Yesterday at the Rectorate of the University of Sarajevo (UNSA), the monograph “Assessment of the State of Nature and Natural Resource Management in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH),” the publication “Summary for Decision Makers,” and the monograph “State of Traditional Knowledge on Biodiversity in BiH” were presented.
Professor Senka Barudanovic, the project coordinator, highlighted that the monograph “Assessment of the State of Nature and Natural Resource Management in BiH” is the result of the work of over 100 scientific researchers from all public universities in BiH.
“It has enormous significance for the sustainable development processes in BiH. This monograph summarizes all scientific and folk knowledge about the biodiversity and nature of BiH,” she stated.
The Rector of the UNSA, Rifat Skrijelj, emphasized the dedicated work of the scientific community in BiH, which completed its task of presenting the existing knowledge in a brief, clear, and concise manner.
On this occasion, he thanked the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Nasiha Pozder, for her cooperation and support of the project, and announced ongoing dialogue between the scientific community and decision-makers.
Skrijelj ceremoniously handed over the document “Summary for Decision Makers” to the Assistant Minister for the Environment Sector, Mehmed Cero, who received it on behalf of the responsible Minister, Nasiha Pozder.
Cero stressed that it is a significant professional document necessary for the Ministry’s further activities in developing a biodiversity strategy. This is BiH’s obligation under the United Nations (UN) Convention, where the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism acts as the local institution responsible for coordinating all institutions in BiH.
“I can proudly say that we are the only country in the region to have conducted such an assessment, and we can be an example of how to approach this task, considering all our barriers, obstacles, and political issues. We succeed as a state in fulfilling our international obligations,” stated Cero.