Bosnia and Herzegovina Embarks On SLCP Reductions Mission

Newly joined partner Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has begun the process of developing its national SLCP plan and National Methane Roadmap with CCAC support. As a Global Methane Pledge signatory these documents will help identify priority areas for action in BiH, and pathways to reduce methane and other SLCP emissions. 

Monitoring reporting and verification (MRV) tools developed by CCAC and other partners will help attract financing towards mitigation efforts across sectors such as fossil fuels and agriculture. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina has already identified several practical areas BiH will priorities as easy to achieve and effective first steps in each of these sectors.  

In the energy sector BiH will encourage the use of energy-efficient technologies and practices to reduce methane emissions in power generation and industrial processes. It will also seek reduction of methane emissions in mining by improved techniques for ventilating methane from mining operations.  

In agriculture BiH will seek to implement improved livestock management practices, such as dietary adjustments and sustainable waste management to reduce methane emissions from enteric fermentation in ruminant animals. 

BiH will also focus on expanding forested areas to act as carbon sinks and mitigate methane emissions. This includes promoting sustainable forest management practices to reduce emissions from forest degradation and wildfires. 

Consultations with private sector stakeholders such as mining companies, farmers, and businesses will inform the development of both foundational plans. BiH has identified chambers of commerce and business associations as useful representatives across a wide range of sectors and as a platform for engagement with the private sector as a whole. 

In the energy sector this will include companies involved in mining, power generation and distribution, and other industrial enterprises regarding methane emissions from their operations. The transport sector is a major contributor to black carbon emissions and will be important to work with the improve vehicle and fuel standards which can nearly eliminate black carbon emissions.  

In agriculture, farmers play a crucial role in managing enteric fermentation and manure management, which are significant sources of methane emissions in the agriculture sector. 

Companies involved in forestry and timber management can also provide insights into sustainable forest management practices and forest-related emissions. 

Non-governmental organizations focused on environmental protection and sustainability will also be engaged to provide input and expertise in mitigating SLCPs and methane emissions, as will financial institutions, including banks and investors, regarding their role in funding and supporting SLCP mitigation projects.  

Monitoring, verification, and reporting (MRV) frameworks are essential for countries such as BiH to attract climate mitigation financing for carbon or carbon-equivalent offsets. Robust MRV systems provide credible and verifiable data on emissions reductions or removals, which helps project developers identify and mitigate risks, as well as address investor concerns about the long-term viability of their carbon offset investments. Projects with well-established MRV frameworks may have also a competitive advantage when seeking financing or attracting buyers in the carbon offset market, in part due to proven with international and domestic regulations related to carbon emissions. 

CCAC support for Bosnia and Herzegovina will be directed towards key ministries and institutions  currently working on the creation of the National Methane Roadmap, SLCP Plan, and updates to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, ensuring alignment with international best practices and standards. 

This work is taking place in alignment with BiH’s first Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (NECP BiH), which sets a roadmap to 2030.  
 
This is the first time BiH is developing and applying an integrated approach to climate goals in regard to further development of the energy sector. The NECP defines for 2030 in increasing energy efficiency measures, the share of renewable energy, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. After the adoption of NECP, BiH plans to the NECP with its NDC.  

The CCAC provides access to technical expertise and best practices in addressing SLCPs and methane emissions. This support can assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in designing effective strategies and actions. CCAC initiatives often include capacity-building activities, training, and knowledge sharing which help relevant stakeholders develop and implement plans effectively.