SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND GREENING THE ECONOMY IN TRANSITION COUNTRIES IN SE EUROPE: A CASE STUDY OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Melika Arifhodzic
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2015.1.593
UDC: 338.484:502.131.1(497.6:4.1-12)
Abstract: In order to become members of EU, countries in transition in SE Europe have been under pressure of introducing measures and laws relating to environmental protection. The urge is getting higher as the natural resources and biodiversities, which are amongst the highest in level in the continent, are under constant threat due to improper use or unplanned exploitation. Considering the still existing traces left from the legacy of centrally planned economy and political systems, the paper will question how some models of sustainable development in Europe are applicable in these countries. Through various shifts of social, economic and political indicators the paper will analyze their influences in relation to implementation of sustainable development policy as well as activities in connection to green economy introduction. An intensive approach will be employed in case of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the results of various studies and cases from the practice will prove that all these mentioned factors play a key role in planning of sustainable development. The conclusion is that an approach that takes into consideration all named factors, integrating researchbased and practice-based knowledge should be proposed for these countries.
Key words: Environmental protection, Sustainable Development, Transition, Green Economy, SE Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina.