Bosnia and Herzegovina is taking significant steps to tackle the issue of climate change both on the domestic and international level. In Bosnia and Herzegovina climate change is gradually more considered to be a matter of crucial strategic importance, particularly by local authorities and the academic community.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina development vision implies BiH becoming a sustainable and prosperous country of “green economy” by 2025, what can be achieved through the implementation of the Climate Change Adaptation and Low-Emission Development Strategy.

The Strategy is adopted by the Council of Ministers in cooperation with the entity governments. It represents an innovative economic development plan, outlining actions that would enable both economic growth and prevention of environmental destruction in sectors such as agriculture, biodiversity and susceptible ecosystems, energy sector, forestry, health, tourism and water management.
The approach outlined in this Strategy encompasses two closely linked components: climate change adaptation and low-emission development.

The adaptation to climate change component implies an increase of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s resilience to climate variability and long term climate change, whereby profit can be ensured.

The low-emission development component aims to develop low-emission economy based on:

-    Efficient use of resources;
-    Increase in energy efficiency;
-    Wider utilization of renewable energy resources; and
-    Improved energy and transport infrastructure and services.

Achievement of these aims will lead to high level of energy security and international investments, enabling new work opportunities and development of business entrepreneurship, which would ultimately mean a significant upgrade of life standards of the population.

The Strategy represents the first step toward defining the comprehensive policy framework to respond to the climate change, and will enables access to international support necessary for its implementation. It serves as an overarching, integrated framework for development of sectoral strategies and action plans. Based on results of monitoring, assessment and knowledge gained during its implementation, the Strategy will be updated to enhance action plans.