Together with the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) and other Swedish actors, the Environmental Protection Agency has a program to improve air quality assessment and management systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina in accordance with EU standards.
The program is a partnership with various institutions, authorities and ministries in Bosnia and Herzegovina and aims to strengthen the capacity of relevant institutions to better manage air quality data and improve air quality throughout the country. The program will last for three years (2019–2022).
The objective of the program is to focus on two key channels for improving air quality management and overall air quality:
- Air quality assessment and management systems
- Air quality improvement activities
The project is also about adding some functions so that Bosnia and Herzegovina will be able to meet the EU requirements, preparing them for EU entry. Hopefully, the work will also give the country health benefits. According to the World Health Organization WHO, poor air quality has caused Bosnia to lose 21.5 percent of its GDP in the form of lost work and school days, healthcare and fuel costs.
Air quality in Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing a wide range of challenges when it comes to air quality. The country's residents are exposed to some of the highest levels of air pollution in Europe caused by a variety of emission sources and geographical circumstances.
The mortality rate attributed to air pollution in Bosnia is estimated to be79.8 deaths per 100 000 people. Sweden, by comparison, has an estimated mortality rate of 7.2 deaths per 100 000 people. Air quality in most cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina is particularly poor during winter months. During these periods, concentrations of particulate matter and harmful gases such as sulphur dioxide reach dangerously high levels, significantly exceeding the safety levels specified in the WHO’s air quality guidelines.
While the amount of air pollution that can be attributed to specific sources is currently unknown, residential heating with solid-fuels such as coal and wood is commonplace and is likely a significant source of the pollution episodes that occur during winter months. Large industries such as steel plants, oil refineries and coal-powered thermal plants are major emissions sources in some cities. Meanwhile, emissions from traffic are a general problem in most cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in larger cities such as Sarajevo and Banja Luka, but even in smaller cities such as Tuzla, which is located in a narrow valley.
Strategy for approximation
In May 2017, the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted an Environmental Regulation Approximation Strategy with the EU acquis governing this area. The combined health effects and financial benefits associated with this Strategy make it very much in the interest of the government to transpose and implement these provisions.
Expected results
- Data hosting infrastructure and capacity
- Reference laboratory infrastructure and capacity
- Source apportionment study in 6 major cities (three in each Entity)
- Cost-effective and scalable air quality improvement activities
- Information campaigns regarding air quality and public health
- Implementation of legislation via inspectors
Sweden is actively involved in Bosnia and Herzegovina to improve the environmental situation and support sustainable development.
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