On February 13, 2025, the first National Stakeholders’ Meeting in Bosnia and Herzegovina was successfully held in Mostar. Organized by the Hydro-Engineering Institute Sarajevo as part of the URBANFLOODS project, the event gathered representatives from key national and local institutions, including the Agency for Watershed of the Adriatic Sea, the Federal Hydro-Meteorological Institute, and the Civil Protection authorities.
The primary goal of the meeting was to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and improve flood prevention and risk management efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Participants engaged in discussions on the current legal and policy framework, identifying key challenges such as the lack of coordination among institutions, gaps in the existing legislation, and the need for enhanced early warning systems and forecasting models.
The feedback from attendees indicated a high level of satisfaction with the meeting’s structure and content. Many emphasized the necessity of establishing a centralized coordinating body for flood risk management and improving the implementation of existing laws and policies. Additionally, the use of advanced technology, such as mobile applications and hydraulic modelling, was highlighted as a crucial tool for enhancing flood preparedness and response.
The meeting concluded with a strong call for broader stakeholder participation and continued efforts in public awareness and policy development. Future engagement activities and stakeholder interviews are planned to further improve collaboration and ensure the successful implementation of the URBANFLOODS project.