Green Economy in Europe (part 7)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Green economy partnership development / UK- BiH

The project is intended to provide a significant increase the skills and capacity of public administration and industry representatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina in relation to the green economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina to address the challenges of accession. It is an integrated package of support providing skills and experience through training and mentoring to key organisations and individuals using UK expertise and delivered by a partnership between Green Council (BiH) and EPIC (UK).

The project will be a logical follow up to the seminar: “Lessons to Moving to Low Carbon Economy” organised by the British embassy in March 2011. The seminar has contributed to development of a UK/BiH partnership by stimulating the role of civil society and local actors in meeting the acquis requirements in the green economy. In addition, the aforementioned initiative promoted the EU 20/20/20 strategy and the Lisbon Criteria as an important strategic framework for economy growth and job creation. Conclusions of the seminar were: all interested parties should focus more seriously on the key issues facing Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region in relation to the green economy, and explore possibilities to develop both bilateral and regional cooperation with the UK. For this reason Green Council and EPIC have developed a partnership with Bicton Earth Centre to support exchange of experience in this sector.

In order to continue with the necessary activities this proposal will focus on the priorities related to the green economy and support partnership development. The proposed project will provide training, support and demonstration of EU best practices, thus applying coordinated and participatory approach in order to facilitate introduction and positive changes in BiH economy in general towards the green economy.

The project will increase awareness and understanding of future needs and opportunities for BiH among local key actors (public sector, business, chambers, CSOs) about the EU green economy regulation, policy and practice. The project will also initiate improvement of BiH competitiveness of sectors related to the green economy and will speed up the process of accession-readiness of all BiH government levels in accordance with the Lisbon agenda.

http://en.green-council.org/2012/02/24/green-economy-partnership-development-uk-bih/

Macedonia

Not much, but something is moving. In Macedonia organic agriculture is gaining ground. The legislative framework matches European standards and funds are growing. Yet, a lot remains to be done. The sixth part of our investigation into organic agriculture in South East Europe.

In transition economies, the idea that organic agriculture could be a potentially significant sector, largely stems from the fact that agricultural systems here are characterised by the use of traditional inputs (soil, work, capital) and a relatively limited use of synthetically produced fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides, etc.

This is also true for Macedonia, where private agricultural businesses – the dominant type, now – are mostly family-owned and have an average size of 2.6 hectares, with over 50% below the 1.5 hectares.

Organic farming and 'green economy'

UNEP (United Nations Environmental Programme) is also in favour of a low-impact approach to agriculture in Macedonia and, within an initiative on green economy, has identified organic agriculture as a sector of special interest for supporting exports, jobs, and incomes in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Together with IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements), UNEP has started to analyse the potential economic and environmental benefits of large-scale investments in the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. According to Achim Steiner, UNEP General Director, there is increasing evidence regarding the organic sector's contribution to sustainability, in terms of water management, soil management, the protection of biodiversity and job opportunities in rural areas.

Organic agriculture has, in fact, become fully included in the range of practices that should support the transition to a green economy: from renewable energy, recycling and the reduction of greenhouse gases, to re-thinking consumer patterns.

Organic farming in Macedonia

Organic practices in Macedonia started in 2000, with the first inspections in 2003 and the issuing of the first certificate in 2004, thanks to a project financed by Swiss Cooperation together with FiBL, a research institute with branches in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The project was aimed at producing organic persimmons to be exported through the SIPPO programme – Swiss Import Promotion Programme.

At the same time, in 2001, a process aimed at defining a framework law started and was approved in 2004 along with 12 amendments, followed by others in 2005 and 2006. A proper revision of the legislative framework was carried out in 2009, with the introduction of law n.146 on Organic Agricultural Production, fully consistent with European Regulations 834/2007 and 889/2008.

At the institutional level, a significant step was undertaken with the approval of the National Strategy and Action Plan for organic agriculture in the Republic of Macedonia 2008-2011 that set important targets for 2011, such as 2% and 5% percent of the total agricultural surface, for organic agriculture and collection of wild plants, respectively; increasing the range of certified products and the number of businesses involved in their transformation; the consolidation of export channels and raising the awareness of local consumers about the ethics of organic farming. Other goals include the harmonisation of domestic laws with the European framework and the strengthening of the human and technical resources in the institutions involved in the certification and inspection processes.

Since 2005, there has been an increase in public support, the number of organic farmers, and an extension of the cultivated surface. Despite significant progress, the overall market is still underdeveloped.

http://www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Regions-and-countries/Macedonia/Macedonia-discovering-a-green-economy-104620

Albania

Road towards renewable energy and sustainable economy — pilot project in Kukës, Albania

Duration: November 2011 - August 2012

Overview and objectives: The project consists on the developing of a vision study, which looks at how Kukës can secure its energy through renewable energy sources, and develop a sustainable, green economy in the process. The study shows the economic benefits for the area, the investments, methods and actual technology needed for the transition. The study also focuses on the employment opportunities and savings for the area if it goes renewable. The project aims to disseminate the findings of the study to other local governments in Albania and advocate the transition of Albania into renewables and green economy.

The project aims to:

• develop an economic model which is sustainable and creates green jobs, and will have multiple benefits;
• create a benchmark, a ready-made model for the development of the area, a model which can serve as a basis for attracting grants and investments in the future;
• lobby to governments in Albania on the benefits that a transition to renewable energy and green jobs can have for the country and in decreasing unemployment.

http://www.iep-al.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=112%3Arenewable-energy-in-kukes-&catid=42%3Arenewable-energy&Itemid=94&lang=

Images source: http://www.crossed-flag-pins.com

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Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is situated at the heart of the Balkan Peninsula in southeast Europe. It borders on Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro and the Adriatic Sea. The capital city is Sarajevo.

Bosnia and Herzegovina encompasses both Mediterranean and Alpine climates, landscapes and henceforth some of the richest flora and fauna found in Europe. Here eastern and western civilizations met, sometimes clashed, but more often enriched and reinforced each other throughout its long and fascinating history.

From the beauty of the mountains’ various landscape (like the Sutjeska National Park) to the calm of the Adriatic Sea (at the Neum seaside resort), from citadels and castles (like the one in Travnik) to peaceful monasteries, this small country has many things to enchant those who pay a visit.

 

 

Environmental challenges

 

• Air quality problems have been observed in major urban and industrial areas. Air quality is also accentuated by soot, slag, barren soil, and ash owing to inadequate disposal and treatment of industrial waste, as well as traditional burning of household waste. The last years witnessed an increase in the pollutant emissions from non-stationary sources, specifically from traffic.
• Urban population in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not fully supplied with safe and treated water. Specific data on the quantity of lead, pesticides, nitrates and microorganisms in drinking water samples is limited or not available. Groundwater remains polluted, with uncontrolled use of fertilisers and chemicals, untreated sewage and leaching from contaminated soils. The contamination of surface waters by household and industrial waste poses a serious risk. Eutrophication of rivers is sometimes a problem.

• Although in Bosnia and Herzegovina forestland covers 52% of the territory, soil erosion, due to deforestation, poor land management practice and overgrazing of livestock are important contributors to environmental degradation. 10% of the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina is badly damaged by erosion. Soil is additionally degraded by industrial and household waste dumps. Industrial waste presents a major threat to the land. There has been little if any substantive rehabilitation of former chemical and fertiliser plants, open pit coal and other mines. A specific post-conflict situation concerns land mines and unexploded ordinances. Until these are cleared, the opportunities for reconstruction and agriculture are severely limited. Use of pesticides in agriculture has declined.

• In Bosnia and Herzegovina, 0.5% of the country is under protection. Mountain Vlasic has been exposed to deforestation activities despite having biodiversity of global significance. Of 72 mammal species, 10 were considered threatened as of 2001, as were two species of birds and six species of freshwater fish. Endangered species include the slender-billed curlew, Danube salmon, and the field adder.

• It is expected that the average annual temperature will increase, and average net precipitation will decrease under the impact of climate change. Erosion, soil deficiency, and an increase in water temperature will occur in coastal areas. Due to changes in precipitation, there will be a decrease in the quantity of water flow in rivers and a shortage of water supply for households and industry. The country’s infrastructure will also be negatively affected: there is an increased risk of landslides, flooding and traffic accidents during summer.

 

 

Citizens’ community involvement

 

Interaction between ordinary citizens and local governments was mostly inadequate before 2003 in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Decisions were often taken literally behind closed doors and with no oversight. In the years 2003 and 2004, the Local Government Support Activity Project has developed domestic capacity to initiate and develop issue-driven public participation processes. The purpose was to create opportunities and vehicles for citizens to relay their priorities and concerns, and for local governments to explain the constraints they work under and develop the institutional culture of seeking and receiving citizen feedback. The program also increased citizen input into local government decision-making. Over the past couple of years, BiH citizens are increasingly motivated to participate in local governance processes that impact their own lives. In general, cooperative actions on issues of public interest have increased.

 

The number of registered NGOs in BiH was estimated to be more than 12,000 in 2008. Although more work needs to be done to increase citizen involvement and philanthropy, there is a clear increase in informal support for diverse NGO initiatives. The public shows greater understanding of and support for NGOs’ work. Web technology allows the public to find information about NGOs and to participate in NGOs’ activities and debates.

 

The overall level of NGO sector sustainability did not improve significantly in 2009, though there were some improvements in organizational capacity, infrastructure and public image. Recruitment of volunteers by NGOs has slightly increased, yet few organizations have made it a practice to recruit interns or volunteers. NGOs generally remain unable to sustain full-time staff, and most employees work on a volunteer or project basis. The range of goods and services provided by the NGO sector is still underdeveloped and services in spheres other than social services remain underfunded. NGOs still lag behind when it comes to self-regulation, transparency in their internal operations, and the publishing of annual reports.

Government environmetnal policies

 

According to OECD there are about 11 environmental taxes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, among which 4 regard fuel and vehicles, 4 regard water, 1 regards waste, while the remaining 2 refer to use of resources and forestry.

 

Although neither the State nor the entities have an environmental policy, some important programmes for environmental action have been prepared and adopted in recent years. The Global Framework Strategy for Economic Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2001-2004 touched on some related issues. And, in Republika Srpska, pursuant to its new Law on Environmental Protection, work has begun on drafting an environmental protection strategy.

 

The National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) was the first document specifically oriented to environmental problems. It was prepared with the participation of representatives from ministries, scientists from research institutes and academic institutions, and NGOs. The eight priorities identified in NEAP are: water resource management and waste-water treatment; sustainable development in rural areas; environmental management; protection of biological and landscape diversity; waste and waste management; economy and sustainable development; public health; and demining. There are also some local initiatives to develop local environmental action plans (LEAPs) in both entities.

 

Much attention has been given to the finalization and approval of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper or Mid-term Development Strategy of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Paper gives a broad overview of the national economic and social situation in all sectors, including the environment and water. The priorities of the environment sector identified in the Paper, including in its Action Plan, generally follow those set out in NEAP.

 

The Council of Ministers has adopted an initiative to draft a strategy for environmental protection and sustainable development. In 2002 both chambers of the Parliamentary Assembly supported the drafting of this document, and the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly also required the Council of Ministers urgently to prepare an action plan for drafting the strategy.

 

Other environmental policy-making documents are the Mediterranean Action Plan and the State Strategy for Solid Waste Management. A biodiversity strategy and a nature protection strategy are planned. There is no policy for water management and water protection. Some strategic documents prepared in the former Yugoslavia such as the Water Management Master Plan (published in 1994) are still followed in both entities.

 

 

Corporate Social Responsbility (CSR)

 

BiH as a country is far from a regulated system in which social security or a legal structure, which protects human, economic and other rights, can be found. But the companies in BiH and their management represent a substantial potential for change in overcoming the existing situation in the country.

 

The majority of managers in BiH support CSR activities, but the biggest companies in BiH are the most successful ones within the CSR field. However, the knowledge of BiH managers in general about CSR is not on a satisfactory level. Moreover, the companies do not implement CSR activities strategically.

 

On a large scale, CSR is still an undeveloped concept in BiH. Furthermore, CSR is not embedded into the companies’ core business and there is no long-term commitment to CSR. Moreover, companies in BiH primarily involve in promotional activities such as sponsorship of different events. The reason for this is their unawareness of CSR benefits, their lack of resources as well as the lack of knowledge about the implementation of CSR strategies.

 

CSR works very well in companies in developed countries because its application is largely regulated by various economic and legislative frameworks. In BiH those frameworks do not exist, which is the main reason why corporate philanthropy, such as donating money to culture and sport, remains the major CSR initiative in this country. Large companies implement CSR activities because they know that this is one way to keep their competitive position in the marketplace, while small and medium-sized enterprises are lagging behind, and most of them are not aware of CSR.

 

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Sources and further reading:

 

http://geology.com/world/bosnia-and-herzegovina-satellite-image.shtml

http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Europe/Bosnia-and-Herzegovina-ENVIRONMENT.html

http://www.google.se/url?q=http://esteast.unep.ch/index.php%3Foption%3Dcom_phocadownload%26view%3Dcategory%26download%3D23:sea-in-albania-bosnia-herzegovina-kosovo-and-macedonia%26id%3D1:publications%26Itemid%3D5&sa=U&ei=MGZrTo-9C-ih4gSHoZzYBA&ved=0CCYQFjAJ&usg=AFQjCNHEuyFvVifZA7V2tRMpXCOF6sxxpg

http://www.climatecalendar.ca/country/bosnia-and-herzegovina

http://www.engagingcommunities2005.org/abstracts/Pamfil-Claudia-final.pdf

http://blogs.worldbank.org/publicsphere/node/5141

http://www.usaid.gov/locations/europe_eurasia/dem_gov/ngoindex/2009/bosnia_herzegovina.pdf

http://www2.oecd.org/ecoinst/queries/index.htm

http://live.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/epr/epr_studies/bosnia_and_herzegovina.pdf

http://www.iei.liu.se/program/smio/722a31/file-archive/1.273422/SvjetlanaPantic_FranziskaMesche_CorporateSocialResponsibilityInEuropeanDevelopingCountries.pdf
http://www.bhtourism.ba/eng/tourismattractions.wbsp

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