The Regulation on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), adopted by the Government of the Federation of BiH at yesterday’s session in Mostar upon the proposal of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, represents a systematic process for assessing the potential environmental impacts of plans and programs, according to the relevant ministry.

They added that one of the reasons for its introduction is the need for timely responses to environmental goals and consequences, as well as for long-term and cumulative effects at the level of the plan or program, with the aim of achieving sustainable development. The Regulation stems from the Environmental Protection Law, which was adopted in February 2021.

In May 2023, immediately upon taking office, we launched activities, held consultations with cantons and the Federation of Municipalities and Cities of FBiH, engaged the public, and tried to reconcile all the feedback received through consultations. It is good that we now have this document, which defines who conducts the strategic assessment and for what purpose, including strategies, plans, programs, and their amendments related to spatial planning or land use, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, hunting, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water management, telecommunications, tourism, and the preservation of natural habitats of plant and animal life,” said Federal Minister of Environment and Tourism Nasiha Pozder.

The Ministry highlighted that the working group that worked on the Regulation consisted of representatives from ministries responsible for the mentioned areas. The Regulation partially incorporates provisions from the European Parliament and Council Directive 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programs on the environment.

They explained that, in practice, for example, when preparing an energy strategy, a strategic study is simultaneously developed that analyzes environmental impacts. If the construction of hydropower plants on a certain basin is planned, existing facilities in the vicinity are analyzed, cumulative impacts are assessed, and alternative solutions are proposed. The burden on the area is evaluated, and an optimal approach is determined. In the case of thermal power plants, the strategic study considers the impact on air and other environmental factors.

It was announced that the ministry will continue working on manuals and guidelines for each of the mentioned areas to determine which strategies, plans, and programs will be exempt from the strategic assessment.

Additionally, after the adoption of the Regulation, we will organize consultations for education and exchange of opinions, so we can make timely amendments if necessary during its implementation, as announced by the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

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