Environment of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The environment of Bosnia and Herzegovina consists of diverse climates, flora and fauna, natural landmarks and landscapes.

The floristic diversity is reflected in the high numbers of cyanophytes, algae and vascular plants.

They play an important role biodiversity and habitat protection as well as for producing forest goods.

The diversity in forest types is mirrored in the existence of 9 out of 13 of the European Environmental Agency categories.

[4]Bosnia and Herzegovina had a 2018 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 5.99/10, ranking it 89th globally out of 172 countries.

Vegetative life is mostly present in lower areas of the mountains, which are more humid and fertile than the top.

A plane called Saracevo Polje is especially wealthy due to its specific position and sun exposure.

Higher levels of water increased the GDP by 0.3%, due to boosted electricity production and exports.

A sample group was interviewed in 2011, and the results of that survey showed that most people were satisfied with the quality and access to the water.

Final energy consumption, which includes households, industry, traffic and agriculture, has been increasing since the drastic drops in the 1990s, caused by warfare.

It is forecast that the conditions for hydroelectric power will improve, which will lead to decreased use of fossil fuels.

Compared to the Western Balkan region, however, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the leader in the usage of renewable energy.

Some laws and regulations that are not necessarily qualified or organized under the environmental category, do pertain to the environment.

Examples of such laws are, "Illicit Procurement and Disposal of Nuclear Material", "Pollution of Potable Water and Foodstuff".

[13] Other laws pertain to mining, national parks, water usage, air protection, geological research, waste management, agriculture, agricultural land, energy protection and fresh water.

Air pollution significantly increases during the winter and in urban areas, due to very specific geographic positions and temperature changes.

For example, since Sarajevo is located in a valley, gas-emissions become trapped in the area, with very little wind to clear it out.

[18] Bosnia and Herzegovina lacks well organized, and efficient administration that would handle its environmental issues quickly and properly.

As of 2013, the country does not have a clear stance or strategy regarding climate change, nor has it put forward a mitigation commitment.

In a survey of 11 municipalities in the Drina river basin, the landfills being used did not comply with EU sanitation regulations.

This has led to illegal waste dumping, and in turn has caused many smaller landfills created by residents of the municipalities and located in rural, uninhibited areas close to the Drina.

[12] Bosnia and Herzegovina is considered vulnerable to climate change, with limited capacity to adapt.