Few days ago, the European Parliament passed a resolution on B&H in which, among other things, they urged authorities at all levels in B&H to regulate and supervise the construction of hydroelectric power plants in environmentally sensitive areas, and in protected and potentially protected areas.
The resolution also urged the relevant authorities in B&H to maintain the integrity of existing national parks, such as the National Park “Sutjeska” and the National Park “Una”.
The European Parliament recommended improving of the quality of assessment of environmental impact in order to take into account EU standards in the manner established under the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive and the Water Framework Directive. Moreover, they encourages all governments in B&H to increase transparency through public participation and consultation with local communities, scientists and civil sector in the planning of projects.
“The European Parliament by that resolution, requires all levels of government in B&H, to fully engage managers of protected areas, local residents and the community when it comes to planning and launching initiatives for the construction of infrastructure facilities such as hydroelectric power plants, which can be a major obstacle to the further development of national parks and protected areas, as well as the great danger of climate change, loss of certain habitats, as well as the people and the population that are living near this kind of facilities,” said Amarildo Mulic, the Director of the National Park” Una “.
“The European Parliament has shown and proved its seriousness to monitor the situation in the region, despite the fact that B&H is not in the European Union. Moreover, our country has signed several European and international conventions for the protection of nature and the environment, where we have committed to give our best when it comes to this matter,” said Mulic.
By all accounts, the European Parliament, by this resolution, showed that National Parks “Una” and “Sutjeska” don’t represent only the value of local or national importance, but also the natural and cultural heritage of the whole Europe and the world.
National Park “Una” is the youngest nature park in this part of Europe, but also the only one in B&H which has received the European certificate for sustainable development.
(Source: M. C./Klix.ba)
