Improving Air Quality, SEPA

Overview of achievements in the last year and related challenges is presented below: Component 1: Data hosting infrastructure and capacity A first version of Raven was installed on servers in FBiH and RS during 2020 and was used for the reporting to EEA in September 2020. However users reported some technical difficulties, that are now being addressed by SMHI and NILU. As discussed many times with SEPA, Raven system is technical platform which provides infrastructure for data gathering, however it is of great importance to establish institutional channels for data reporting on behalf of BIH. This requires intensive dialogue with respective ministries in order to find solution for united reporting to EEA. The procurement of four new mobile stations has been completed, and the stations were delivered in February 2021, two in each BIH entity. The stations are placed in Bihac, Livno, Trebinje and Banja Luka (old station in Banja Luka moved to Doboj). Component 2: Reference laboratory infrastructure and capacity All planned activities have been conducted online, including workshops, meetings and trainings. A comprehensive QA/QC manual has been developed and drafted through 2020. The process of engaging with the environmental ministries to adopt new legislation that will support the function of reference laboratories began in June 2020 and is ongoing. An overview of traceable national standards has been discussed in relation to investments in instrumentation. Further awaiting constitution of operating reference laboratories in BiH. As mentioned in previous rounds of reporting, regarding the procurement of laboratory equipment, the pre-study on this indicated that the laboratories in BiH have a much lower baseline in terms of equipment, competencies and most of all personnel and financing to run physical laboratories. Delivering equipment remains a part of the project albeit with a modified, less ambitious goal. It has already been concluded that it is not at all realistic to build up two fully EU accredited laboratories in each Entity within the timeframe and budget for this project. However, procurement of some equipment was conducted, and delivered during early 2021. The process of getting as far as possible with preparing for EU accreditation of laboratories continues. Component 3: Source Apportionment Study (SAS) The contractor that was procured during summer 2020 (Institute for Public Health in Belgrade) began the measurement campaign for the source apportionment study in October 2020, which was finished in February 2021. Report to be delivered in Autumn 2021. Component 4: Cost-effective and scalable air quality improvement activities SEPA has discussed potential set(s) of measures of interest for Banja Luka and Sarajevo. During these discussions, Sarajevo expressed an interest in assessing the potential of having congestion fees as well as increasing traffic free zones. Banja Luka expressed an interest in expanding the bike sharing system in the city. These set(s) of measures have been expressed as relevant by both Sarajevo and Banja Luka. With this background, the Swedish EPA has procured support from the Swedish Environmental Research Institute (IVL). They have substantive experience in all of the measures earlier mentioned and they will work together with SEPA in implementing the remaining parts of this component. Activities foreseen are the production of analytical studies (related to assessing the environmental, social and economic performance of various measures), capacity development with respect to the methods used in such studies, exchange of experiences with e.g. Swedish municipalities through e.g. webinars and/or physical meetings (pending the development of Covid-19). Component 5: Information campaigns regarding air quality and public health Information campaigns have started in November 2020, with billboards in several large cities. Meanwhile social media campaigns were ongoing and increased. The website was released with online data from FBIH and loads of information about air quality and health. There are still lacking real time data from RS but in progress. Information folders about air quality and health was delivered to health care centers and people working there were informed. Also, media stations in BiH started to broadcast AQI in their news shows right after the weather forecast. An art competition for youth was carried out during January-February 2021 with the theme The air around us. Component 6: Implementation of legislation via inspectors Unfortunately, component 6 has been most severely hit by the pandemic in comparison to all other project components. The component was therefore put to a standstill and the seconded Swedish inspector ability to work was severely affected. Despite of challenges and delays, in dialogue between SEPA and the Embassy, it has been agreed that the component should continue. The recruitment of the IMPAQ service provider was finalized and set in place. The inspectorates in SA and BL acomplished their recruitment process for the new inspectors. A parallel dialogue has also been established with the Swedish inspector seconded to Sarajevo prior, to examine the possibilities of a renewed short project employment to be able to at least for some time work in parallel on site with the new recruits. All in all, the component is still at substantial risk of being affected by any changing and as experienced lasting circumstances due to the Covid crisis .    

Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing a wide range of challenges regarding air quality. The countrys residents are exposed to some of the highest levels of air pollution in Europe, which is caused by a range of different emission sources. Furthermore, there are a range of institutional weaknesses which result in the country being ill-equipped to effectively monitor and tackle the complex problem of air pollution.The objective of this programme is to capacitate relevant stakeholders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to better manage air quality data and to improve air quality throughout the country.The project comprises of 6 interlinked components: 1. National AQ data host2. National AQ reference laboratory3. Source apportionment study in 5 major cities 4. Cost-effective and scalable air quality improvement activity(s)5. Information campaign regarding air quality and public health 6. Implementation of legislation.