Bosnia and Herzegovina

CONTACT:

Borut Rubinič CEPF Programme Officer for the Balkans T: +386 41 703282 E: [email protected]

Mediterranean Basin Hotspot

Bosnia and Herzegovina Factsheet about future investment in biodiversity conservation projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)

Kravice Waterfall at Trebizat River © Kulijer

Established in 2000, the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is a joint initiative of l'Agence Française de Développement, Conservation International, the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan and the World Bank. A fundamental goal is to ensure civil society is engaged in biodiversity conservation.

Please visit www.cepf.net and www.birdlife.org/cepf-med for more information about our programs.

WHAT IS CEPF? When developing an Ecosystem Profile for a biodiversity hotspot, CEPF decides on a few

priorities, which are known as “Strategic Directions”. The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) provides These are important to grant applicants because grants to non-governmental and private sector organizations to each project must address a Strategic Direction and help protect biodiversity hotspots. Since its establishment in one or more of its investment priorities. 2000, CEPF has awarded more than 2,120 grants in 92 countries and territories. A fundamental goal is to ensure For the Mediterranean, these are the current civil society is engaged in biodiversity conservation. Strategic Directions: 1. Support civil society to engage stakeholders in demonstrating integrated approaches for the WHAT IS THE MEDITERRANEAN preservation of biodiversity in coastal areas. BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT? 2. Support the sustainable management of water catchments through integrated approaches for Stretching from Cabo Verde to eastern Turkey, the the conservation of threatened freshwater Mediterranean Basin is identified as one of the world's 35 biodiversity. biodiversity hotspots, earth’s most biologically rich, yet 3. Promote the maintenance of traditional land threatened, areas. use practices necessary for the conservation of Mediterranean biodiversity in priority corridors of CEPF has been active in the hotspot since 2012, and has begun a new 5-year investment phase in 2017, with US$ 11.2 million high cultural and biodiversity value. to invest until September 2022. 4. Strengthen the engagement of civil society to support the conservation of plants that are CEPF’s initial investment phase demonstrated that through Critically Endangered or have highly restricted funding, along with mentoring, partnerships and innovative ranges. communication strategies, civil society groups play an 5. Strengthen the regional conservation community important role in conservation efforts. through the sharing of best practices and knowledge among grantees across the hotspot.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A GRANT?

All NGOs, community groups, private enterprises and other civil society organizations may apply for funding. Our grant recipients range from small farming cooperatives and community associations to international organizations. What do they all have in common? They are dedicated to protecting biodiversity. For more details, please visit our page:

https://www.cepf.net/grants/eligibility A map of the Mediterranean Hotspot WHAT IS CEPF’S INVESTMENT STRATEGY? HOW DO I APPLY?

Before providing funding to a hotspot, CEPF develops an For information on how to apply, please visit: “Ecosystem Profile” that informs its investment strategy. In the https://www.cepf.net/grants Mediterranean, more than 500 civil society organizations and other stakeholders in the region were consulted over a period of Calls for Proposals are announced on the CEPF 6 months for this in-depth analysis, helping to develop a shared website at: https://www.cepf.net/grants/open-calls- strategy from the outset that has a bigger impact for nature. for-proposals

Please visit www.cepf.net and www.birdlife.org/cepf-med for more information about our programs.

Why is CEPF investing in Bosnia Eligibility of projects in Bosnia and and Herzegovina? Herzegovina: To protect priority Key Biodiversity Areas and species CEPF investment in Bosnia and Herzegovina will focus on the following investment priorities: Bosnia and Herzegovina is known for its extensive and unique karst geology, which hosts endemic fauna and flora. Strategic Direction 2: Freshwater biodiversity: Support the sustainable management of water catchments through integrated approaches for the conservation of threatened freshwater biodiversity by supporting the following investment priorities: 2.1: Enhance the knowledge base on freshwater biodiversity and its importance in maintenance of freshwater ecosystem services. 2.2: Take action to reduce threats and improve management of selected sites in priority freshwater catchments with the participation of local stakeholders. 2.3: Engage with government, private sector and other stakeholders to support integrated river basin management practices that reduce threats to biodiversity in priority CMZs. Strategic Direction 4: Plants: Strengthen the engagement of civil society to support the conservation of plants that are critically endangered or have highly restricted ranges through supporting the following investment priorities: 4.1: Increase knowledge and skills to support assessment and planning for the conservation of plants, and foster the emergence of a new generation of young professionals in A map of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina plant conservation. Bosnia and Herzegovina perfectly embodies the Mediterranean priorities in biodiversity conservation. Although a relatively small portion of the country 4.2: Support integration of plant conservation into the falls within the Mediterranean biome, its complex topography and management of protected areas. hydrography shelters a large diversity of habitats and species. 4.3: Support innovative actions for the conservation of important populations of plants, working with landowners The country provides vital resting and refueling habitat for migratory birds and managers. on the African-Eurasian Flyway; millions of birds migrate twice annually between their breeding grounds in the north and wintering grounds in Africa. How can I get involved? The Mediterranean part of Bosnia and Herzegovina is famous for its preserved rivers and streams, and its flora, fauna and fungi are considered Contact Information to be among the most diverse in Europe. Among more than 5000 vascular For questions specific to Bosnia and Herzegovina grants, contact: plant species, there are over 450 species and sub-species that are Borut Rubinič, CEPF Programme Officer for the Balkans endemic, which makes this country’s plant life one of the most unique in Ljubljana, Slovenia - DOPPS - BirdLife Slovenia Europe. p.p. 2990, Tržaška 2, SI - 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenija [email protected] / +386 41 703282 However, the conversion of habitats, followed by overexploitation of resources and pollution are causing an intensive pressure on this nature. For general enquiries contact the Regional Implementation Team (RIT) Moreover, extensive hydropower development plans are a major threat to (led by BirdLife International): Bosnia and Herzegovina’s unique karst poljes and other water bodies. Liz Smith, RIT Manager, BirdLife International, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, UK, CB2 3QZ So far, many of CEPF’s projects have helped to assess populations of the [email protected] / +44 (0)1223 279878 country’s threatened biodiversity, reduce hunting pressure in Hutovo Blato Nature Park and along Trebižat River, and tried to identify more sustainable Web & Social Media solutions for the management of freshwater resources. www.birdlife.org/cepf-med www.cepf.net How can dragonflies help Bosnia & Herzegovina’s accession into the Facebook: @CEPF.MED / Twitter: @CEPFmed #CEPFmed EU? Read about previous projects here: www.birdlife.org/europe-and- central-asia/news/how-can-dragonflies-help-balkan-country-european- union

Please visit www.cepf.net and www.birdlife.org/cepf-med for more information about our programs.

List of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Please visit www.cepf.net and www.birdlife.org/cepf-med for more information about our programs.