The Minister for Spatial Planning, Construction, and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska, Bojan Vipotnik, discussed Trgovska Gora, climate change, and plans for 2024 in an interview with SRNA.
The Minister for Spatial Planning, Construction, and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska, Bojan Vipotnik, emphasized that Croatia's choice to delay the storage of nuclear waste at Trgovska Gora signifies a triumph for citizens, the media, and institutions. These collective efforts effectively underscored the harmful nature of such intentions, marking a significant step toward the ultimate victory – the prohibition of waste disposal.
In his interview with SRNA, he underscored the achievement of a comprehensive consensus among citizens, institutions, non-governmental organizations, and political representatives. This unified stance serves as a clear and resolute message to Croatia.
"In spite of daily political disagreements, this issue has fostered a sense of unity. It sends a powerful message to the citizens in that part of Republic of Srpska and BiH that they are not alone. It is also a message to Croatia that we will not permit them to persist in their intentions. Our ultimate objective is clear—to halt waste disposal in Čerkezovac," declared Vipotnik.
According to him, the message from Croatia that they plan to store waste in Slovenia, specifically in the "Krško" Nuclear Power Plant until 2028, is received positively. He added that this will not impede the ongoing efforts of institutions from the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"We have initiated research in the Republic of Srpska and the Federation of BiH, involving all pertinent health and educational institutions. The Institute for Public Health is in the process of preparing the initial report, along with the Institute for Geological Research. Our colleagues in the Federation are also engaged in the same efforts," stated Vipotnik.
He recalled several meetings, with the most significant one occurring in Geneva at the end of last year at the Secretariat of the Espoo Convention and the Protocol on Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment. During this meeting, authorities were briefed on the initiatives of the Republic of Srpska, BiH, and Croatia. Vipotnik emphasized that the crucial message conveyed was that institutions were not behind schedule in their proactive measures.
"There were individuals, including the media, who claimed that we were late. However, we received affirmation from the most pertinent sources that we acted in a timely manner in all our endeavors," stated Vipotnik, underscoring his concern that Croatia is leading a non-transparent process.
He pointed out that three EU countries, namely Hungary, Austria, and Slovenia, have aligned themselves with the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Vipotnik emphasized the positive collaboration with institutions in Serbia.
"We have successfully passed a relevant Resolution in the National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska, sending a robust message. In the upcoming period, we simply need to persist in our activities, and I am confident that we will achieve our ultimate objective, compelling Croatia to abandon this location," emphasized Vipotnik.
10 MILLION EUROS GRANT FUNDS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY THIS YEAR
Vipotnik highlighted that the Ministry, in collaboration with international partners, is effectively executing energy efficiency projects. These projects are specifically targeted at the education, health, social protection, and public administration sectors, with annual allocations totaling tens of millions of BAM.
"All projects are carried out by domestic companies, contributing significantly to the enhancement of our economic landscape. In the past year, we successfully renovated over 30 buildings, with the implementation of projects valued at 40 million BAM," affirmed Vipotnik.
He stated that this year, 40 percent of projects in underdeveloped and extremely underdeveloped municipalities are currently underway. Through collaborative efforts with international organizations and banks, grant funds totaling 10 million euros have been secured.
"We have identified 13 buildings, and contracts for them will be signed shortly. The objective is to engage as many international partners as possible and channel significant investments into the Republic of Srpska. Our commitment to this endeavor remains steadfast," affirmed Vipotnik.
SUTJESKA NATIONAL PARK NEEDS TO "GET ON ITS FEET" THIS YEAR
Reflecting on the past year, Vipotnik noted that aside from enhancing the conditions in protected areas, the majority of efforts were directed towards rehabilitating the situation in the "Sutjeska" National Park.
"A decade ago, issues were swept under the rug. I empathize with those currently on strike without pay. Our efforts have been concentrated on actively resolving this problem. Criminal charges have been brought against accountable individuals and former managers, " stated Vipotnik.
He highlighted that his proposal for an extraordinary financial audit in Sutjeska National Park has been approved, marking a crucial stride toward addressing the accumulated issues.
"This, I believe, signifies the definitive severance from the lingering issues of the past. I am confident that with this measure, "Sutjeska" will find firm footing this year and emerge as what it has always been destined to be – the jewel of the Republic of Srpska," emphasized Vipotnik.
The minister acknowledged that the past year was rife with challenges. However, he expressed satisfaction with the initial year of his mandate, underscoring that the primary focus remains on promptly addressing citizens' requests and enhancing the legislative framework.
"I would like to highlight the adoption of the Draft Law on Nature Protection, a highly intricate piece of legislation. It successfully went through the draft stage in the National Assembly, followed by public hearings. We are currently in the process of advancing the Draft Law," stated Vipotnik.
He recalled that the Law on State Apartments was also passed, over which there is no tenancy right, stressing that in this way a big problem in numerous local communities was solved.
"We have expanded the eligibility criteria for another category of the population to acquire conditions for obtaining these apartments. Additionally, we have enacted a series of by-laws related to environmental protection. We have laid the groundwork for the implementation of Euro-codes, which will elevate the construction standards," highlighted Vipotnik..
NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGE COST LIVES AND MONEY
The Minister emphasized that the enduring toll of human lives and financial resources due to the adverse effects of climate change has been a longstanding issue. He highlighted that discussions regarding the remediation of consequences and preventive measures took place towards the end of last year at the Conference of Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai.
" The Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina might not wield a significant impact on climate change, but its repercussions are undeniable for us. Research conducted by the World Bank underscores that, in recent years, the escalation of natural disasters in these regions is intricately linked to the adverse effects of climate change," stated Vipotnik.
He added that it is crucial to raise awareness of this issue, underscoring the significance of each individual's role in mitigating the consequences of climate change. Vipotnik mentioned ongoing collaborations with international organizations and the world's largest funds, leading to the implementation of two projects valued at over a million dollars.