Over BAM 1.1 million for nature protection, tourism development, and climate resilience

Two important agreements worth BAM 1,115,000 were signed today between the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, at the UN House premises in Sarajevo. The agreements were signed by Federal Minister of Environment and Tourism, Nasiha Pozder, on behalf of the Ministry, and by Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative in BiH, on behalf of UNDP.

The first agreement refers to the implementation of the third phase of the Via Dinarica project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) / Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy (MAECI). For years, Via Dinarica has been contributing to the development of sustainable tourism and rural communities by promoting the natural and cultural heritage along the Dinaric mountain range. The project is recognized as one of the most successful models of sustainable tourism in the region, strengthening local capacities, supporting environmental conservation, and creating opportunities for economic development.

The second agreement is a financial agreement through which the Ministry and UNDP are pooling resources within the five-year portfolio “Catalysing the Green Transition in BiH”, funded by Sweden. The portfolio focuses on decarbonization and CO₂ emission reduction, improved waste management, nature and biodiversity protection, and institutional capacity building.

These agreements mark the continuation of an ongoing partnership, with the total value of implemented and newly launched activities through today’s signed agreements reaching BAM 2,620,180.

On this occasion, Minister Nasiha Pozder stated:

“This partnership with UNDP shows that Bosnia and Herzegovina has both the domestic capacity and international support for a green transition. The projects we will implement address key priorities: nature protection, improved quality of life for citizens, and tangible contributions to climate resilience. I am particularly proud of the development of the Expert Justification for declaring Prenj a protected area, which is a significant step toward safeguarding our natural heritage.”

Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative in BiH, emphasized:

“The signed agreements reaffirm UNDP’s commitment to continue investing, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, in solutions that deliver concrete benefits to citizens, local communities, and the environment, while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Projects such as Via Dinarica demonstrate how nature and sustainable tourism can drive local development, while the Green Transition Portfolio represents a unique approach to systemic transformation in the areas of environmental protection, climate resilience, and the circular economy. Together, with the support of our donors and partners, we are laying the foundations for a sustainable future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

The signing of these agreements continues the long-standing successful cooperation between the Ministry and UNDP on projects that contribute concretely and measurably to achieving Bosnia and Herzegovina’s environmental and development goals.