BIH:s hållbara omställning, SEI

Though Project Component 1 (PC1) related to Environmetal Governence is currently paused, due to delays in adoption of BIH Environmental strategy (BIH ESAP), the project continue to providing a support to adoption process of BIH ESAP 2030, in accordance with received comments from Republika Srpska and current state of play. This process is very much influenced by current political situation in BIH which is difficult and complex. In November 2023 MOFTER intiated the thired official procedure of obtaining opinions from entities and Brcko District. FBIH and BD promptely provided positive opinions, whilst the process is stopped by Republika Srpska again, this time due to comment recieved by Secretariat for Legislation of RS. No resolution have been reached by now. As to Project Component 2 (PC2) related to Supporting the Transition of Coal Regions in BIH, the following has been achieved: Initiating a partnership with 4 four local selfgovernment (LSGUs) units in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Banovici, Breza, Zivinice, and Ugljevik), by adopting the local decision on respective government councils to be part of the BiH SuTra project and signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Supporting the official establishment of formal teams for transitional planning in LSGUs, with 20 committed people to support the cooperation with SEI. Preparing Method of Work documents that contain a methodological approach to transition management based on literature review and best practices. Agreeing on a way forward in line with the local framework for planning in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Given the differences between the regulatory frameworks of local governments units in FBiH and RS, the most feasible approach for the Programme was to support the preparation of the Operational Plans for Sustainable Transition, which will directly stem from the broader planning exercise. Following the initial questionnaire, subsequent participatory 2050 visioning events drew in over 100 individuals directly participating in onsite events throughout October and November. The visions formulated during these sessions will serve as the foundation for the preparation of the transitional plan and its five development pathways (decarbonization, circular economy, decrease of pollution, sustainable agriculture and biodiversity). The Communication and Engagement Strategy have been developed and refined in early 2024 to better fit project plans for the year. This strategy will help project to communicate the progress with local partners and involve key stakeholders effectively. The BiH SuTra website and Facebook profile have been developed and up and running serving as a platform for the latest news and updates on the program. Comprehensive gender equality, social equity and poverty (gesep)focused situation analysis, complemented by an indepth baseline data collection have been done, followed by gesepintegration into preworkshop surveys and support for the visioning exercise.

The overall Programme objective is to contribute to the sustainable transition of BiH. This will be achieved through 1) improved environmental governance by enhancing capacities and resources in BiH for efficient and effective implementation of the environmental strategy and by 2) creating and implementing effective local transition measures and policies and thus contributing to better living conditions for citizens in coal regions in BiH. Two intermediate outcomes: - To improve the status of the environment in BiH - To enable the just transition in coal regions in BiH And three Immediate outcomes: - Improved policy framework and enhanced skills and knowledge of environmental stakeholders - Improved accountability and efficiency of environmental governance in BiH - Improved financing for sustainable transition and environmental policy