Drina River Basin Management Project: WB Approves $8.73 Million for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia

Today, the World Bank Group's Board of Executive Directors approved grants from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) totaling $8.73 million for the Western Balkans for the Drina River Basin Management Project in Bosnia and Herzegovina ($3.37 million), Montenegro ($2.72 million), and Serbia ($2.63 million), reports the Patria News Agency.

The project aims to ensure rational and equitable management of the Drina River basin while supporting significant socio-economic development opportunities offered by its rich natural resources, and protecting the environment. The project will strengthen cooperation mechanisms between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia on this shared resource. The project will also help address climate change-related disasters, particularly floods and droughts. 

-This is a regional project that strengthens cooperation between the three countries on transboundary water management, said Anna Cestari, a senior water resources specialist at the World Bank and the project team leader. 

-This project will provide support to the countries for optimal management of this shared river basin. It will also increase their preparedness for extreme weather events, given that devastating floods and seasonal droughts have become increasingly frequent in recent years and have caused great damage.”

This project will complement ongoing activities financed by the World Bank, the European Union, and other international institutions to improve integrated planning and cooperation in water resource management in the region, the World Bank announced.