Outlook on Climate Change Adaptation in the Western Balkan Mountains

due to heatwaves at the national level (e.g. FYR Macedonia, Albania and Croatia). Other countries are in the process of developing their own strategy for public health integrating the risk of heatwaves (e.g. Montenegro). However, these countries’ policies do not take into account mountain areas. One effective way to reduce heat-related health risks is through the systematic development of heatwave early warning systems (HEWS). These can provide meteorological and/or climate-prediction-based information on the chance of imminent hot weather that may have a negative effect on health. This information serves to alert and activate decision- makers, health services and the general public, and ultimately to moderate the effects of hot-weather extremes on health. FYR Macedonia offers one example of good practice, having implemented a national Heat-Health Action Plan. • Poor regional/national policy coverage for adaptation to health impacts of heatwaves • Lack of/limited adequate inter-sectoral cooperation Risk of cold-related mortality and morbidity, especially among vulnerable sectors of the population. Very few Western Balkan countries (e.g. FYR Macedonia and Croatia) explicitly address the health consequences connected with cold weather during winter. Measures, where they exist, include monitoring, early warning measures and advisory services directed to elderly people. However, mountain areas are not considered as a special case. Key Policy gaps:

implemented into the national legislation of Croatia. This includes the establishment of a mechanism to protect and restore regulatory ecosystem services. In accordance with spatial plans, every building under construction has to undergo an environmental impact study. However, the integration of climate change impacts as risk factors is rather slow. The Framework Agreement on the Sava River Basin (FASRB) covers BiH, Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia. While it does not mention climate change, it does account for measures to prevent or limit hazards, and reduce or eliminate their adverse consequences, including the release of hazardous substances into water by flooding events. It states that the Parties shall establish a coordinated or joint system of measures, activities, warnings and alarms in the Sava River Basin for extraordinary impacts on the water regime. This includes from sudden and accidental pollution, discharge of artificial accumulations and retentions caused by collapsing or inappropriate handling, flood, ice, drought, water shortage, and obstruction of navigation. Other countries in the Western Balkans are active on this front, with an improved monitoring and forecasting system for flood and water pollution control in Albania and cadastre of water resources to identify areas of potential danger in Montenegro.

Key Policy gaps:

• Inadequate policy coverage for adaptation to health impacts of cold spells • Potential lack of adequate inter-sectoral cooperation

Decreased public safety

Risk of decreased public safety due to flooding in landmine sites. Landmines are not only a significant impediment to settlements, sustainable forest management and agriculture, but also become a matter of public safety in the event of flooding. So far this issue has been treated separately from climate change and flood-related policies. In Croatia, demining activities are limited due to a lack of funds. These activities are focused on areas which are urbanized, infrastructural or have agricultural purposes, while the demining of forests has so far mostly been the financial obligation of the state forest management company.

Key Policy gaps:

Key Policy gaps:

• Risk not addressed by existing policies

• Lack of/limited funding to finance adaptation and flood management • Lack of awareness of pollution as public safety issues triggered by climate change • Lack of/limited adequate vertical integration from the EU to local administrations

Risk of polluted water courses and related health issues due to flooding in industrial hotspots. The EU Directive SEVESO II aims to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances, and has been

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