SARAJEVO, March 27 (FENA) – The first Climate Change National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was recently drafted, is primarily one of the obligations of the Paris Climate Agreement in the part related to adaptation to climate change. It is also harmonized with the Goals of Sustainable Development, especially with Article 13, which refers to Climate Actions, and with the recommendations of the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Climate Change, said in a conversation with professor Goran Trbić, Ph.D., a leading expert in drafting the NAP document for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He pointed out that it is necessary to start implementing most of the measures as soon as possible in order to improve Bosnia and Herzegovina’s resilience to climate change.
“It is necessary to monitor the implementation of the measure, regularly inform the public, and permanently conduct further research and monitoring of climate change. After a certain period, it will be necessary to make an analysis of the extent to which the NAP has been implemented and, possibly, to correct and supplement the measure in accordance with the implementation and availability of funds,” said professor Trbić.
When asked how much money is needed for its implementation and how to provide it, prof. Trbić pointed out that about 7.5 billion KM is necessary for the realization of the NAP.
“It can be expected that most of the funds will be provided from various international funds and donor institutions. However, it is necessary to implement some of the activities from available domestic funds,” he said.
Professor Trbić mentioned that some measures are already being implemented, which refer to the projects of irrigation, water supply, flood defense, early warning system, capacity building, research, awareness-raising, etc.
“One of the key activities or measures is the construction of multi-purpose reservoirs that will be in function: water supply, irrigation, regulation of torrential floods, firefighting and other activities,” said Trbić.
When asked about the key activities realized on the project, Prof. Trbić points out that one of the key activities is the assessment of the impact of climate change and extremes on the most endangered sectors.
“Among the most endangered sectors are agriculture and water management, i.e. the management of natural resources. Among the other most endangered sectors we can single out: public health, tourism, forestry, biodiversity and vulnerable ecosystems. Climate maps were also prepared according to the RCP8.5 climate scenario by the end of the 21st century.
In addition, possible impacts by sectors have been defined based on the expected change in climate elements and indices. We emphasize that climate maps have been made and climate impacts on four selected municipalities have been defined: Trebinje, Sanski Most, Zenica and Laktaši,” said Trbić.
He pointed out that the final document will be forwarded to the entity, state and institutions of the Brčko District for adoption.
