Outlook on Climate Change Adaptation in the Western Balkan Mountains

The environmental legacy of these mining sites, as well as existing and operation mining sites, is wide-ranging. Environmental problems include the production of waste, air pollution, adverse impacts on land use and biodiversity, water pollution and availability, hazardous materials, noise and vibration, energy use, and visual/aesthetic impacts (UNEP, 2009). The dominant pathway of exposure is through rivers, posing a critical transboundary pollution risk to countries within the region. Climate change can compound the aforementioned existing environmental problems and pose increasing risks of water pollution. The waste produced from mining – known as tailings – contains large quantities of metals and minerals, ranging from benign to very toxic. These tailings, which are stored within tailing management facilities such as ponds and dams, are the most common cause for concern regarding pollution. Many tailing management facilities within the region are abandoned or neglected and do not receive regular maintenance, making them vulnerable to failure and therefore the release of contaminants intowatercourses.This risk is increased through a combination of flooding (as a result of the more intense rainfall expected in the winter and spring months) and poor infrastructure. Apart from the pollution effects, potential for conflicts between countries increases if such contaminants cross national borders. Tourism The Western Balkans has vast potential for sustainable tourism due to its rich cultural heritage and diversity, attractive coastlines and historic cities, and some of Europe’s largest and wildest landscapes. Tourism is one of the largest and also fastest-growing economic sectors in the region, and for most countries is expected to grow significantly both in

Srd mountain, Dubrovnik, Croatia

terms of contribution to GDP and creation of jobs. Croatia, Montenegro and Albania have the potential for further development of tourism in coastal areas, while FYR Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo 1 and BiH have potential for winter tourism, and all have interesting historical sites and cultural and religious sites to visit. While tourism is mostly concentrated in coastal areas and historic cities, mountain tourism is also present and includes both winter and summer activities. All the countries have at least one ski resort and offer other winter activities as well. In warmer weather, tourism within mountains focuses on natural heritage, national parks, and local culture (UNEP/ ENVSEC, 2012). Although mountain tourism has received increasing attention over the past few years, its contribution to overall tourism remains low (e.g. Callaway et al. , 2010).

Jahorina ski resort, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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