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Stronger Capacity for Pollution Detection and Health Protection
The Federal Agropedological Institute has officially received modern laboratory equipment valued at approximately USD 130,000, significantly enhancing its capacity for early detection of environmental pollution and protection of public health.
The donation was made possible through a partnership between the Federal Agropedological Institute, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Sweden, within the framework of the project “Environmentally Sound Management of Persistent Organic Pollutants in the Industrial and Waste Management Sectors in BiH.”
Federal Minister of Environment and Tourism, Nasiha Pozder, emphasized the importance of cooperation and institutional capacity building:
“Through a recent Government decision and with the support of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Federal Agropedological Institute has been designated as the key soil center in the Federation of BiH. This designation will allow us to have a more comprehensive understanding of soil conditions, and equipping the Institute with modern technology is an important step in strengthening the environmental protection system in the Federation of BiH. This initiative not only enhances our pollution monitoring capacities but also demonstrates the Government’s commitment to achieving sustainable development and a healthier environment for all citizens.”
“This donation represents valuable support for strengthening the technical capacities of our laboratory,” said Ahmedin Salčinović, Deputy Director of the Federal Agropedological Institute.
“With the new equipment, we can process a larger number of samples more quickly and easily identify soil types, which then allows for further chemical analysis to detect POPs pollutants. This directly contributes to the protection of human health and the environment. We are grateful to UNDP and Sweden for their continued support.”
The modernized laboratory will enable precise sampling and analysis of soil, water, air, and industrial emissions – ensuring accurate and efficient testing while also strengthening the environmental monitoring and pollution management systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
GSA Analyzer
The equipment includes a GSA Analyzer for particle size analysis, which allows for a detailed assessment of the mechanical composition of soil and identification of the presence and distribution of pollutants. Additional field and laboratory equipment – such as refrigerators and specialized tools for proper sample collection and preservation – will further enhance the Institute’s field and analytical capacities.
“Sweden is proud to support institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina in their efforts to meet international environmental standards and respond to pollution risks in a systematic and sustainable way,”
said Eva Smedberg, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in BiH.
“This contribution supports long-term environmental protection and improved quality of life for citizens across the country.”
“This initiative builds on years of work that UNDP has carried out in close partnership with domestic institutions, with the support of Sweden, to improve the management of pollution risks,” said Victor Munteanu, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in BiH.
“Our role is to support domestic partners in turning targeted investments into system-wide progress – connecting global environmental standards with concrete local action. By equipping institutions such as the Federal Agropedological Institute with the tools and capacities they need, we are laying the foundation for long-term public health protection and sustainable pollution management across Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
This initiative is aligned with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitments under the Stockholm Convention and represents another step forward in building the country’s capacity for data-driven policymaking and effective response to broader environmental challenges.
