In the presence of representatives of institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), international partners, and experts, the completion of the ANC BiH project – “Sustainable Economic Development and Environmental Protection of Areas With Natural Constraints in BiH” – was officially marked at the Vucko Hotel on Jahorina. On this occasion, the launch of a new project was also announced – ProBio BiH: “Promoting Local Biodiversity through Nature-Based Innovation in the Agri-Food Sector in BiH .” Both projects are financed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), and implemented by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) through the organization CIHEAM Bari, in cooperation with institutions of BiH at all levels of government.
Addressing those present, the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, Stasa Kosarac, emphasized that these are very important projects for sustainable development in rural areas. “Today we had the opportunity to hear from the municipalities that were beneficiaries of the ANC project that it may have been the most efficient project with the best achieved results. We will certainly not stop here. Together with our Italian partners, we will continue working on other projects, and ProBio is one of them,” said Minister Kosarac, adding that a framework strategy for the development of agriculture and rural areas has been developed at the BiH level and that in the coming period, action plans will be approached through the entity levels.
“The biological diversity present in BiH has significant development potential, and we are pleased that we will jointly pave the way for the creation of new and recognizable products in the agricultural sector through their valorization and promotion. At the same time, we will continue to strengthen institutions and support the harmonization of the legislative framework with the European Union (EU) acquis, whereby our support will also be reflected in the strengthening of technical capacities through the equipping and training of staff,” emphasized H.E. Sarah Eti Castellani, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to BiH.
Director of the AICS Regional Office in Tirana, Stefania Vizzaccaro, emphasized Italy’s long-term commitment to sustainable development and inclusion in BiH: “This project represented a strategic investment in local human capital, as it specifically strengthened and valorized human resources from the areas covered by the project, training more than 250 local officials and actors, providing them with all necessary tools to support communities living in areas with natural constraints. At the same time, the project supported full coordination between all levels of government, ensuring complete and successful implementation,” said Vizzaccaro.
Fabrizio Contento, from CIHEAM Bari, which is the project implementer, emphasized that the institute has been cooperating with BiH since 2000. “We have implemented several projects in BiH, and we currently have four active projects funded by the AICS. Our work begins first and foremost by listening to local communities in BiH and their needs. Through our projects, we strengthen institutions in BiH,” said Contento, adding that there are many challenges in the realization of these projects, but that all of this is overcome through dialogue and human relations.
The new project ProBio BiH aims to improve the capacities of public administration in the sectors of agriculture, rural development, and biodiversity protection, in accordance with EU standards. The focus is on strengthening youth entrepreneurship, innovations in the agri-food sector, and the valorization of local varieties and products. The project will enable the training of more than 200 public officials and researchers, directly include 100 agricultural producers, and support start-ups and young entrepreneurs developing nature-based products and solutions.
The ANC BiH project, which is now successfully completed, invested more than 1.000.000 BAM in 11 municipalities: Buzim, Berkovici, Bratunac, Donji Zabar, Glamoc, Gorazde, Fojnica, Kupres, Posusje, Rudo, and Brcko District. In addition to infrastructure investments and procurement of equipment, a socio-economic analysis was conducted in 109 municipalities, 62 experts were trained in Italy, and rural development strategies were developed for nine municipalities.
The AICS, with its regional office based in Tirana, has for years been supporting the countries of the Western Balkans in the process of transition and harmonization with EU standards. The implementer of both projects, CIHEAM Bari, is an international organization with decades of experience in agronomy, education, and research, implementing projects in partner Mediterranean countries, including BiH.
