The environment of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be the beneficiary of a pact signed on Tuesday, 14 July by the Environment Ministers of the two “Entities” in Szentendre in Hungary, to cooperate peacefully on environmental policies.
The signing of the Szentendre Agreement means that the two Entities have officially chosen to cooperate in harmonising their environmental policies for the BiH state. “We used to be neighbors,” said Jovo Basic, Minister of Urbanism, Physical Planning, Construction and Environment for the Republika Srpska. “We breathe the same air, often drink the same water and walk the same ground and share the same goals so we must rely on each other. I can freely say on behalf of my government that we’re committed to cooperate with the Federation, Europe and the world. “This agreement is an indication that things in Bosnia and Herzegovina are finally changing for the better,” said Ibrahim Morankic, Minister of Regional Planning and Environment for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During the meeting, an Environmental Steering Committee, which will meet at regular intervals and be composed mainly of members from both Entities, was created to help formulate the environmental laws and policies of the two Entities.
The signing was moderated by the Office of the High Representative (OHR) which is overseeing implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. The High Representative welcomes this agreement, which will be of benefit to the quality of life of citizens.