Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina has rich biodiversity thanks to its strategic location in three distinct geological and climatic regions. It is among the top five countries in Europe in terms of biodiversity richness, where it is estimated that 15% of flora and fauna have endemic character. Its wide range of ecosystems includes mountain, forest, refugium-relict, karst and wetland ecosystems. Some key drivers of depletion of biodiversity ad natural resources in BiH include: (1) floods, droughts and torrents, (2) wildfires and overexploitation of forests, (3) population migration and rural depopulation leading to increase urbanization and land use changes, (4) limited implementation of regulations and measures for land protection, (5) industrialization and expansion of areas for mineral exploitation, (6) illegal felling of trees in forests and (7) pollution and soil contamination.

• The Bosnia and Herzegovina national ecosystem assessment, launched in 2024, is a comprehensive assessment of the state of nature and the management of natural resources in the country. Framed around key policy questions aligned with national policy priorities, the findings of this country-driven interdisciplinary assessment will support decision-making in the country for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina is a priority country for catalytic support under BES-Net II’s BES Solution Fund to promote the uptake of national ecosystem assessment recommendations. The country will utilize the seed fund to strengthen the national platform and capacities of relevant institutions for the integration of the assessment findings into various policies and plans for informed decision-making.

Implementing Agency: UNDP Bosnia and Herzegovina

Government Partner: Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism