABLA)). Although both focus on integrating STEM education into education on environmental issues.
the basic education system in BiH, including Biology as one of the primary
subjects, none of these Activities directly addresses the country’s
environmental issues.
3. Cultivation of Activities under IR 2.1 addresses the agriculture sector capacity to mitigate According to the analysis of activities performed by other
commercially valuable the effects of climate change. Through USAID’s Agribusiness Development organizations listed in Annex J, there are no activities focused on
herbs instead of reliance Project experts in agriculture help loan borrowers apply the best techniques cultivation of commercially marketable herbs and similar
on natural resources in agriculture to minimize negative impacts on environment. The same is agricultural activities which could have positive impact on
done by FARMA II Project, which fosters environmentally sustainable biodiversity and nature conservation, as well as on sustainable use
production and processing and supports production of value-added food of natural resources.
products, as well as medicinal and aromatic plants and honey.
4. Government needs to The IR 2.2 helps improving capacity of local authorities to strategically plan According to the analysis of activities performed by other
provide private sector local economic development and prioritize policy changes necessary to organizations listed in Annex J, there are no activities focused on
with information on accomplish economic transformation of local communities. Activities related cooperation between government and private sector aimed at
mitigation measures which to the cooperation of government and private sector on biodiversity could mitigating negative effects of private sector activities and improve
will improve be addressed through this IR. environmental performances of companies. In 2015–2016 UNIDO
environmental implemented a project in BiH “National Cleaner Production
performances of the Program,” which trained 10 companies on how to improve their
companies and cooperate environmental performances and resource efficiency. However, it
with companies is necessary to establish a continuous exchange of information on
these issues and help government on how to manage it.
5. Increase taxes for Activities under IR 2.2 through the Financial Sector Reform Activity According to the analysis of activities performed by other
polluters (FINRA) help BiH bring financial supervision in line with the EU standards organizations listed in Annex J there are no activities focused on
and review fees and taxes. However, no increases of taxes and fees for increasing taxes for polluters.
polluters have resulted.
6. Strengthening the funds Activities under IR 2.2 through the Financial Sector Reform Activity According to the analysis of activities performed by other
for environment to fund (FINRA) help BiH bring its financial supervision systems in line with the EU organizations listed in Annex J, there are no activities focused on
inter-sectoral projects standards and consider fees and taxes, however without strengthening funds strengthening the funds for environment.
(e.g., green infrastructure) for environment.

7. Strengthen capacities of The DO 1 foresees several programs which will focus on sustainable WWF Adria is implementing a project to support development of
PAs to become financially development of local capacities both through direct cooperation with local environmentally responsible business in the Una NP, which will
self-sustainable organizations in implementing USAID-funded projects. However, PAs’ improve the capacity of this PA to become financially self-
financial self-sustainability is not covered by any USAID-funded activity. sustainable. However, this project is focused only on one PA.
8. Policy changes and further The DO 1 encourages policy changes, however it does not currently WWF Adria is implementing the project “Dinaric Arc Sustainable
approximation of relevant address policy changes in the environmental and nature protection sectors. Hydropower Initiative (DASHI) Phase II” which focuses on policy
legislation with the EU changes related to HPP (improvement of the legal framework for
acquis strategic planning, including declaration of exclusion zones for
hydropower development). However, it does not take into
consideration further approximation of horizontal legislation with
EU acquis.
9. Develop systemically Activities under IR 2.1 address the capacity of the agriculture sector to According to the analysis of activities performed by other
designed rural mitigate the effects of climate change. The USAID’s Agribusiness organizations listed in Annex J, there are no activities focused on
development programs to Development Project helps generate jobs and increase household incomes developing rural development programs.
help retain people in rural in targeted rural regions of BiH by supporting the development and
areas expansion of cornichon, vegetable, and berry production and sales for small-
scale farmers.
10. Preservation of traditional Activities under IR 2.1 addresses the capacity of the agriculture sector to According to the analysis of activities performed by other
practices in agriculture mitigate the effects of climate change. Through USAID’s Agribusiness organizations listed in Annex J, there are no activities directly
Development Project agriculture experts help loan recipients apply the best focused on preservation of traditional practices in agriculture.
agricultural techniques to minimize negative impacts on environment. The
same is done by FARMA II Activity, which fosters environmentally
sustainable production and processing.
11. Strengthening multi- The mission frequently takes the multi-sectoral approach in the current According to the analysis of activities performed by other
sectoral approach. CDCS and cooperation between activities in different sector is well- organizations listed in Annex J, there are no activities that focus
established and diverse. For example, the Energy Investment Activity Project on strengthening of the multi-sectoral approach.
and FARMA II cooperated to educate farmers on using the animal
production and poultry sector waste and turning it to profitable uses).
Waste created from animal production can be used as fuel without negative
impact on environment and on biodiversity, if the energy generation plants
are designed in accordance with the existing laws and standards. In addition,
considering the possibility of electricity generation and application for
quotas, this kind of investment can help improve famers’ economic position.
It is necessary to improve cooperation between different sectors and
integrate nature protection and biodiversity issues. For example,
development of eco-tourism can be linked to improvement of traditional
agricultural practices which have less negative impact on natural resources
compared to other farming practices.

12. Adoption of a new FBiH The DO 1 addresses drafting and adopting of legislation (such as the According to the analysis of activities performed by other
Law on Forests that will adoption of the Law on Forests). organizations listed in Annex J, there are no activities related to
include forest protection adoption of the new FBiH Law on Forests.
13. Construction of The IR 2.1 addresses assistance in promoting clean and efficient energy According to the analysis of activities performed by other
infrastructure for technologies in BiH with mitigation of climate change impacts. The Energy organizations listed in Annex J, there are no activities related to
mitigation of climate Investment Activity promotes investment in the renewable energy and gas construction of infrastructure for mitigation of climate change
change impacts sector. In addition, the Project “Solar Energy as the Future of Sustainable impacts. Only WWF Adria, through the DASHI Phase II project,
Development in BiH” financed under DGP promoted the construction of implements activities on reducing negative environmental impact
solar collectors, whose use has mitigation effects on climate change. from the construction of HPPs. In BiH, GIZ and UNDP are
implementing several activities aimed at the construction of
infrastructure for mitigation of climate change impacts related to
the energy sector.
14. Implementation of USAID’s “Fair Play, Fair Childhood” Activity implements education WWF Adria implements the project “Civil Society Acts for
awareness raising workshops with children and educational workshops on safeguarding Environmentally Sound Socio-Economic Development – CO-
activities environment and collection of the plastic bottles and caps will be held in SEED.” Implementation of this project also contributes to raising
2020. Through these activities, children’s awareness of environment, and public awareness through direct media involvement. In addition,
indirectly of biodiversity, will be increased. Additional awareness-raising this organization implements the “MedForVal”, another project
activities could be implemented in the future through this and other USAID that includes a component on awareness-raising of local
Activities. population on the need for protection and sustainable
management of freshwater forests in Livanjsko Polje.
Even if there are biodiversity awareness-raising projects, many
stakeholders interviewed explained that the awareness of local
communities about the protection of nature is low. Communities
still tend to oppose the establishment of new PAs due to a lack of
awareness of the potential economic opportunities associated
with PAs and concerns that PAs will limit access to natural
resources. For these reasons, awareness-raising campaigns
continue to be necessary.
15. Environmentally friendly The IR 2.1 addresses assistance in promoting clean and efficient energy In BiH, GIZ and UNDP are implementing several projects that
solutions for electricity technologies in BiH. Through the Energy Investment Activity, it promotes promote electricity generation from environmentally friendly
generation investment in the renewable energy and gas sector considered as sources.
environmentally friendly solutions for electricity generation. In addition, the
Project “Solar Energy as the Future of Sustainable Development in BiH”
funded under DGP and implemented by the MCF Partner contributed to
environmentally friendly energy generation, as it promoted the
manufacturing and installation of solar collectors.
16. Strengthening of NGO USAID/BiH provided technical assistance to help NGOs with grant-writing WWF Adria implements the Project “Civil Society Acts for
sector and scientific for international donors through two Activities (Restoring Civic Mission of Environmentally Sound Socio-Economic Development – CO-
institutions; providing Education – Window of Opportunity for Change and VIA DINARICA: Rural SEED” which aims to contribute to sustainable management of
equipment to scientific Incomes and Sustainable Enterprises. However, the mission does not help natural resources by ensuring more participatory and transparent
institutions scientific institutions by providing equipment for them. decision making processes that includes an active group of civil

society organizations and a number of media outlets. But, although
this Project contributes to the strengthening of NGO sector, it
does not support scientific institutions, nor does it provide
equipment for their work.
17. Involvement of local The IR 1.2 addresses involvement local communities and citizens in According to the analysis of activities performed by other
communities in all decision-making processes and implements activities in strengthening local organizations listed in Annex I, mainly the projects implemented
activities communities to be better involved in all decisions. One of USAID Activity by WWF Adria (such as Civil Society Acts for Environmentally
to be mentioned here is the Local Works Project, which supports local Sound Socio-Economic Development – CO-SEED, MedForVal,
actors to take the lead in addressing their local development challenges. Protected area for nature and people (PA4NP) – UNA and
Sutjeska field projects, DASHI Phase II) envisage participation of
local communities in all activities.
18. Establishment of the The mission does not currently implement projects that could help with The UNEP’s project “Achieving Biodiversity Conservation through
monitoring system and establishment of a monitoring system in the biodiversity sector. Creation, Effective Management and Spatial Designation of
acting in accordance with Protected Areas and Capacity Building” contains three
obtained data components and one of them is biodiversity monitoring in BiH.
This component will help upgrade the established nature
protection information systems in the FBiH and RS, while the
UNEP will support the development of one module on
biodiversity protection.
19. Involvement of media in The IR 1.2 addresses involvement of media in awareness-raising campaigns. WWF Adria implements the project “Civil Society Acts for
awareness-raising In addition, the project “Independent Media Empowerment Program” aims Environmentally Sound Socio-Economic Development – CO-
campaigns to increase the role of the media in social responsibility and raise citizens’ SEED” which involved an active group of civil society organizations
awareness of the importance of independent journalism. and place greater media focus on sustainable management of
natural resources.
20. Integral management of The mission does not currently address the management of PAs. Through its project “Achieving Biodiversity Conservation through
protected areas Creation, Effective Management and Spatial Designation of
Protected Areas and Capacity Building,” UNEP implements
activities related to efficiency of management of the protected
area system, which contributes to the improvement of
management of PAs.
21. Implementation of The mission implements activities with indirect impact on development of All projects performed by other organizations listed in Annex I
projects that help biodiversity. Some of these are: the Energy Investment Activity (on help improve and develop biodiversity.
development of environmentally friendly energy sources), or Fair Play, Fair Childhood
biodiversity (implementation of education activities on environment protection).
22. Inventory and research The mission does not currently address inventory and research in UNEP through its project “Achieving Biodiversity Conservation
biodiversity. through Creation, Effective Management and Spatial Designation of
Protected Areas and Capacity Building” established guidelines and
performs training activities for experts which will be involved in
development of revised red lists.
In addition, GIZ through the project “Open regional funds for

South-East Europe – Biodiversity” developed Entity level
established nature protection information systems which need to
be upgraded by developing all modules foreseen within the
information systems (only one module has been developed today).
23. Reform of education - The DO 1 contains a component related to the education. Two USAID According to the analysis of activities performed by other
teach new generations to Activities are focused on education sector (Enhancing and Advancing Basic organizations listed in Annex J, there are no activities related to
care about environment Learning and Education (ENABLE), General Education Activity (TABLA)), the reform of education sector in BiH.
This project develops key science, technology, engineering, and math
(STEM) educational competencies in BiH.
24. Rely on cooperation with The DO 1 foreseen improvement of financial viability and enabling legal WWF Adria is an NGO and the project performed by this NGO,
NGOs for education and environment needed for the NGO sector to operate in BiH. Through the like Civil society acts for environmentally sound socio-economic
awareness raising implementation of the USAID’s “Fair Play, Fair Childhood” project, development (CO-SEED), rely on awareness raising activities
activities cooperation with NGOs for education has been established. Similar performed by this NGO.
activities could be done in biodiversity sector.
25. Update red lists The mission does not currently address biodiversity and updating of red UNEP through its project “Achieving Biodiversity Conservation
lists. through Creation, Effective Management and Spatial Designation of
Protected Areas and Capacity Building” established guidelines and
performs training activities for experts which will be involved in
development of revised red lists.
26. Improvement of Through the implementation of Energy Policy Activity USAID assists BiH UNEP through its project “Achieving Biodiversity Conservation
horizontal and vertical stakeholders to reform and restructure the internal natural gas sector in through Creation, Effective Management and Spatial Designation of
government cooperation accordance with the Energy Community Treaty obligations and best Protected Areas and Capacity Building” works on establishing new
international practices. In addition, implementation of good practices from PAs which involves horizontal and vertical government
region and international level is performed through FARMA II Project. cooperation.
27. Implementation of good The mission does not currently address the transfer and implementation of GIZ Open Regional Funds for South-East Europe – Biodiversity
practices from region and good practices from region and international level (including study trips) in Project is implemented at the regional level and include the
international level - Study nature protection sector. implementation of good regional practices.
trips
28. Give more space to The IR 1.2 support technical expertise to government decision-makers, Through its project “Achieving Biodiversity Conservation through
experts however, there are no concrete activities in nature protection sector. Creation, Effective Management and Spatial Designation of
Protected Areas and Capacity Building”, UNEP supports an expert
who will revise red lists by performing training on developed
guidelines for revision of red lists.
29. Help in establishing of The mission does not currently address the establishment of nature Through the project “Open regional funds for South-East Europe
information systems and protection and biodiversity information systems. – Biodiversity” developed at the Entity level, GIZ established
communication protocol nature protection information systems which need to be upgraded
for populating data in the by developing all modules foreseen within the information systems
system (only one module has been developed today).
30. Establish higher control in The mission does not currently address PAs management and measures to UNEP through its project “Achieving Biodiversity Conservation
PAs and define duties and improve monitoring within PAs. through Creation, Effective Management and Spatial Designation of

authorization of rangers in Protected Areas and Capacity Building” implements activities
Pas related to efficiency of management of the protected area system
which contributes to the improvement of management of PAs.
However, issues related to the duties and authorization of rangers
in PAs are not subject to this Project.
31. Implementation of The mission does not currently address biodiversity improvement WWF Adria through the project “Adriatic Rivers” works on
biodiversity improvement measures. restoration and protection of transboundary Trebisnjica/Neretva
measures (active and Cetina river basins which contributes to habitat restoration.
conservation measures:
habitat restoration,
species reintroduction,
etc.)
32. Implementation of The mission does not currently address biodiversity conservation measures. Through its project “Achieving Biodiversity Conservation through
biodiversity conservation Creation, Effective Management and Spatial Designation of
measures (pressure Protected Areas and Capacity Building”, UNEP implements
reduction, current status activities related to establishment of new protected areas which
preservation) will contribute to pressure reduction and current status
preservation in such areas.
33. Start procedures for The mission does not currently address activities on establishing new PAs. UNEP through its project “Achieving Biodiversity Conservation
establishment of through Creation, Effective Management and Spatial Designation of
protected areas planned Protected Areas and Capacity Building” implements activities
in spatial plans, and related to establishment of new protected areas which will
monitor their progress.66 contribute to pressure reduction and current status preservation
in such areas.
34. Find new mechanisms for Activities under IR 2.2 through the Financial Sector Reform Activity According to the analysis of activities performed by other
financing projects for the (FINRA) is helping BiH bring financial supervision in line with EU standards organizations listed in Annex J, there are no activities focused on
biodiversity conservation and considers fees and taxes, however without having as outcome inclusion establishing new mechanisms for financing projects for biodiversity
such as the inclusion of of new mechanisms for financing projects for the biodiversity conservation conservation.
these issues in the in the portfolio of environment protection funds.
portfolio of environment
protection funds.
66 Measure 11.2 from the NBSAP BiH (2015–2020)

9 RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON ACTIONS NECESSARY TO CONSERVE

BIODIVERSITY
This section presents recommendations derived from the “actions necessary” and “extent to which”
analyses. Table 4 provides the developed recommendations that actively integrate biodiversity
conservation into democracy and governance, economic growth, and in sectors pertaining to current
USAID/BiH stand-alone activities. The recommendations are divided into three categories, as follows:
 Opportunistic: Working within the boundaries of Activities to improve the extent to which
the Mission is meeting the actions necessary to reduce threats.
 Proactive: Adapting Activities to improve the extent to which the Mission is meeting the
actions necessary to reduce threats.
 Direct Threat Reduction: Designing with an explicit objective of reducing threats or
otherwise contributing to biodiversity conservation.
Table 4: Recommendations
Category Recommendation
Democracy and Governance
Opportunistic  Organization of educational/informational visits to protected areas as an awareness-

raising approach in promoting biodiversity and natural values. USAID should consider
integrating such an approach through the implementation of its existing Activities,
including the Restoring Civic Mission of Education – Window of Opportunity for Change
Activity.
Proactive  Implement campaigns on biodiversity conservation and environmental protection by

including media and/or youth with the aim to change public behaviors toward reducing
the unsustainable consumption of natural resources and nature and biodiversity
conservation and protection. USAID should consider integrating these advocacy and
dissemination initiatives through its existing (e.g., Fair Play, Fair Childhood) or upcoming
Activities.
 Work with political parties in BiH to include biodiversity issues into their campaigns and
party programs and help them become the catalysts of biodiversity protection and
promoters of natural values (e.g., Catalyzing Cross Party Initiatives in BiH, Supporting
Political Pluralism and Good Governance Processes in BiH).
Direct Threat - Ensure indirect contribution to biodiversity conservation by addressing corruption in the
Reduction
environment sector. USAID should consider using its existing anti-corruption related
Activities (e.g., Investigative Journalism Program and Assistance to Citizens in Fight
against Corruption) as a means to work towards combating and preventing corruption in
the environment sector (e.g., in forestry) and therefore contribute to the biodiversity
conservation.

Category Recommendation
 Build capacity for effective management of PAs and support exchange of experience and
knowledge for biodiversity conservation in PAs. Since the analysis team did not
recognize any existing USAID Activity which could encompass the aforementioned,
USAID should consider designing a new Activity that would focus on building capacities
of BiH’s PAs.
Economic Growth
Opportunistic  Continue to promote natural BiH resources, as well as traditional practices in

agriculture and conservation-friendly agriculture that does not have negative impact on
natural resources and on biodiversity. USAID should consider integrating or continuing
to use such approach as part of its ongoing Via Dinarica, FARMA II, and Agribusiness
Development Activity.
 Support the development of required biodiversity and environment related legislation to
meet EU accession and other international treaty obligations. USAID should consider
doing so through its FARMA II, as well as other USAID Activities that contribute to
improve the harmonization of legislation with EU acquis (e.g., Energy Policy Activity).
Proactive  Include awareness raising activities on positive impacts on biodiversity by using

renewable sources of energy and natural gas and promote mitigation measures to be
implemented during the implementation of investments in energy. USAID should
consider integrating described activities into its Energy Policy Activity.
 USAID should consider emphasizing cooperation between different Activities (e.g.,
FARMA II and Energy Policy Activity) to support knowledge exchange, including advice
on how to protect biodiversity by implementing best practices.
Direct Threat  Raise awareness among staff and farmers working with agricultural companies about the
Reduction
negative impacts on nature conservation caused by their activities. The recommended
action could be implemented through the ongoing FARMA II, Agribusiness Development
Activity, Diaspora Invest in BiH, and BiH Workforce and Higher Access to Markets
Activity.
 Support activities aimed at imposing, reforming and/or increasing fees/taxes to
environment polluters (e.g. payment for ecosystem services (PES)) and developing
new/innovative mechanisms for securing additional revenues and raising funds that would
enable PAs to become financially sustainable. USAID should consider supporting such
initiatives through its upcoming Activities.
Other/Stand-Alone Activities
Opportunistic  Continue with activities which support involvement of local communities and citizens in
decision-making processes. USAID should consider supporting domestic resource
mobilization to achieve greater environment awareness and protection through the
implementation of the Local Works Activity.
Proactive  Strengthen the knowledge and increase awareness of BiH children and youth on the
importance of environment and biodiversity conservation. USAID should continue
supporting these activities through its existing ENABLE and TABLA Activities.
Direct Threat  USAID should consider supporting initiatives aimed at raising the awareness of the
Reduction general population about the importance of the natural environment and actions needed
to protect it. USAID should also consider supporting the introduction of university
programs on best practices for PA management and conservation methods for future PA
managers.

ANNEXES
Annex A: Literature
Annex B: List of KIIs
Annex C: List of IP respondents to the online survey
Annex D: List of FGDs participants
Annex E: Overview of indicators on biodiversity adopted at BiH level
Annex F: Protected areas in BiH
Annex G: Importance of ecosystems of BiH in providing key services
Annex H: Legislative and Strategic Framework
Annex I: Overview of Multilateral Environmental Agreements ratified by BiH
Annex J: Relevant donors’ activities in the period 2016-2020
Annex K: Overview of national targets and measures contained in the NBSAP BiH (2015-2020)

ANNEX A: LITERATURE
1. Council of Ministers. 2017. Strategy and Action Plan for the Protection of Biological Diversity of Bosnia and
Herzegovina for the period 2015-2020. Available at:
2. FAO. 2015. The forest sector in BiH. Available at: http://www.fao.org/3/a-au015e.pdf
3. FBiH Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2014. Fifth National Report of BiH to the Convention on
Biological Diversity of BiH. Available at: https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/ba/ba-nr-05-en.pdf
4. FBiH Ministry of Environment and Tourism. 2019. Sixth National Report of BiH to the Convention on
Biological Diversity. Sarajevo
5. Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH. 2018. Foreign Trade Analysis for the medicinal plant, forest fruits and honey.
Sarajevo
6. GIZ. 2018. STREAMS OF INCOME AND JOBS: The Economic Significance of the Neretva and Trebišnjica
River Basins. Available at: https://balkangreenenergynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Economic-
Significance-of-the-Neretva-and-Trebi%C5%A1njica-River-Basins.pdf.
7. Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, 2017. Strategic Plan for Rural Development of BiH (2018-
2021), Available at.
http://www.mvteo.gov.ba/data/Home/Dokumenti/Poljoprivreda/Strategic_Plan_for_Rural_Development_of_Bi
H___Eng.pdf
8. UNECE. 2018. Environmental Performance Reviews Bosnia And Herzegovina. Third Review. Available at:
9. UN Environment. 2019. State of the Environment Report (SoER) for BiH. Final draft. Sarajevo
10. UNEP. 2014. Legal analysis on ratification and implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements
(MEAs) in BiH. Sarajevo
11. UNEP.2019. Analysis of Financial Mechanisms for Protected Areas in BiH and the Region. Sarajevo
12. USAID. 2016. Country Biodiversity Analysis: Bosnia and Herzegovina. Available at:
http://www.measurebih.com/uimages/Biodiversity%20Assessment.pdf
13. WWF. 2016. Protected Areas Benefit Assessment (PA-BAT) in Bosnia and Herzegovina available at
https://natureforpeople.org/protected_areas/bih_bat_report_2016_eng_web__3_.pdf

ANNEX B: LIST OF KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS (KIIS)
Table 5. List of Key Informant Interviews
No. Institution Sub-theme Category Location

1. Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Environment and EU Government Sarajevo
BiH – MOFTER integration
2. Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism – Environment and Government Sarajevo
CBD Focal point tourism
3. Ministry of Physical Planning, Civil Engineering Physical planning, civil Government Banja
and Ecology of RS engineering and ecology Luka
4. Institute for protection of Cultural, Historical and Natural heritage Government Banja
Natural Heritage of RS Luka
5. Federal Ministry of Physical Planning Physical planning Government Sarajevo
6. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Agriculture, water Government Banja
Management of Republika Srpska management and Luka
forestry
7. Public Institution “Protected Nature Areas of Protected areas Government Sarajevo
Canton Sarajevo” (PAs: Skakavac, Vrelo Bosne,
Bijambare, Trebevic, Bentbasa)
8. RS Institute for Genetic Resources (PA Manager: Genetic diversity Government Banja
Sustainable Resource Management Area Luka
Univerzitetski grad)
9. UN Environment Nature protection International Sarajevo
10. GIZ Nature protection International Sarajevo
11. Catalyzing Cross Party Initiatives in BiH (CCPI) – USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
NDI/IRI
12. Victim-centered Approach to Prevention of USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
Trafficking in Persons in BiH – EMMAUS
13. Marginalized Populations Support Activity – KULT USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
14. Independent Media Empowerment Program – CPCD USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
15. Restoring Civic Mission of Education – Window of USAID/BiH IP International Bijeljina
Opportunity for Change – Helsinki Committee for
Human Rights Bijeljina
16. PRO Future (II) Trust, Understanding and USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
Responsibility for the Future – Step by Step
17. Fair Play Fair Childhood Activity – YSG USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
18. Mobilizing Youth for Reconciliation – NDI USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
19. Fostering Agricultural Markets Activity II (FARMA II) USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
– Cardno Emerging Markets
20. Diaspora Invest (DI) – Financial Markets USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
International, Inc. (FMI)
21. Workforce and Higher Access to Markets Activity in USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo

BiH (WHAM) – IESC
22. Agribusiness Development Activity (ADA) – Partner USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
Microcredit Foundation
23. Fiscal Sector Reform Activity (FSRA) – FINIT USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
Consulting
24. Financial Reform Agenda Activity (FINRA) – USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
Financial Markets International, Inc. (FMI)
25. Enhancing and Advancing Basic Learning and USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
Education in Bosnia-Herzegovina (ENABLE-BIH) –
Save the Children
26. Supporting Political Pluralism and Good Governance USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
Processes in BiH – NDI/IRI
27. General education Activity TABLA – Save the USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
Children
28. Judiciary against Corruption Activity (JACA) – USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
Development Partners
29. Assistance to Citizens in Fight against Corruption – USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
CCI
30. Investigative Journalism Program (IJP) - CRMA USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
31. Energy Policy Activity (EPA) – Advanced Engineering USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
Associates International
32. Local Works Network Analysis Platform Activity – USAID/BiH IP International Sarajevo
Mreza Mira

ANNEX C: LIST OF IP RESPONDENTS TO THE ONLINE SURVEY
1. USAID's Judiciary Against Corruption Activity (JACA)

2. Via Dinarica: Rural Incomes and Sustainable Enterprises
3. Investigative Journalism Program
4. USAID's Fiscal Sector Reform Activity in BiH
5. Supporting Political Pluralism and Good Governance Processes (GEPT)
6. Catalyzing cross-party initiatives (CEPPS)
7. Mobilizing youth for the reconciliation - Be inspiration (CMM)
8. Fostering Agricultural Markets Activity II (FARMA II)
9. USAID's Assistance to Citizens in Fight against Corruption
10. Prevention of Trafficking in Persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Improving Awareness,
Identification and Access to Justice
11. Financial Reform Agenda Activity
12. USAID Diaspora Invest Activity
13. USAID WHAM
14. USAID Marginalized Population Support Activity (USAID/PPMG)
15. Energy Investment Activity/Energy Policy Activity
16. General Education Activity TABLA
17. School at the Heart of Community
18. Agriculture Development Activity
19. Restoring civic mission of education

ANNEX D: LIST OF FGDS PARTICIPANTS
List of FGD participants in PA Tišina:

1. Šamac Municipality (4 participants)
2. Society for Biodiversity Research and Conservation
3. Tišina MZ.S.
4. "Fazan" Hunting Association
5. Šamac Civil Protection Šamac
6. "Maslačak" Beekeepers Association, Šamac
7. Public Company "Slobodna zona" Šamac
List of FGD participants in PA Bijambare:

1. Halilović d.o.o. Ilijaš
2. Eco house, rural household
3. Cantonal Public Institution for Protected Natural Areas (3 participants)
4. IPP "Gradnja"
5. "Srednje" Hunting Association
6. Ilijaš Municipality

ANNEX E: OVERVIEW OF INDICATORS ON BIODIVERSITY ADOPTED AT BIH
LEVEL
Error! Reference source not found.6 shows the environmental indicators relevant for biodiversity
and UNCBD within the List of Selected Environmental Indicators in BiH adopted by the Council of
Ministers of BiH in September 2019.
Table 6. Environmental indicators relevant for biodiversity and UNCBD within the List of
Selected Environmental Indicators in BiH67
Indicator
No. Indicator Title UNECE EEA
Code
BR1 Public awareness on nature SEBI026 Public awareness
1. protection
2. BR10 Ex situ plants collection
BR2 Endangered and protected species SEBI003, CSI007 Species of
3. European interest
BR3 Endangered and protected species SEBI002 Red List Index for
4. condition and index European Species
BR4 Selected species population trends
5. in protected areas
BR5 Representation of certain types of SEBI004 Ecosystem coverage
6. ecosystems
BR6 Invasive alien species BHAS reporting to SEBI010 Invasive alien species in
7. UNECE Europe
BR7 Fragmentation of natural and SEBI 013 Fragmentation of
8. semi/natural areas natural and semi-natural areas
BR8 Protected areas surface BHAS reporting to CSI008 Designated areas
9. UNECE SEBI007 Nationally designated
protected areas
BR9 Financing of protection and SEBI025 Financing biodiversity
10. preservation of the biological management
diversity
KAV1 Amount of nutrients in rivers and CSI020, WAT003 Nutrients in
11. lakes freshwater
ME1 Amount of nutrients in BHAS reporting to CSI021, MAR005 Nutrients in
12. transitional, coastal and marine UNECE transitional, coastal and marine
waters waters
P1 *Mineral fertilizers consumption BHAS reporting to
13. UNECE
P2 *Surface under the organic farming CSI026 Area under organic
14. production farming production
15. P3 *Pesticide consumption quantity Nitrogen balance SEBI019
16. RO1 Number of environmental licenses
Š1 *Surface of forests and forest SEBI017 Forest: growing stock,
17. areas increment and fellings and
deadwood
18. Š2 Health condition of the forests
19. Š3 Burnt forest areas CLIM035 Forest fires
67 List of Selected Environmental Indicators in BiH adopted by the Council of Ministers of BiH in September 2019

Š4 Surface of the forest areas under
20. sustainable management
BR11 Trend of economically important
21. fish density in rivers
BR12 Number of fishponds Aquaculture production (CSI
22. 033)
23. KAV3 Number of lakes restored
KAV2 Wastewater treatment facilities BHAS reporting to CSI 024 – Urban wastewater
24. UNECE treatment
25. BR13 Number of monitoring inspections
*Joint indicators for UNFCCC, UNCBD, UNCCD
Error! Reference source not found.7 shows the established national targets and proposed indicators
for NBSAP BiH (2015–2020).
Table 7. National Targets and Proposed Indicators for NBSAP BiH (2015 – 2020)68
National Targets Proposed Indicators
GLOBAL STRATEGIC GOAL A: Address the underlying causes of biological diversity loss by mainstreaming
biological diversity across government and society
1. By 2020, increase the public awareness level in the field of 1. The number of projects related to protection of
biological diversity protection biological diversity
2. A trend of reporting biological diversity notions in
the media
2. By 2020, integrate biological diversity values into 3. The number of strategic documents that have
development strategies and strategic plans, with an integrated biological diversity values into strategic
emphasis on rural development plans
3. By 2020, reduce negative and increase positive incentives 4. The number and types of positive and negative
and subsidies in order to conserve biological diversity incentives and subsidies for biological diversity
4. By 2019, prepare and adopt plans for sustainable 5. The number of adopted sectoral plans for sustainable
production and consumption of natural resources use of natural resources
6. The number of passed laws and bylaws in the domain
of biological diversity or other closely related
domains
GLOBAL STRATEGIC GOAL B: Reduce the direct pressures on biological diversity and promote sustainable
use
5. By 2020, prepare and implement sustainable management 7. Proportion of fishing waters with implemented
programs for all fishing waters (fisheries basis) sustainable management plans
8. The trend of population density for indigenous,
endemic and invasive fish species
6. By 2019, prepare and implement strategies for 9. The trend of population density for commercially
development of aquaculture and ranching of commercially significant fish species in water courses
significant fish species (for water ecosystems that are not 10. Number of fish farms
habitats for rare and endemic species)
7. By 2020, certify all state-owned forests in BiH 11. Areas of certified state-owned forests
8. By 2020, establish and develop a system for sustainable 12. Areas under organic and integral production
agricultural production, especially organic and integral
production, and conservation and breeding of indigenous
species
9. By 2020, establish a system for treatment of industrial and 13. The quality and types of pesticides and fertilizers
utility wastewaters and monitoring of pesticide and used
68Council of Ministers. 2017. Strategy and Action Plan for the Protection of Biological Diversity of Bosnia and Herzegovina for
the period 2015-2020. Available at: http://www.vijeceministara.gov.ba/akti/prijedlozi_zakona/default.aspx?id=25304&langTag=hr-
HR

fertilizer consumption 14. The number of wastewater treatment systems
installed
10. By 2018, prepare strategies for invasive species 15. Number of strategies implemented for invasive
species
GLOBAL STRATEGIC GOAL C: Improve the state of biological diversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species
and genetic diversity
11. By 2020, map and urgently protect the specific biological 16. Percentage of each habitat under protection status
diversity of BiH (canyon, mountain, alpine and wetland
ecosystems, karst fields and alluvial plains) in compliance
with the applicable spatial planning documents
12. By 2020, complete the inventory of: 17. The number of species and ecosystems in the
(i) flora, fauna and fungi in BiH; inventory
(ii) ecosystems and types of habitats in BiH
13. By 2020, develop the red books of plants, animals and 18. The number of measures implemented for
fungi, and adopt action plans for protection of the most protection of endangered taxa
endangered taxa 19. The number of species under protection
14. By 2020, prepare and implement in situ and ex situ 20. The number of local sorts and breeds and their wild
programs for protection of domestic varieties, breeds relatives under ex situ and in situ protection
and their animal relatives, including their inventory and
establishment of indigenousness parameters
GLOBAL STRATEGIC GOAL D: Enhance the benefits to all from biological diversity and ecosystem services
15. By 2020, map and evaluate the benefits from forest, 21. Published reports of the benefits from forest,
agricultural and water ecosystems, and strengthen the agricultural and water ecosystems
environmental permit mechanism and supervisory 22. Number of environmental permits and supervisory
inspection within protected area spaces, areas of special inspections
interest and areas from the Natura 2000 ecological
network plan
16. By 2020, restore 30 strip-mine lakes into wetland 23. The number of restored lakes
habitats, increase the productivity of all categories of 24. The size of urban green areas
forests, preserve the existing area of flood alder and 25. Volume of forests by categories
willow forests, and increase the regulated urban green
areas by 20 %
17. By 2018, prepare the legislation and establish the 26. The number of legislative documents harmonized
conditions for ratification and implementation of the with the requirements of the Nagoya Protocol
Nagoya Protocol
GLOBAL STRATEGIC GOAL E: Enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge
management and capacity building
18. By 2017, establish centers for preservation and 27. The number of scientific and expert references on
implementation of traditional knowledge and practices, traditional knowledge and practices
particularly in rural areas of interest
19. By 2020, strengthen the role of the scientific research 28. A registry of scientific research and expert
and professional institutions, NGO sector and media institutions, NGOs and media in the domain of
including improvement of scientific technologies biological diversity
20. By 2017, prepare and adopt the strategy for mobilization 29. Earmarked financial resources (local and
of financial resources for conservation of biological international) for protection and sustainable use of
diversity biological diversity
21. By 2020, establish and strengthen cooperation for 30. The number of cross-border cooperation projects
improved protection and sustainable use of biological aimed at protection and sustained use of biological
diversity in the countries of the Western Balkans diversity

ANNEX F: PROTECTED AREAS IN BIH
Error! Reference source not found.8 indicates the officially established PAs in BiH with where PAs
established in and after 2016 are bolded in the text. As shown in table below, eleven new PAs have been
proclaimed since 2016.
Table 8. Current protected areas in BiH
IUCN Category (according to the Law on

No. PA Entity Year
category Nature Protection in RS and FBiH)
1. Janj Primeval Forest RS 1956 Ia Strict Nature Reserve
2. Sutjeska NP RS 1962 II NP
3. Kozara NP RS 1967 II NP
4. Blidinje FBiH 1995 V PL
5. Hutovo Blato (Ramsar Site) FBiH 1995 V PL
6. Skakavac Waterfall NM FBiH 2002 III NM
7. Bijambare PL FBiH 2003 V PL
8. Prokosko Lake NM FBiH 2005 III NM
9. Una NP FBiH 2008 II NP
10. Ljubacevo Cave NM RS 2008 III NM
11. Tajan Park NM FBiH 2009 III NM
12. Konjuh PL FBiH 2009 V PL
13. Vrelo Bosne (Spring of the
FBiH 2010 III NM
Bosnia River) NM
14. Orlovaca Cave NM RS 2011 III NM
15. Rastusa Cave NM RS 2012 III NM
16. Ledana Pit NM RS 2012 III NM
17. Lom Primeval Forest RS 2012 Ia Strict Nature Reserve (SNR)
18. Zuta Bukva NM RS 2012 III NM
19. Vagan Cave NM RS 2013 III NM
20. Pavlova Cave RS 2013 III NM
21. Djatlo Cave RS 2013 III NM
22. Trebevic PL FBiH 2014 V PL
23. Ledenjaca Cave RS 2015 III NM
24. Velika Cave RS 2015 III NM
25. Girska Cave RS 2015 III NM
26. “Pod Lipom” Cave RS 2015 III NM
27. "University City" Monument Protected area with sustainable use of
RS 2016 VI
of Park Architecture natural resources
28. Protected area with sustainable use of
Forest Park “Slatina” RS 2016 VI
natural resources
29. Bentbasa PL FBiH 2017 V PL
30. Drina NP RS 2017 II NP
31. Kuk Cave RS 2018 III NM
32. Protected area with sustainable use of
“Jelica Brdo” Forest Park RS 2018 VI
natural resources

IUCN Category (according to the Law on
No. PA Entity Year
category Nature Protection in RS and FBiH)
33. “Gromizelj“Protected Nature
RS 2018 IV Habitat/Species Management Area:
Reserve
34. Nature Park “Cicelj“ RS 2018 V PL
35. Lijevcanski Knez RS 2018 III NM
36. “Una“Nature Park RS 2019 V PL
37. “Tišina“Protected Nature
RS 2019 IV Habitat/Species Management Area
Reserve
Figure 1: Map of PAs in BiH

Figure 2: Map of potential Natura 2000 areas in BiH69
Table 9. Ramsar and IBA Sites in BiH70
Ramsar sites Year Surface (ha)

Hutovo blato (FBiH) 2002 7,411
Bardača (RS) 2007 3,500
Livanjsko polje (FBiH) 2008 45,800
IBA71 Year Surface (ha)
Boračko jezero (FBiH) 2000 26
Bardača (RS) 2000 3,500
Hutovo blato (FBiH) 2011 7,411
Livno karst field and Buško Lake 2011 45,868
Sarajevo
70 Available at: http://nasljedje.org/sr_RS/prirodno-nasljedje/266
71 Available at: http://datazone.birdlife.org/country/bosnia/ibas

Table 10. Planned PAs in FBiH72
No. Name of protected area Surface (ha)

1. Igman – Bjelasnica – Treskavica – Visocica – Rakitnica River Canyon 95,032.4
2. Prenj – Cabulja – Cvrsnica – Vran 101,744.3
3. Mt. Vranica 25,078.1
4. Mt. Grmec 78,939.8
5. Radusa – Stozer – Crni Vrh 42,415.5
6. Mt. Sator 29,736.3
7. Mt. Dinara 26,314.9
8. Mt. Pljesevica 5,094.7
9. Livanjsko Field 19,833.8
10. Mt. Vlasic 12,382.9
11. Popovo Field – Vjetrenica 3,572.5
12. Canyons of Neretva, Doljanka, Ribnica and Drezanka 7,357.3
13. Pliva Lakes 633.9
14. Una River Basin 34,685.8
72 Spatial Plan of the FBiH (2008-2028)

ANNEX G: IMPORTANCE OF ECOSYSTEMS OF BIH IN PROVIDING KEY SERVICES
Legend: 1–ecosystem is not important for a given service, 3–ecosystem is of moderate importance for providing a given service, 5–highest
importance for a given service
Table 11. Importance of Ecosystems of BiH in Providing Key Services73
Carbon sequestration and
Preventing and mitigating
Spiritual experience and

Recreation, mental and
Wastewater treatment
Disease regulation and
Aesthetic appreciation
culture, art and design

Production of organic
Medicinal and vitamin
Circulation of matter
Soil erosion control
of natural disasters
Regulation of local,
regional and global
and inspiration for

Drinking water
physical health
Raw materials
sense of place
Pollination
resources
Tourism
control
storage
climate
matter
Food
Ecosystems
Snow patches 1 1 2 2 4 1 4 2 2 3 1 1 1 5 5 5 5
Rock crevices 2 3 1 2 2 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 4 5 5 4
Tiny pebbles 2 3 1 2 2 1 3 1 3 1 1 1 1 4 5 5 4
Mountain meadows 2 1 2 5 4 2 3 2 4 2 3 4 2 5 5 5 5
Mountain heaths 4 1 2 5 4 2 4 2 4 2 4 3 2 5 5 5 5
Mountain pine 2 2 2 3 4 4 5 3 5 3 4 3 3 5 4 5 4
Spruce forests 3 4 3 3 5 5 5 4 5 4 5 3 4 5 5 4 4
High greens 2 1 4 4 4 5 5 5 4 4 5 4 5 4 5 4 4
Beech forests 4 5 4 3 5 5 5 4 5 4 5 3 5 5 4 4 4
Chestnut forests 5 4 4 4 5 5 4 4 5 4 5 3 4 3 3 3 4
Oak forests 4 5 4 4 5 5 5 4 5 4 5 3 5 5 4 4 4
Black hornbeam and oriental hornbeam forests 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 3 5 4 3 4 4 3 4 5 4
Pine forests 3 5 3 4 5 5 5 4 5 4 4 3 4 5 5 5 5
Thermophilous meadows and stones 2 2 2 5 3 2 3 3 5 3 3 5 4 4 4 4 5
Mesophilous, hygro-mesophilous and flooded meadows 3 2 4 4 3 4 3 3 4 3 4 5 4 4 4 4 5
Alder forests 1 3 4 3 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 3 5 3 5 4 3
Wetlands 4 2 5 3 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 3 5 4 5 5 3
Sea and freshwater 5 3 5 3 5 4 4 5 4 5 4 2 4 5 5 5 4
Tertiary vegetation 5 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 5 5 2 2 2 2 2
73Barudanović, S., Macanović, E., Topalić-Trivunović, Lj., Cero M. (2015): Ecosystems of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the purpose of sustainable development, PMF, UNSA; Fojnica
d.d. Fojnica

ANNEX H: LEGISLATIVE AND STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
List of by-laws adopted on the basis of the Laws on Nature Protection of FBiH and RS
List of by-laws adopted on the basis of the FBiH Law on Nature Protection (OG of FBiH, No. 66/13):
 Red List of Endangered Wild Species and Subspecies of Plants, Animals and Fungi in FBiH (OG of
FBiH, No. 7/14),
List of by-laws adopted on the basis of the Law on Nature Protection of RS (OG of RS, No. 20/14) and
the Law on National Parks (OG of RS, No. 75/10) (new by-laws and amendments are highlighted):
 Rulebook on Special Technical-Technological Solutions to Enable Undisturbed Movement and Safe
Communication of Wild Animals (OG of RS, No. 66/17),
 Rulebook on the Nature Protection Label, Procedures and Conditions for Its Use (OG of RS, No.
50/16),
 Rulebook on the Contents, Establishment and Enforcement of the Management Measures in
Protected Areas (OG of RS, No. 83/15),
 Rulebook on the Register of Protected Natural Resources (OG of RS, No. 55/15),
List of laws related to biodiversity and natural resource use:
Legislation at BiH level indirectly related to biodiversity and natural resource use, is the following:
 Law on Concessions (OG of BiH, No. 32/02, 56/04),
 Law on Veterinary Medicine (OG of BiH, No. 34/02),
 Law on Plant Protection (OG of BiH, No. 23/03),
 Law on Genetically Modified Organisms (OG of BiH, No. 23/09),
 Law on Animal Protection (OG of BiH, No. 25/09),
 Law on Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (OG of BiH, No. 50/08).
Legislation in FBiH, related to biodiversity (new laws and amendments are highlighted):
 Law on Nature Protection (OG of FBiH, No. 66/13);
 Law on Environmental Protection (OG of FBiH, No. 33/03, 38/09),
 Law on Una NP (OG of the FBiH, No. 44/08),
 Law on Waste Management (OG of FBiH, No. 33/03, 72/09, 92/17),
 Law on Air Protection (OG of FBiH, No. 33/ 03, 4/10),
 Law on Waters (OG of FBiH, No. 70/06),
 Law on Veterinary Medicine (OG of the FBiH, No. 46/00),
 Law on Concessions (OG of FBiH, No. 40/02, 61/06),
 Law on the Fund for Environmental Protection (OG of the FBiH, No. 33/03),
 Law on Freshwater Fisheries (OG of FBiH, No. 64/04),
 Law on Hunting (OG of FBiH, No. 4/06, 8/10, 81/14);
 Law on Agriculture (OG of FBiH, No. 88/07, 4/10, 7/13),
 Law on Agricultural Land (OG of FBiH, No. 52/09)

 Law on Spatial Planning and Land Use (OG of tFBiH, No. 2/06, 72/07, 32/08, 4/10, 13/10, 45/10).
Legislation in RS related to biodiversity (new laws and amendments are highlighted):
 Law on Nature Protection (OG of RS, No. 20/14),
 Law on the Environmental Protection (OG of RS, No. 71/12, 79/15),
 Law on National Parks (OG of RS, No. 75/10),
 Law on Proclamation of “Sutjeska“ NP (OG of RS, No. 121/12),
 Law on Proclamation of “Kozara“ NP (OG of RS , No. 121/12),
 Law on Proclamation of ”Drina” NP (OG of RS, No. 63/17),
 Law on Forests (OG of RS, No. 75/08, 60/13),
 Law on Forest Reproductive Material (OG of RS, No. 60/09),
 Law on Water (OG of RS, No. 50/06, 92/09, 121/12),
 Law on Air Protection (OG of RS, No. 124/11, 46/17),
 Law on the Environmental Protection Fund (OG of RS, No. 117/11, 63/14, 90/16),
 Law on Waste Management (OG of RS, No. 111/13, 106/15, 16/18),
 Law on Animal Protection and Welfare (OG of RS, No. 111/08),
 Law on Hunting (OG of RS, No. 60/09, 50/13),
 Law on Fishing (OG of RS, No. 72/12),
 Law on Concessions (OG of RS, No. 59/13, 16/18),
 Law on Agricultural Land (OG of RS, No. 93/ 06, 80/07, 14/10, 5/12, 58/19),
 Law on Agriculture (OG of RS, No. 70/06, 20/07, 86/07),
 Law on Veterinary Medicine (OG of RS, No. 75/17),
 Law on Spatial Planning and Construction (OG of RS, No. 40/13, 106/15, 84/19)
Legislation in BD related to biodiversity (new laws and amendments are highlighted):
 Law on Nature Protection (OG of BD BiH, No. 24/04, 1/05, 19/07, 9/09),
 Law on Environment Protection (OG of BD BiH, No. 24/ 04, 1/05, 19/07, 9/09),
 Law on Waste Management (OG of BD BiH, No. 04/25, 1/05, 19/07, 02/08, 09/09),
 Law on Air Protection (OG of BD BiH, No. 25/04, 1/05, 19/07, 9/09),
 Law on Water Protection (OG of BD BiH, No. 25/04, 01/05, 19/07),
 Law on Spatial Planning and Construction (OG of BD BiH, No. 29/08 18/17),
 Law on Forests (OG of BD BiH, No. 14/10, 26/16),
 Law on Agricultural Land (OG of BD BiH, No. 32/ 04, 20/06, 10/07, 19/07),
 Law on Freshwater Fisheries (OG of BD BiH, No. 35/05, 19/07),
 Law on Incentives in Agricultural Production (OG of BD BiH, No. 11/06, 19/07, 15/10),
 Law on Hunting of BD (OG of BD BiH, No. 1/15, 52/18),
 Law on Concessions (OG of BD BiH, No. 41/06, 19/07, 2/08).

ANNEX I: OVERVIEW OF MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS
RATIFIED BY BIH
Error! Reference source not found.12 shows conventions of importance to biodiversity, that BiH
became a Party by succession from Former Yugoslavia.
Table 12. MEAs that BiH Became a Party to74
Date of
Place and year ratification
No. MEA OG No.
of adoption (by
succession)
Convention on Wetlands of International Notification of
1. Ramsar, 1971 2001
Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat succession2
Protocol Concerning Mediterranean Specially 22 October SFRJ: 9/85
2. Geneva, 1982
Protected Areas 1994 RBiH: 13/94
Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas 12 December
3. and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean Barcelona, 1995 n/a
1999*
Sea
Convention Concerning the Protection of the
4. Paris, 1972 12 July 1993 R BiH: 25/93
World Cultural and Natural Heritage
Convention on Fishing and Conservation of the n/a
5. Geneva, 1958 12 January 1994
Living Resources of the High Seas
Convention on the Territorial Sea and the 1 September
6. Geneva, 1958 n/a
Contiguous Zone 1993
7. Convention on the Continental Shelf Geneva, 1958 12 January 1994 n/a
8. Convention on High Seas Geneva, 1958 12 January 1994 n/a
Error! Reference source not found.13 includes a list of environmental conventions and agreements
of importance to biodiversity ratified so far in line with the provisions of the BiH Law on the Procedures
for the Conclusion and Implementation of International Agreements (OG of BiH, no. 29/00).
Table 13. MEAs that BiH Ratified by 201675
Date of
Place and
ratification
No. MEA year of OG No.
(by
adoption
succession)
Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial
1. N/a 2012 13/12
Accidents (TEIA)
2. UN Convention on Biological Diversity Rio de 2002 12/02
http://www.measurebih.com/uimages/Biodiversity%20Assessment.pdf
http://www.measurebih.com/uimages/Biodiversity%20Assessment.pdf and MOFTER Website with the list of ratified

Conventions available at http://www.mvteo.gov.ba/Content/Read/vodni-resursi-zastita-okoline-konvencije-sporazumi?lang=bs

Date of
Place and
ratification
(by
adoption
succession)
Janeiro,
1992
UN Convention to Combat Desertification in Those
3. Countries Experiencing Drought and/or Desertification, Paris, 1994 2002 12/02
Particularly in Africa
4. International Plant Protection Convention Rome, 1951 2003 8/03
Kranjska
5. Framework Agreement on the Sava River Basin (FASRB) 2003 8/03
Gora, 2002
Kranjska
6. Protocol on the Navigation Regime to the FASRB 2003 8/03
Gora, 2002
Convention on Protection and Sustainable Use of the Danube
7. Sofia, 1994 2005 65/05
River
Convention for the Establishment of the European and
8. Paris, 1955 2005 8/08
Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization
Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for
Rotterdam,
9. Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International 2006 14/06
1998
Trade
Cartagena,
10. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety 2008 12/08
2000
Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in
Aarhus,
11. Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental 2008 8/08
1998
Matters
Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and
12. Bern, 1979 2008 8/08
Natural Habitats
Convention On International Trade in Endangered Species Of Washington
13. 2008 11/08
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) D.C., 1973
Bonn,
14. Bonn Amendment Germany, 2008 11/08
1979
European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation Madrid,
15. 2008 n/a
between Territorial Communities or Authorities 1980
Belgrade,
Protocol on Prevention of the Water Pollution Caused by
16. Serbia, 2009 10/09
Navigation to the FASRB
2009
Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Helsinki,
17. 2009 8/09
Watercourses and International Lakes 1992
Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Value of
18. Faro, 2005 2009 n/a
Cultural Heritage for Society
Geneva,
19. Convention on Safety and Health in Agriculture 2010 n/a
2001
Geneva,
20. Convention Concerning Work in the Fishing Sector 2010 n/a
2007

Date of
Place and
ratification
(by
adoption
succession)
Gradiška,
21. Protocol on Flood Protection to the FASRB 2011 07/11
BiH, 2010
Florence,
22. European Landscape Convention 2011 9/11
2000
Error! Reference source not found.14 lists all MEAs of importance to biodiversity ratified after 2016
and planned to be ratified in near future.
Table 14. MEAs Ratified After 2016 and Planned to be Ratified76
Date of OG Proposal for

No. Convention Place
adoption No. ratification
1. Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment 2003 Kiev 3/17 Ratified
2. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory 8/17

1979 Bonn Ratified
Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
3. Paris Agreement 2016 Paris 1/17 Ratified
2016 in
Protocol to Amend the Convention on cooperation with
4. Wetlands of International Importance Especially 1982 Paris the Ramsar
as Waterfowl Habitat Convention Focal
Point
Convention for the Protection of the Marine
5. Ratification in
Environment and the Coastal Region of the 1995 Barcelona
progress
Mediterranean (Barcelona Convention)
Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone
6. Ratification in
Management in the Mediterranean (ICZM 2008 Madrid
progress
Protocol)
7. Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Ratification in
1991 London
Europe (UNEP/EUROBATS) progress
8. African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird The Ratification in
1995
Agreement (AEWA) Hague progress
Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of
9. Ratification in
the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and 1996 Monaco
progress
Contiguous Atlantic Area (ACCOBAMS)
76 Ibid.
ANNEX J: RELEVANT DONORS' ACTIVITIES IN A PERIOD 2016-2020
Table 15. Relevant Activities in a Period 2016-2020
No. Organization Project name Project description Donor Period Budget

1. GIZ Open regional funds for Objective of the project: Increased regional cooperation in South-East German 2015 – 3,000,000
South-East Europe – Europe is contributing to the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy Federal 2018 EUR
Biodiversity 2020. The project had 4 sub-projects: Ministry of
 Biodiversity Information Management and Reporting (BIMR) Economic
Cooperation
 Ecosystem Services Assessment and Valuation (ESAV) and
 Regional Network of Biodiversity CSOs (BioNET) Development
 Transboundary Management of Ecosystems (BMZ)
Each of these sub-projects has achieved a significant number of results.
2. UNEP Achieving Biodiversity The project consists of 3 components, as follows: GEF 2017 – 1,397,260
Conservation through  Establishment and effective management of protected areas and 2019 USD
Creation, Effective biodiversity
Management and Spatial
Designation of Protected  Efficiency of management of the protected area system
Areas and Capacity Building  Biodiversity monitoring
3. Center for Supporting decision making The objectives of the project are: IKI 2018 – N/a
Ecology and and building capacity to  Prepare an Ecosystem and Ecosystem Services Assessment in BiH, 2023
Natural support IPBES through including the development of ancillary tools for policy makers
Resources national ecosystem
assessments  Develop and make available policy support tools and methodologies
 Establish a National Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
(DPBES) in IPBES
 Establish conditions for effective use of the Assessment
 Provide guidance to national project teams in other countries.
4. WWF Adria Adriatic Rivers Goal is to secure restoration and protection of transboundary Trebisnjica/ MAVA/GIZ 2017 – 150,000
BiH Neretva and Cetina river basins. 2020 EUR
5. WWF Adria Civil society acts for The CO-SEED Project aims to contribute to sustainable management of EU 2016 – 178,416
BiH environmentally sound socio- natural resources by improving regulatory framework, ensuring more 2019 EUR
economic development - participatory and transparent decision making processes that include active
CO-SEED group of civil society organizations and more media focus on this topic,
which should ultimately contribute to the whole society. Implementation of
this project also contributes to raising public awareness through direct media

No. Organization Project name Project description Donor Period Budget
involvement.
6. WWF Adria MedForVal To set scientific basis, empower local administration and raise awareness of MAVA 2016 – 29,000 EUR
local population on need for protection and sustainable management of 2017
freshwater forest in Livanjsko Polje.
7. WWF Adria Protected area for nature In the Una National Park (UNA NP), WWF is implementing the SIDA 2015 – 322,530
and people (PA4NP) - Field development of a model for parks as generators of development of 2019 EUR
project UNA environmentally responsible business. Field Project Una activities includes
establishment and support to Una Tourism Cluster (UNA TC)
8. WWF Adria Protected area for nature Tithe development of the sustainable tourism product that may be used as an SIDA 2015 – 204,663
and people (PA4NP) - Field alternative to non-sustainable models 2019 EUR
project Sutjeska
9. WWF Adria Dinaric Arc Sustainable The DASHI project aims to change the behavior of key stakeholders in MAVA 2015 – 67,674 EUR
Hydropower Initiative hydropower development (developers, financial institutions, legislators), 2018
(DASHI) Phase II improve the legal framework for strategic planning including declaration of
exclusion zones for hydropower development, and strengthen the capacity
and mobilize civil society in preventing unsustainable hydropower projects,
especially in sensitive areas with high biodiversity.

ANNEX K: OVERVIEW OF NATIONAL TARGETS AND MEASURES CONTAINED IN
THE NBSAP BIH (2015–2020)
Error! Reference source not found.6 shows the established national targets and measures in the
NBSAP BiH (2015–2020).
Table 16. National Targets and Measures Contained in the NBSAP BiH (2015–2020) 77
National 1. By 2020, increase the public awareness level in the field of biological diversity protection
Target
1.1. Public surveys and media monitoring
1.2. Secure financial resources for biological diversity protection projects
Measures
1.3. Formation of a database with implemented projects
1.4. Prepare and adopt the CEPA Strategy for BiH
National 2. By 2020, integrate biological diversity values into development strategies and strategic plans,
Target with an emphasis on rural development
2.1. Prepare the Study on Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)
2.2. Harmonize the existing and new development strategies, including poverty reduction, with
Measures
national biological diversity targets
2.3. Integrate national biological diversity targets into existing and new spatial plans
National 3. By 2020, reduce negative and increase positive incentives and subsidies in order to conserve
Target biological diversity
3.1. Define and calculate positive and negative incentives and subsidies
3.2. Secure financial resources for positive incentives and subsidies
Measures
3.3. Introduce the monitoring system for positive and negative incentives and subsidies, and
prepare annual reports
National 4. By 2019, prepare and adopt plans for sustainable production and consumption of natural
Target resources
4.1. Establish a functioning institutional and legal framework for sustainable production and
Measures consumption of natural resources
4.2. Draft and adopt action plans for sustainable production and consumption of natural resources
National 5. By 2020, prepare and implement sustainable management programs for all fishing waters
Target (fisheries basis)
5.1. Draft programs for sustainable management of all fishing waters
Measures
5.2. Implementation of programs for sustainable management of all fishing waters
National 6. By 2019, prepare and implement strategies for development of aquaculture and ranching of
Target commercially significant fish species (for water ecosystems that are not habitats for rare and
endemic species)
6.1. Map areas and determine commercially significant species for ranching and breeding
Measures 6.2. Prepare and implement strategies for development of aquaculture and ranching of
commercially significant species
National 7. By 2020, certify all state-owned forests in BiH
77Council of Ministers. 2017. Strategy and Action Plan for the Protection of Biological Diversity of Bosnia and Herzegovina for
the period 2015-2020. Available at: http://www.vijeceministara.gov.ba/akti/prijedlozi_zakona/default.aspx?id=25304&langTag=hr-
HR

Target
7.1. Passage/adoption of the Law on Forestry of FBiH
7.2. Secure financial resources and involve companies accredited for certification
Measures
7.3. Ensure controls during the certification implementation process itself
7.4. Develop forest certification schedule plans
National 8. By 2020, establish and develop a system for sustainable agricultural production, especially
Target organic and integral production, and conservation and breeding of indigenous species
8.1. Adopt the Law on Organic Food Production of Food in FBiH
8.2. Analyze the current status and market in the area of organic and integral production
8.3. Select potential agencies for certification of organic and integral production
Measures
8.4. Continually increase incentives and subsidies for organic and integral production, and for in situ
on farm breeding of indigenous species
8.5. Draft the action plan for development of organic and integral agricultural production in BiH
National 9. By 2020, establish a system for treatment of industrial and utility wastewaters and monitoring
Target of pesticide and fertilizer consumption
9.1. Establish the system for prioritization in construction of the largest and most significant
treatment facilities
Measures 9.2. Establish wastewater quality monitoring and form databases
9.3. Analyze the types and quantities of pesticides and fertilizers used
9.4. Establishment of the system for monitoring of pesticides, fertilizers and soil fertility
National 10. By 2018, prepare strategies for invasive species
Target
10.1. Identification of species and populations of invasive animals, plants and fungi, and formation of
databases
Measures 10.2. Preparation of strategy for invasive species
10.3. Formation of the system for monitoring and definition of methods for control of spread of
invasive species
National 11. By 2020, map and urgently protect the specific biological diversity of BiH (canyon, mountain,
Target alpine and wetland ecosystems, karst fields and alluvial plains) in compliance with the applicable
spatial planning documents
11.1. Prepare the analysis (including mapping) of planned protected areas
11.2. Start procedures for establishment of protected areas planned in spatial plans, and monitor
Measures
their progress
11.3. Establishment or appointment of existing institutions to manage the protected area
National 12. By 2020, complete the inventory of: (i) flora, fauna and fungi in BiH; (ii) ecosystems and types
Target of habitats in BiH
12.1. Conduct the inventory of ecosystems and types of habitats in BiH
Measures
12.2. Conduct the inventory for flora, fauna and fungi in BiH
National 13. By 2020, develop the red books of plants, animals and fungi, and adopt action plans for
Target protection of the most endangered taxa
13.1. Identify the endangered species and their localities
Measures 13.2. Form the in situ and ex situ protection of endangered species
13.3. Completion, adoption and implementation of action plans and red books
National 14. By 2020, prepare and implement in situ and ex situ programs for protection of domestic
Target varieties, breeds and their animal relatives, including their inventory and establishment of
indigenousness parameters

14.1. Identification and evaluation of the state of existing indigenous genetic resources in BiH
14.2. Improvement of existing and drafting of new laws and bylaws dealing with genetic resources
issues
Measures
14.3. Drafting and implementation of programs for sustainable use of genetic resources
14.4. Favoring of agricultural practice based on breeding of indigenous domesticated plant varieties
and breeds of domestic animals
National 15. By 2020, map and evaluate the benefits from forest, agricultural and water ecosystems, and
Target strengthen the environmental permit mechanism and supervisory inspection within protected
areas, areas of special interest and areas from the Natura 2000 ecological network plan
15.1. Secure human and technical capacities for assessment of ecosystem services in BiH
Measures 15.2. Complete the analysis of the state of ecosystem services in BiH
15.3. Strengthen the environmental permit mechanism and supervisory inspection
National 16. By 2020, restore 30 strip-mine lakes into wetland habitats, increase the productivity of all
Target categories of forests, preserve the existing area of flood alder and willow forests, and increase
the regulated urban green areas by 20 %
16.1. Establish cooperation and synergy among the relevant institutions
16.2. Secure funding and other capacities for restoration of lakes and existing flood forests, and
Measures implement the restoration measures
16.3. Conduct reforestation of degraded forest ecosystems with indigenous species
16.4. Secure funding for increase of urban green areas
National 17. By 2018, prepare the legislation and establish the conditions for ratification and implementation
Target of the Nagoya Protocol
17.1. Ratify the Protocol
Measures
17.2. Harmonize domestic legislation with the Nagoya Protocol requirements
National 18. By 2017, establish centers for preservation and implementation of traditional knowledge and
Target practices, particularly in rural areas of interest
18.1. Document traditional knowledge and practices for sustainable use of biological diversity
Measures
18.2. Establish monitoring of traditional knowledge and practices
National 19. By 2020, strengthen the role of scientific research and expert institutions, the NGO sector and
Target media including improvement of scientific technologies
19.1. Ensure maintenance of the CHM website
Measures 19.2. Organization of symposia/conferences in the domain of conservation of biological diversity
19.3. Enhancement of scientific technologies
National 20. By 2017, prepare and adopt the strategy for mobilization of financial resources for
Target conservation of biological diversity
Measures 20.1. Prepare and adopt the strategy for mobilization of financial resources
National 21. By 2020, establish and strengthen cooperation for improved protection and sustainable use of
Target biological diversity in the countries of the West Balkans
21.1. Holding of annual meetings between NFPs and scientific community representatives on
potential cross-border projects
Measures
21.2. Exchange of information, data and good practices in the domain of biological diversity
management

MONITORING AND EVALUATION
SUPPORT ACTIVITY (MEASURE II)
Fra Anđela Zvizdovića 1

UNITIC Tower B, Floor 21
71000 Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Phone: + (387) 033 941 676
contacts@measurebih.com
www.measurbeih.com

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MONITORING AND EVALUATION SUPPORT ACTIVITY (MEASURE II)

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA BIODIVERSITY

FAA 119 ANALYSIS

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

FAA 119 Analysis

USAID/Bosnia and Herzegovina, February 2020

IMPAQ International, LLC

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | I

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | II

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | III

Figure 1: Map of PAs in BiH .......................................................................................................................................... 51

Table 1: Main Groups of Threats ................................................................................................................................. 24

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | IV

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | V

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | VI

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | VII

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 1

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 2

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 3

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 4

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 5

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 6

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 7

BACKGROUND ON BIODIVERSITY ISSUE

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 8

4 STATUS OF THE COUNTRY’S BIODIVERSITY

STATUS OF BIODIVERSITY INFORMATION

7 Environmental Performance Index (EPI). 2018 Results. Available at: https://epi.envirocenter.yale.edu/epi-topline

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 9

MAJOR ECOSYSTEM TYPES AND STATUS

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 10

SPECIES DIVERSITY AND STATUS

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 11

STATUS AND MANAGEMENT OF PROTECTED AREAS

4.1.1 Protected Areas

content/uploads/2018/09/Agrobiodiversity-Study-BiH-Federation.pdf (last accessed on January 9, 2020).

Importance (commonly called the Ramsar Convention).

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 12

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 13

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 14

4.1.5 Economic potential of the protected area system

31 Available at: https://www.thegef.org/project/achieving-biodiversity-conservation-through-creation-effective-management-and-

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 15

STATUS AND MANAGEMENT OF KEY NATURAL RESOURCES OUTSIDE

5 VALUE AND ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

for the 2015-2020 period. Available at:

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 16

ECOSYSTEM GOODS AND SERVICES

Available at: https://balkangreenenergynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Economic-Significance-of-the-Neretva-and-

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 17

purpose of sustainable development, PMF, UNSA; Fojnica d.d. Fojnica

Available at: https://balkangreenenergynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/The-Economic-Significance-of-the-Neretva-and-

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 18

6 LEGAL FRAMEWORK AFFECTING CONSERVATION

NATIONAL LAWS, POLICIES AND STRATEGIES

6.1.1 National Legislation

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 19

USAID.GOV FAA 199 ANALYSIS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 20

52 MOFTER Website with the list of ratified conventions available at http://www.mvteo.gov.ba/Content/Read/vodni-resursi-