Bosnia and Herzegovina faces significant environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change, a complex political structure, and reliance on coal-based energy.

• Climate change and energy transition: Bosnia and Herzegovina is highly vulnerable to floods, wildfires, and heat waves. The 2014 floods alone affected one million people and caused damages equivalent to 15% of GDP. Climate-related damages could reduce GDP by up to 14% by 2050 without adaptation. The energy sector is a key economic pillar, with coal accounting for over 65% of total primary energy consumption. The country has committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 41.2% by 2030 and is preparing an Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP).
• Air pollution: Severe air pollution, linked to energy poverty and coal-based heating, is a major public health challenge.
• Biodiversity and land use: While designated terrestrial protected areas exist, progress needs acceleration. There is a need to improve land use and the use of natural resources in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries to avoid degradation associated with over-exploitation. The country submitted its 6th national report under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2019 and an ecosystem assessment in 2024.
• Waste management: The circular material use rate has not been assessed. Improving waste management solutions is a key priority.

• NBSAP (CBD) – Support community-managed protected areas, restoration of riparian zones, and sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products (mushrooms, medicinal plants) to reduce pressure on forests.
• NDC (UNFCCC) – Finance community-scale renewable energy (solar, biomass) and energy efficiency measures (improved insulation, heating systems) in rural households and public buildings to reduce coal and wood dependence.
• NAP (UNCCD) – Promote sustainable land management practices, agroforestry, and organic farming on smallholder farms (which constitute over 50% of suppliers) to combat land degradation and improve soil health.
• NIP (Stockholm) – Support community-based monitoring of pollution hotspots and promote safe disposal of obsolete pesticides and waste, aligning with the development of circular economy models.
  

• Community management of threatened ecosystems and species: Supporting local communities to manage forests and pastures sustainably, protecting biodiversity corridors in areas such as the Dinaric Arc mountains.
• Sustainable agriculture and food security: Using Farmer Field Schools to promote climate-smart agriculture and organic practices among smallholder farmers, strengthening short food supply chains for traditional and organic products.
• Access to low-impact energy and co-benefits: Promoting biomass energy from agricultural and forestry residues as a renewable alternative and supporting energy efficiency improvements in rural homes and community facilities.
• Local to global coalitions for chemicals and waste management: Working with communities to reduce agricultural pollution and pilot circular economy initiatives for waste reduction and recycling.
• Sustainable urban solutions: Supporting urban greening initiatives and reducing food loss through improved value chains and market linkages for local producers.