Outlook on Climate Change Adaptation in the Western Balkan Mountains

Globally, mountains are increasingly recognized for their vital importance in providing multiple services to both mountain and downstream communities: the same is true for the mountains of the Western Balkans. These services include that of “water towers”, supplying water (especially in summer) and for hydropower; as centres of both biological and cultural diversity; and as places for tourism and recreation. However, mountain geo- and ecosystems are also highly sensitive to environmental change, and extreme events can have major consequences for both mountain and downstream areas. In order for the mountains of the Western Balkans to continue providing essential services downstream, adaptation policies and actions are therefore needed that take into account or address mountain needs. Against this background, this Outlook has been prepared by several national and international experts from UNEP, its collaborating centre GRID-Arendal and the Environmental Innovations Association (EIA). This outlook synthesizes and analyses existing climate change adaptation responses in the mountainous regions of the Western Balkans and the extent to which they address key climate risks. In doing so, the authors and contributors have largely followed the definitions set out in the IPCC’s Fifth assessment report. The outlook has used three main steps: 1) the determination of the main climate hazards, vulnerabilities and key risks. Once identified, these key risks are considered as priorities to be addressed by adaptation policy; 2) the identification of existing measures (policies, strategies) for climate change adaptation, and 3) the analysis of the extent to which these existing measures can respond to the key risks (gap analysis). Several best practice case studies are also highlighted.

This synthesis publication has used as it sources of information: peer-reviewed journal articles, grey literature sources (e.g. those available from NGOs and international organizations); government reports including the National Communications submitted by countries to the UNFCCC); and extensive expert input through stakeholder consultation. Participants to the stakeholder consultation in Budva, Montenegro, July 2015: • Zdravko Kutle, Blidinje Nature Park, Bosnia and Herzegovina • Vlatko Trpeski, Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning, FYR Macedonia • MilenaSpicanovicBulatovic,MinistryofSustainable Development And Tourism, Montenegro • Olivera Kujundzic, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism, Montenegro • Stana Bozovic, Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Serbia • Jasmina Muric, Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Serbia • Agim Qehaja, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, Kosovo 1 • Qenan Maxhuni, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, Kosovo 1

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