1st Regional Stakeholders Meeting in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In September, Our Land began promoting the FBI4EU project in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The initial step was to contact potential stakeholders and bring them together to form a regional group. By the end of the month, representatives from a wood cluster, an entrepreneurship association, an ecological education organization, a public forestry institution, and a wood processing company joined the group.

The 1st Regional Stakeholders Meeting was held on September 27th via Google Meet. This meeting provided an important opportunity to introduce the FBI4EU project and start discussions about strategies and policies supporting innovation and digital transformation in the forest-based sector.

The meeting started with a presentation of the FBI4EU project, followed by an analysis of strategic documents guiding the development of the wood industry. The Development Strategy for Herzegovina-Neretva Canton (2021–2027) and the Strategy for the Development of the Wood Industry in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2016–2025) were analyzed as key resources.

Later, participants conducted a SWOT analysis, identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for the sector. Forests cover over 54% of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, making the wood industry a crucial part of the economy. The sector employs more than 25,000 people and produces various export-oriented products. However, challenges such as insufficient forest protection, underdeveloped final wood processing, and the presence of landmines in some areas were highlighted.

Despite these challenges, great opportunities were identified. The group emphasized the importance of innovation, eco-friendly production, and digital solutions to improve efficiency. There is also a need for better forest management and increased awareness campaigns to protect this valuable resource.

The meeting concluded with a focus on future cooperation. Collaboration and innovation will be essential in addressing threats posed by climate change, forest fires, and other risks. By working together, participants aim to ensure a sustainable future for the wood industry in Herzegovina-Neretva Canton.