Environmental Law, Politics, and Ecological Awareness in Southeast Europe with a Significant Focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

The research determines the hypothesis: Bosnia and Herzegovina has not effectively adjusted the environmental protection policy and has insufficient ecological awareness. The study presents theoretical determinants and ecological legislative policies of former Yugoslavia (focusing on B&H) associated with the EU, analysing strategies and environmental awareness within the "green" political ideology. The ineffectively developed environmental normative and institutional framework and the complex architecture of the Dayton Constitution complicate ecological policies. In addition, institutional ethnopolitical fragmentation and frequent disputes over the division of competencies between levels of government have contributed to the gravity of the position. A prerequisite for responsible behaviour towards the environment is to acquire knowledge about the interdependence of development and the current environmental policies in more environmentally advanced nations, not exclusively within the EU. The weak general environmental culture, traditional Yugoslavia socialism industrialization, labour heritage, and war region legacy (hazardous substances, depleted uranium, genetically modified, bacteriologically, chemically defective food, expired medications) have degraded environmentalism. B&H necessitates civic awareness of the convention, environmental rights, civic participation, and public responsibilities concerning environmental and well-being decision-making. Besides institutions, the ecological transition should start among individuals and communities. It is delinquent when action policies have been adopted, financial resources consumed - environmental consequences affect citizens' health. The development of green politics will largely depend on the social, political, and legislative development of the EU.

Keywords

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Environmental law
• Ecological policies
• Environmental awareness

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