Bosnia and Herzegovina: Integrated methodology for flood hazard, risk maps

Within the framework of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Project „Technology transfer for climate resilient flood management in Vrbas River Basin", presentation of the first integrated methodology for development of flood hazard maps and risk maps in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was held in Sarajevo.

This methodology as well as the maps to be based on it, represent one of the main tools in the flood risk management from the entity level to the local community. The methodology is in line with EU legislation, at the same time taking into account existing methodologies, previously designed in BiH, as well as specific circumstances and experiences in making maps from neighboring countries and EU countries.

"This is a pilot project in BiH and can serve as an example and a basis for future projects developing hazard and risk maps in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and detailed hydrologic-hydraulic analysis of the Vrbas River Basin, which is the basis for the development of hazard maps and map risk, testifies to its quality " said Vujadin Blagojevic, designer from Institute for Water Management in Bijeljina.

The methodology was prepared and presented by the expert team from the Institute for Water Management Bijeljina, Institute for Water Management Sarajevo, Jaroslav Černi Institute for the Development of Water Resources Belgrade and Zagreb Proning DHI.

Previously, the methodology was presented to the Agencies for river basin management in BiH (Agency for the Sava River Basin and PI "Vode Srpske") which have agreed to the proposed integrated approach and emphasized the importance of the implementation of integrated methodologies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In particular since this approach is to be used for the mapping of the hazards and risks of floods in other basins in BiH, through various projects that have already been announced through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).

Upon completion of all activities, the ultimate beneficiaries of the project Agency for the Sava River Basin and PI "Vode Srpske" will be provided, along with hazard maps and risk maps, with all the processed data used, topographical surveying, and hydrological and hydraulic models designed. The use of these tools in BiH will significantly improve flood risk management, with the ultimate goal being reduction of the harmful effects of flooding on the most vulnerable groups of the population.