LocationsBosnia and Herzegovina Launches Major Climate Resilient Flood Risk Management Project
Authorities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with the financial support of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), officially launched the project "Scaling-up Climate Resilient Flood Risk Management in Bosnia and Herzegovina" at an inception workshop held today in Banja Luka.
Bringing together representatives from state, entity, and cantonal institutions, civil protection agencies, hydrometeorological institutes, local governments, civil society, academia, and international partners, the event marked a significant step toward enhancing the country’s resilience to climate-induced floods. The initiative promotes an integrated, nature-based, and climate-smart approach to managing flood risks and protecting communities.
“Sustainable flood risk management is essential for protecting both people and agricultural resources,”
said Milan Gavrić, Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Republika Srpska. “This project brings long-term benefits and strengthens our ability to respond to climate challenges in a systematic and resilient way.”
Milan Gavrić
“We welcome this partnership as it supports coordinated action across BiH,” said Alma Imamović, Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Strengthening flood defences, while also investing in early warning and climate-smart water management, is key to reducing vulnerability and safeguarding development gains.”
Alma Imamović
With a budget of USD 14.4 million, this six-year project aims to reduce the impacts of climate-induced flooding for over 800,000 people living in high-risk areas across the basins of the Bosna, Neretva and Trebišnjica rivers. The project will support the development and implementation of an impact-based Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System, improve access to climate data, rehabilitate and construct flood protection infrastructure, and promote sustainable land and water management at the river basin level.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and floods are among the most frequent and damaging disasters,” said Victor Munteanu, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in BiH.
“This project is more than a response to a recurring threat - it is an investment in long-term resilience. UNDP is proud to serve as an enabler of this process, supporting domestic authorities in designing and delivering sustainable, inclusive, and future-focused solutions that protect lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems.”
Victor Munteanu
The inception workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to align on project goals, implementation pathways, and coordination mechanisms. During the panel discussion, participants stressed the importance of inter-entity cooperation, community engagement, and strengthening institutional capacities for long-term resilience.
The project also contributes to broader global goals, including the UN Secretary-General’s “Early Warnings for All” initiative, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its inclusive and gender-responsive design ensures that the most vulnerable communities - including women, the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities - are actively involved and prioritized.
This initiative builds on over a decade of flood recovery and risk reduction efforts across Bosnia and Herzegovina and reflects the shared commitment of partners to build a safer, more climate-resilient future.
