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Environment & Sustainability Guide

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies in Bosnia And Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina faces significant environmental challenges including some of Europe's worst air pollution linked to 3,300 premature deaths annually, widespread flooding affecting over 20% of territory, and increasing wildfire threats. The country is implementing climate resilience measures and renewable energy targets while addressing fragmented governance and energy poverty.

Air Quality Index

Very Poor

2.5/10(AQI: 85)

Worsening trend

Bosnia and Herzegovina suffers from some of Europe's worst air pollution, with PM2.5 levels among the highest in Europe. Air pollution is linked to approximately 3,300 premature deaths annually and accounts for over 20% of the country's GDP in health and economic costs. The problem is exacerbated by widespread reliance on coal, wood, and waste for heating in low-income households.

Water Quality

Moderate

5.5/10

Water management remains a significant challenge in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country faces issues with water pollution sources and treatment infrastructure. Improving waste and water management solutions is identified as a key priority in national environmental strategies for 2022-2032.

Water quality data is limited in available sources. The country is working to improve water management through its 2022-2032 environmental strategies and integrated approaches to water resource protection.

Recycling System

Detailed recycling infrastructure data for Bosnia and Herzegovina is not comprehensively documented in available sources. Waste management improvement is identified as a priority in the country's environmental strategies, with emphasis on developing integrated waste management solutions aligned with EU best practices.

Green Spaces

Bosnia and Herzegovina has significant forest coverage, with 42% of total land area classified as mountains and substantial woodland ecosystems. The country's terrain includes 5% lowlands, 24% hills, 42% mountains, and 29% karst regions, providing diverse habitats. Protected areas and national parks are part of the country's environmental protection framework.

Forest Coverage: 42.0%

The country's mountainous terrain (42% of land area) and karst regions (29%) provide important ecological habitats. Environmental strategies emphasize protection of these natural areas while managing climate change impacts.

Environmental Policies

Bosnia and Herzegovina has committed to comprehensive climate and environmental action through its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) and updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0). The country aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 41.2% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and increase renewable energy to 43.6% of gross final energy consumption. Environmental strategies for 2022-2032 focus on emission reduction, air quality, waste management, and climate adaptation.

Key Policies:

•CO2 emissions reduction target of 41.2% by 2030 (including LULUCF)
•Renewable energy target of 43.6% by 2030
•Emissions Trading System (ETS) introduction by 2026
•30% renewable energy in transport by 2030 (up from 1% in 2018)
•Non-motorised transport promotion in urban areas
•Super pollutant reduction (methane, black carbon, HFCs, tropospheric ozone)
•Global Methane Pledge endorsement

Renewable Energy: Target of 43.6% renewable energy share in gross final energy consumption by 2030. Transport sector aims for 30% renewable energy by 2030, up from 1% in 2018. The country committed to introducing the Emissions Trading System (ETS) by 2026.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

Bosnia and Herzegovina faces severe natural disaster risks with more than 20% of territory prone to flooding. Weather-related disasters cause economic losses of up to 1.5% of GDP annually. The country experiences increasing wildfire threats, with wildfires increasing by a factor of 17 between 2011 and 2021. Droughts pose significant agricultural threats, as demonstrated by the 2012 drought that caused approximately USD 1 billion in losses.

FloodsWildfiresDroughtsWindstormsHeatwaves

Climate Change Impacts: Bosnia and Herzegovina is increasingly affected by climate change with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting rainfall patterns. More than 20% of territory is flood-prone, affecting approximately 100,000 people on average and causing GDP losses of approximately USD 600 million annually. Wildfires have increased dramatically by a factor of 17 between 2011 and 2021, representing a growing threat. The 2012 drought caused approximately USD 1 billion in agricultural losses with grain and vegetable yields reduced by 70% and energy production reduced by 25%. Projected climate change levels would make the country increasingly vulnerable to natural hazards. The country is developing climate adaptation strategies and a damage and loss tracking system to monitor climate-related impacts.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy Transition

Bosnia and Herzegovina is implementing a comprehensive energy transition with targets to achieve 43.6% renewable energy in gross final energy consumption by 2030. The transport sector aims to increase renewable energy share to 30% by 2030, up from 1% in 2018. The country is promoting electrified and low-emission public transport and non-motorised transport in urban areas. Introduction of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) by 2026 will support emission reduction goals.

Climate Resilience and Adaptation

Bosnia and Herzegovina is strengthening climate resilience through development of NDC 3.0 (updated Nationally Determined Contributions) and operationalization of a comprehensive Environmental Information System (EIS). The system tracks adaptation progress and monitors greenhouse gas emissions. A damage and loss tracking system is being integrated to monitor impacts of climate-related events. Training on climate adaptation is being provided to key stakeholders. The country aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 41.2% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

Super Pollutant Reduction

Bosnia and Herzegovina has joined the Climate and Clean Air Coalition and endorsed the Global Methane Pledge. The country is developing a Short-Lived Climate Pollutant (SLCP) Plan and Methane Roadmap to reduce super pollutants including methane, black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and tropospheric ozone. These initiatives emphasize equity safeguards to ensure benefits reach low-income and marginalised communities, addressing the gendered impacts of air pollution and energy poverty.

Integrated Environmental Management

Bosnia and Herzegovina is implementing comprehensive environmental strategies for 2022-2032 across entities and the Brčko District. These strategies focus on reducing emissions of pollutants, improving waste and water management solutions, promoting non-motorised transport, and identifying funding sources for sustainable infrastructure. The approach emphasizes multidisciplinary and integrated solutions aligned with EU best practices.

Wildlife & Nature

Balkan LynxCritically Endangered

Brown BearVulnerable

European WolfRecovering

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