Economics & Development

People in many parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) are exposed to more toxic particulate matter (PM) air pollution than their neighbors in Western Europe. This is especially true for residents in urban areas, such as Sarajevo. The burning of solid fuels - often of poor quality - for domestic heating and cooking, prevalence of inefficient stoves and boilers, industry, and aging vehicle fleets are the main contributors to ambient air pollution (AAP). The high levels of air pollution in the country have significant negative effects on human health and the economy. BiH recognizes air quality management (AQM) as part of a broader set of measures geared towards climate change mitigation, energy transition, and sustainable growth, particularly because air pollution control promises significant co-benefits for climate change mitigation. The cost of inaction is high, and the need for more effective AQM is widely acknowledged. Focusing efforts on the residential sector promises substantial improvements in air quality because it is the largest source of PM air pollution. he objective of this functional review (FR) is to provide insights and develop recommendations for strengthening regulatory and institutional frameworks and capacity for AQM, enabling the country, entity, and cantonal governments to deliver better air quality for its citizens. The FR assesses whether existing legislation and policies clearly define the results to be achieved, assign roles and responsibilities, and establish efficient and accountable processes on how the results are to be delivered (what government should do). At an organizational level, the FR offers a mechanism to analyze whether and how institutional and implementation arrangements are fit for purpose (what government can do).