Outlook on Climate Change Adaptation in the Western Balkan Mountains

National policy frameworks for adaptation

With regard to planned national adaptation efforts, Western Balkan countries have been designing, developing and implementing adaptation policies at different paces. Some countries have adopted or are currently developing policy instruments that are specifically designed to address climate change adaptation. Others currently rely on National Communications to the UNFCCC and different sectoral strategies that contain measures that are beneficial to adaptation. Albania is highly vulnerable to climate change, and economically reliant on the sectors that are at risk from climate change. It joined the UNFCCC in 1995 and ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2004. Since the ratification, Albania adopted and submitted two National Communications, while the third one is under preparation. The First National Communication contains an action plan (National Climate Change Action Plan) which contains mitigation and adaptation measures. This action

plan has been adopted until 2020, and is expected to be regularly reviewed. It foresees monitoring based on indicators that cover policy, legal, financial and awareness aspects of responses to climate change. The country has also adopted some strategic documents that contain adaptation measures. Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) ratified the UNFCCC in September 2000 and has submitted its First and Second National Communications to the Convention Secretariat. In 2013, the Climate Change Adaptation and Low-EmissionDevelopment Strategy for BiHwas adopted by the Council of Ministers in cooperation with the entity governments, representing the first step towards defining a comprehensive policy framework to respond to climate change. The Strategy identifies the vulnerability of BiH to climate change due to its geographic position, the economic importance of agriculture and forestry sectors, and its limited adaptive capacity. It addresses climate change mitigation and adaptation that is gender responsive,

foresees development of specific measures to ensure adequate support for the most vulnerable groups, and addresses governance issues. The Adaptation Strategy does not have allocated sources of financing, and relies heavily on foreign donors and development organizations for implementing concrete actions and programmes. Croatia is recognized as a country that is vulnerable to climate change due to its climate and geographical features, as well as its heavy reliance on sectors potentially vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather. It became a Party to the Convention in 1996, and has already prepared six National Communications. By joining the EU in July 2013, Croatia has legally incorporated reporting obligations on the implementation of policy and measures intended to reduce emissions and increase CO 2 sequestration, and to periodically submit the long- term emission projections to the EU bodies. The Ministry of Environment and Nature Protection is currently preparing the Adaptation Strategy and action plan financed by the EU, with adoption envisaged for 2016. This Strategy will set the adaptation goals and priorities, in line with recommendations of the EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change. In 2013, Croatia developed its Framework for Low-Emission Development Strategy to serve as a basis for the Low- Carbon Development Strategy, planned for adoption in 2015. The National Program to Reduce Road Transport Emissions, and the Strategy of Marine Environment and Coastal Areas Management will be completed by the end of 2015.

National Adaptation Strategies in the Western Balkans

Albania Bosnia and Herzegovina Croatia FYR Macedonia Montenegro Serbia Kosovo 1

– 2013 – Climate Change Adaptation and Low-Emission Development Strategy under preparation – – – 2014 – National Adaptation Component (as part of the Climate Change Strategy)

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