Pathways for development: Communities shape transition plans

These consultation events were organized as part of the BiH SuTra programme to present five development pathways of transition plans for each local community: decarbonization (energy, climate, and sustainable transport), circular economy, pollution reduction, sustainable agriculture, nature protection, and biodiversity. These development pathways are part of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, aiming to address the challenges of climate change and the transition to a green economy while assisting Western Balkan countries in aligning their environmental regulations with European standards and norms.

During the consultation events, local experts, in cooperation with representatives from the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), presented measures, activities, goals, and a specific timeframe for each development pathway.

"The development pathway I focus on is reducing pollution, a pathway that intersects with all other development pathways outlined in the transition plans. When discussing pollution reduction, we inherently address minimizing pollutants in water, soil, and air, all crucial for the well-being of people. Our vision, presented at the consultation events across four local self-government programme units – Banovići, Breza, Ugljevik and Živinice – envisions a future where clean air, water, and responsible citizens prevail. To realize this vision, we've outlined specific measures aimed at curbing existing pollution. These include interventions in sewage and efforts to mitigate soil contamination. Additionally, proposals to tackle air pollution will be put forth, empowering communities to prioritize and implement most adequate measures. ", said Melina Džajić-Valjevac, expert for the development pathway 'pollution reduction'.

Melina Džajić-Valjevac, expert for the development pathway 'pollution reduction'. Photo: BiH SuTra.

The consultation events, held in the municipalities of Banovići, Breza, Ugljevik, and the City of Živinice, brought together representatives from various sectors, including public, private, academic, and non-governmental sectors. This is very important, considering how crucial the support of the non-governmental sector to the government sector is for a just transition.

"As with other matters, the role of the NGO sector is to identify weaknesses in the system. If these weaknesses are significant, we bring them to the attention of the government sector. If they are minor and fixable, we take it upon ourselves to address them. Therefore, the role of the NGO sector is crucial. While governments focus on major issues, minor details may escape their notice, leaving it up to us in the NGO sector to take action.", said Zvjezdan Đurković, representing the NGO Association 'Kolona BB', Ugljevik.

Zvjezdan Đurković with his colleague, from Association 'Kolona BB', Ugljevik. Photo: BiH SuTra.

The importance of a just transition is recognized by young people. Despite the current trend of young people leaving BiH, those from local communities still believe in a green and sustainable future, opting to remain in their communities. During the event, young participants expressed their vision for Živinice in 2050 as a green city that would not only enrich the local community but also make a significant contribution to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

These were initial consultations, aimed at gathering feedback from interested parties and institutions within local communities. The goal was to ascertain their priorities, catch any areas warranting greater attention, and look at insights that could be compiled from donor countries like Sweden or other European Union members to augment local knowledge and experience. Some participants at the events recognized the importance of prioritizing sustainable energy sources.

"As someone who represents the public company Toplana, one of the polluters in the municipality of Banovići, I believe that by 2050, there will be a shift in our heating source. Currently, our heating plant primarily relies on coal sourced from the Banovići brown coal mine. However, I foresee a transition towards biodegradable alternatives in the long run. Such a change would not only be more economically viable for both citizens and our company but also beneficial for the environment. Presently, our company's operations heavily depend on coal procurement, incurring significant costs that ultimately burden consumers. It is imperative that we prioritize nurturing biological diversity and transitioning to renewable energy sources.", said Hanifa Haskić, employee of the public company Toplana from Banovići.

Hanifa Haskić, employee of the public company Toplana from Banovići. Photo: BiH SuTra.

Local governments also took part of the consultation event as they are the main actors involved in developing the concrete measures and actions in the transition plans.

"The participants of the consultation meeting gained a clear understanding of the significance of the five development directions presented, each with a timeline extending until 2050. The Transition Plan is designed to be methodologically adaptable to various scenarios that may arise by 2050. As an active participant in the process, the Municipality of Breza has chosen to prioritize the implementation of two key development directions: Decarbonization (energy, climate, sustainable transport) and Circular Economy.“, said Meliha Beširević, Assistant of the Municipal Mayor for finance, inspection work and general administration at the Municipality of Breza.

Meliha Beširević, Assistant of the Municipal Mayor for finance, inspection work and general administration at the Municipality of Breza. Photo: Municipality of Breza.

The first drafts of the transition plans are expected at the end of May 2024 and will represent a well-argued basis for setting and developing measures for the long-term (up to 2050), medium-term (up to 2035) and short-term (3 years) periods. After that, a second cycle of consulting events is expected, while the finalization of the transition plans for the municipalities of Banovići, Breza and Ugljevik, and the city of Živinice is scheduled for September 2024.

In Banovići, Breza, Ugljevik and Živinice, communities are united in their commitment to building a future in which prosperity and care for the environment go hand in hand.