Overview
Land use in c is shaped by its diverse natural landscapes, administrative complexity, and historical developments. The territory is largely mountainous, with limited flat land, which presents challenges for agriculture and urban development but offers significant ecological value through extensive forests and natural areas. Strategic land use planning is vital to ensure sustainability, reduce environmental degradation, and improve landscape fire resilience.
As urbanization and climate pressures intensify, adopting integrated land use practices becomes increasingly important. Responsible management of land—particularly forests and agricultural areas—is not only key to economic development and biodiversity protection but also crucial in mitigating the risks and impacts of landscape fires.
Demographics in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Over the past decade, the population in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been steadily declining, with notable effects on rural areas and broader fire risk dynamics. Since the last census in 2013, the total population dropped to just over 3.5 million, down from 4.37 million in 1991. This decline is largely driven by the continuous emigration of young, educated individuals to European Union countries in search of better opportunities. The departure of the working-age population presents significant challenges for long-term development, particularly in rural communities.
Climate Characteristics and Change in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina features a diverse climate shaped by its topography, altitude, and proximity to the Adriatic Sea. Three main climate zones dominate the region: continental and moderate continental in the north, mountain and mountain valley zones in the central part, and Mediterranean and modified Mediterranean climates in the southern areas.
Major Stakeholders within the Existing System
Identified stakeholders within the landscape fire management system in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) are:
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Organizational Setup of Landscape Fire Management in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The organizational setup of fire protection in Bosnia and Herzegovina is based on a multi-tiered system that includes state, entity, cantonal, and local levels of government. Coordination is ensured by the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which plays a central role in harmonizing civil protection strategies and responses across the country. Operational responsibilities, however, are delegated to the entities, cantons, and municipalities.
Legislation Governing Landscape Fire Management in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Landscape fire management in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) is supported by a complex legal framework that spans disaster risk reduction, forestry, environmental protection, nature conservation, and land use. These laws define the roles and responsibilities of different levels of government and institutions in preventing and responding to fires. However, the absence of a Law on Forests at the entity level poses a major gap in the legal structure, limiting the effectiveness of fire prevention efforts.
Landscape fires
Forest and landscape fires are a recurring and destructive phenomenon in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), causing significant environmental, economic, and social impacts. Despite the region not being classified as high-risk in European terms, several years—such as 2000, 2003, 2007, 2012, 2017, and 2020—stand out due to the frequency and severity of wildfires.
Fire risk assessment
Landscape fire risk in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) is governed by a legal framework established under the Law on Protection and Rescue from Natural and Other Disasters. Risk assessments are developed by the Federal Administration of Civil Protection, and these assessments provide the foundation for planning and preparedness at both cantonal and municipal levels.
Institutional and Legal Framework:
- As of the most recent assessment (2014), 9 out of 10 cantons have adopted laws on fire protection and risk assessment, while 6 cantons have formal fire protection plans.
- At the municipal level, 56 municipalities have adopted fire risk assessments and 50 have adopted full fire protection plans.
SWOT Analysis
As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the Landscape Fire Management (LFM) system, a comprehensive SWOT analysis was conducted during the 2nd LFM workshop in Sarajevo. This analysis reflects the insights of stakeholders at various institutional levels and provides a strategic overview of the current LFM system’s internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats.
This structured assessment will help guide policymakers, practitioners, and institutions toward building a more resilient, responsive, and modern fire management system across the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
LFM guidelines
To ensure consistency, coordination, and clarity across institutions and communities, the Landscape Fire Management (LFM) Guidelines in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina are structured around four key phases: Prevention, Preparedness, Suppression, and Post-Fire Management.
These guidelines aim to support authorities, communities, and stakeholders in making informed decisions and taking effective action to reduce risks and enhance resilience.