Preparation of an Expert Assessment for the Designation of Pliva Lakes as a Protected Area, along with the Draft of the Law

Summary of the project:

The project sought to establish Pliva Lakes as a protected area in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), ensuring the conservation of biodiversity, natural and cultural values, and the sustainable development of the local community. Based on international agreements and national strategies, such as the Federal Environmental Protection Strategy and the development strategies of the Central Bosnia Canton (CBC) and the Municipality of Jajce, the project emphasized the importance of increasing the area of protected areas in the Federation of BiH.

Project goals:

The goal of this Project/Expert Elaboration document was to establish the values of the area and its natural components of the Pliva Lakes in accordance with the nature protection laws of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and the Central Bosnia Canton (SBK), and to provide a rationale for the protection of this area.

The ultimate aim was to initiate the establishment of protection for the Pliva Lakes area through the development of an expert justification, focusing on preserving the area’s natural wealth. This effort contributed to expanding protected areas within SBK/FBiH and supported the conservation of biological and landscape diversity in line with relevant strategies and spatial plans of the Municipality of Jajce, SBK, and FBiH.

Main activities:

• Review of existing documentation (desk analysis)

• Analysis of spatial planning documentation and confirmation of scope, including field research

• Development of project documentation

• Awareness Raising, Promotion, and Stakeholder Engagement

• Organization of stakeholder workshop

• Preparation of draft legal act

• Finalization and submission of documentation