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The environmental legacy of these mining sites,
as well as existing and operation mining sites, is
wide-ranging. Environmental problems include the
production of waste, air pollution, adverse impacts
on land use and biodiversity, water pollution and
availability, hazardous materials, noise and vibration,
energy use, and visual/aesthetic impacts (UNEP,
2009). The dominant pathway of exposure is through
rivers, posing a critical transboundary pollution risk
to countries within the region.
Climate change can compound the aforementioned
existing environmental problems and pose increasing
risks of water pollution. The waste produced from
mining – known as tailings – contains large quantities
of metals and minerals, ranging from benign to very
toxic. These tailings, which are stored within tailing
management facilities such as ponds and dams,
are the most common cause for concern regarding
pollution. Many tailing management facilities
within the region are abandoned or neglected and
do not receive regular maintenance, making them
vulnerable to failure and therefore the release of
contaminants intowatercourses.This risk is increased
through a combination of flooding (as a result of the
more intense rainfall expected in the winter and
spring months) and poor infrastructure. Apart from
the pollution effects, potential for conflicts between
countries increases if such contaminants cross
national borders.
Tourism
The Western Balkans has vast potential for
sustainable tourism due to its rich cultural heritage
and diversity, attractive coastlines and historic cities,
and some of Europe’s largest and wildest landscapes.
Tourism is one of the largest and also fastest-growing
economic sectors in the region, and for most
countries is expected to grow significantly both in
terms of contribution to GDP and creation of jobs.
Croatia, Montenegro and Albania have the potential
for further development of tourism in coastal areas,
while FYR Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo
1
and BiH have
potential for winter tourism, and all have interesting
historical sites and cultural and religious sites to visit.
While tourism is mostly concentrated in coastal areas
and historic cities, mountain tourism is also present
and includes both winter and summer activities. All
the countries have at least one ski resort and offer
other winter activities as well. In warmer weather,
tourism within mountains focuses on natural
heritage, national parks, and local culture (UNEP/
ENVSEC, 2012). Although mountain tourism has
received increasing attention over the past few years,
its contribution to overall tourism remains low (e.g.
Callaway
et al.
, 2010).
Jahorina ski resort, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Srd mountain, Dubrovnik, Croatia