Enhancing Environmental Governance: A Study of Performance and Transparency of Environmental Inspections in Bosnia and Herzegovina

• In Event: Green Criminology #1 - Ecocide and Environmental Governance

Abstract

Bosnia and Herzegovina faces significant environmental challenges, with various anthropogenic pressures threatening its air, water, land, forests, and biodiversity. Addressing these challenges and ensuring environmental protection and improvement require coordinated efforts from all stakeholders, including environmental inspection authorities. These authorities play a crucial role in deterring environmental violations by identifying breaches and enforcing environmental laws through sanctions or other means. The administrative structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina adds complexity to environmental governance, as inspection responsibilities are fragmented among numerous administrative units. The country has 13 inspection administrations with specialized environmental inspection units. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and transparency of environmental inspections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through the analysis of key indicators such as the frequency and nature of inspections, the number of inspectors, and the sanctions and measures imposed, the research will identify the main challenges that hinder the effectiveness and transparency of environmental inspection authorities. The findings are expected to offer valuable insights for policymakers and other stakeholders, facilitating efforts to enhance environmental governance in the country.

Author

• Sandra Kobajica Misanovic, University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security Studies