Diversity of the forest ecosystems in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the context of the Adriatic Ionian Initiative

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1 Diversity of the forest ecosystems in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the context of the Adriatic Ionian Initiative Dalibor Ballian Faculty of Forestry University of Sarajevo

2 General information about forest and forest lands in Bosnia and Herzegovina: -is located in the Northwest part of Balkan peninsula, -between and of latitude, -and between and longitude, -is mostly a mountainous country: -mountains take up 42% -hilly regions 24% -plains 5% -rocky terrain 29% -the average height above sea level is 500 m -highest peak is at the Maglić mountain with 2,387 m

3 The whole territory of forest and forest lands of the country is 3,231,500 ha (new data) Approximately 60 % of territory, and 93 % of that area are natural forests, - commercial forests 1,130,000 ha - degraded forests (coppices) 841,000 ha - bareland 530,000 ha - abandoned agriculture land 730,500 ha

4 Biological diversity of our forests is composed of three levels diversity of ecosystem, diversity of species, and diversity within species (genetic diversity).

5 Assessment of diversity in the Federation of BiH by groups 1,100 species of algae 80 species of mammals 1,400 species of mushrooms 320 species of birds about 300 species of lichen about 10,000 invertebrates 500 species of mosses 35 species of reptiles 70 species of ferns 20 species of amphibians 4,100 species of seed plants more than 100 species of fish thousands of deficient prokaryotes

6 There are numerous international agreements in the field of environmental protection that are accessed by Bosnia and Herzegovina. To be precise: 23 international agreements The most important are: the Convention (UN) on Biological Diversity (Convention of Rio de Janeiro 1992) and the Kyoto Protocol 2007 There are another 19 agreements that are not yet adopted by our government, but many of them are not related to forests and diversity

7 Perhaps the best view of diversity of forest ecosystems in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be displayed through a SWOT analysis.

8 Strengths or advantages We have maintained an excellent and genetic biodiversity of forest ecosystems; We have a solid level of biological and technical knowledge of forestry professionals; Technical and technological competence of forestry institutions to manage diversity; The willingness of forestry companies to manage forests on the principles of diversity (For certification); Good potential for development of tourism and recreation on the basis of the preserved diversity and the environment; The role of the diversity of forests in development of rural areas and local economy is very important

9 Weaknesses or deficiencies Insufficient and unstable sources of financing; Low level of communicational and sociological knowledge of people managing the diversity; Ignorance and disregard for the basic principles in the management of forest and its diversity; Underdeveloped infrastructure in forest areas; The absence of long-term institutional vision and mission in the management of diversity; Poor technical and personnel structure managing diversity; The lack of information on the objectives and measures of forest diversity presented to the public

10 Opportunities or chances EU integration processes; The interest of the community for the protection of biodiversity; Changes in demands of society towards natural resources; Creating educational programs in order to popularize and promote diversity and raising awareness of citizens; Undivided support of the public, local communities, NGOs and citizens for the protection of biodiversity; The development of the local economy and employment opportunities (rural tourism, eco-tourism, souvenirs, organic food); The possibility of improving political relations (between the entities and between the countries) to manage the diversity of forests; The possibility of cooperation between the private and public sectors; Inclusion in the scientific and professional projects and programs; The possibility of applying for project funding from international funds (biodiversity protection, rural development, etc.).

11 Threats or dangers The losses and the weakening of the local economy (loss of jobs) and turning to the forest as a source of existence (illegal logging); Excluding experts and institutions from the process of managing diversity; Bad image of the forestry profession in the public; The strong influence of ethno-national policy and powerful local interest groups and lobbies to managing diversity(protected areas); Criminal activities in process management areas with the greatest diversity of (illegal construction, privatization, land acquisition, fraud); Political instability and economic stagnation in the vicinity; Possible negative effects on the local population (the inability of grazing, collection of by-products, etc.), and loss of social-cultural heritage; Not fulfilling and disrespect to the key reasons for the preservation of diversity (disrespect to plans and strategic documents)

12 Instead of conclusion: - Urgent development and adoption of planning and development documents is necessary at the level of the Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to ensure long-term vision and mission of managing and developing areas with the greatest diversity; - Ensuring stable sources of financing for areas with diversity, as well as fundamental research; - The necessity of participatory approaches in the development of management plans for forest diversity; - The inclusion of a wide range of experts from various fields in the development of diversity management plans, with an emphasis on the necessity of the presence of personnel in the field of forestry science and profession; - Strengthening the human resources and training of employees in the whole system; - Strengthening the promotion of areas with the greatest diversity, and others..

13 Thanks for your attention!