Within the framework of the service aimed to update the management plans for protected areas, incorporating climate change adaptation measures for the following protected areas in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Una National Park, Blidinje Nature Park, Vjetrenica-Popovo Polje Protected Landscape, Vrelo Bosne Nature Monument, and Prokoško Lake Nature Monument, a total of nine significant events were held - four workshops and five focus groups. The aim of these events was to strengthen the capacity of protected area managers and establish a foundation for effective management in light of climate change challenges. These events were carried out by a consortium composed of CENER21 and FEA associations, along with the consulting company Enova d.o.o., contracted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This service is part of the “Sustainability of Protected Areas in BiH” (SPA) project, which is implemented by UNDP and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Workshops
The workshops focused on presenting the methodology, approach, and implementation plan of activities within the project. Ms. Ajla Dorfer, the Team Leader, opened the workshops by emphasizing the importance of enhancing resources, capacities, and management plans for protected areas. The need to include climate change adaptation measures was particularly highlighted, marking the first time such an approach has been integrated into the management of protected areas. The workshops were held at the following locations:
Una National Park, December 7, 2023, Hotel Kostelski Buk, Bihać
Prokoško Lake Nature Monument, December 4, 2023, Municipal Hall, Fojnica
Vrelo Bosne Nature Monument, November 30, 2023, Cantonal Public Institution for Protected Natural Areas, Sarajevo
Vjetrenica-Popovo Polje Protected Landscape, November 22, 2023, Hotel Stanica, Ravno
Focus Groups
The focus groups aimed at inclusively gathering information on the impact of climate change on protected areas. Ms. Ajla Dorfer, who also served as the moderator, emphasized the role of focus groups in shaping the updated Management Plan to reflect the real needs and challenges. The focus groups were held at the following locations:
Prokoško Lake, December 4, 2023, Municipal Hall, Fojnica
Una National Park, December 7, 2023, Hotel Kostelski Buk, Bihać
Blidinje Nature Park, December 5, 2023, Hotel Hajdučke Vrleti, Blidinje
Vrelo Bosne Nature Monument, November 30, 2023, Hotel Hollywood, Sarajevo
Vjetrenica-Popovo Polje, November 22, 2023, Hotel Stanica, Ravno
We thank all participants for their engagement and contribution to these important events. The success of these workshops and focus groups is a crucial step towards establishing sustainable management of protected areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a special emphasis on climate change adaptation. We look forward to further cooperation and joint progress in preserving our natural treasures.