Publication Name

With regard to planned national adaptation efforts,

Western Balkan countries have been designing,

developing and implementing adaptation policies

at different paces. Some countries have adopted or

are currently developing policy instruments that

are specifically designed to address climate change

adaptation. Others currently rely on National

Communications to the UNFCCC and different

sectoral strategies that contain measures that are

beneficial to adaptation.

Albania is highly vulnerable to climate change, and

economically reliant on the sectors that are at risk

from climate change. It joined the UNFCCC in

1995 and ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2004. Since

the ratification, Albania adopted and submitted

two National Communications, while the third

one is under preparation. The First National

Communication contains an action plan (National

Climate Change Action Plan) which contains

mitigation and adaptation measures. This action

National policy frameworks for adaptation

plan has been adopted until 2020, and is expected to

be regularly reviewed. It foresees monitoring based

on indicators that cover policy, legal, financial and

awareness aspects of responses to climate change. The

country has also adopted some strategic documents

that contain adaptation measures.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) ratified the UNFCCC

in September 2000 and has submitted its First and

Second National Communications to the Convention

Secretariat. In 2013, the Climate Change Adaptation

and Low-EmissionDevelopment Strategy for BiHwas

adopted by the Council of Ministers in cooperation

with the entity governments, representing the

first step towards defining a comprehensive policy

framework to respond to climate change. The

Strategy identifies the vulnerability of BiH to climate

change due to its geographic position, the economic

importance of agriculture and forestry sectors, and its

limited adaptive capacity. It addresses climate change

mitigation and adaptation that is gender responsive,

foresees development of specific measures to ensure

adequate support for the most vulnerable groups,

and addresses governance issues. The Adaptation

Strategy does not have allocated sources of financing,

and relies heavily on foreign donors and development

organizations for implementing concrete actions and

programmes.

Croatia is recognized as a country that is vulnerable

to climate change due to its climate and geographical

features, as well as its heavy reliance on sectors

potentially vulnerable to climate change and extreme

weather. It became a Party to the Convention

in 1996, and has already prepared six National

Communications. By joining the EU in July 2013,

Croatia has legally incorporated reporting obligations

on the implementation of policy and measures

intended to reduce emissions and increase CO

sequestration, and to periodically submit the long-

term emission projections to the EU bodies. The

Ministry of Environment and Nature Protection is

currently preparing the Adaptation Strategy and action

plan financed by the EU, with adoption envisaged for

2016. This Strategy will set the adaptation goals and

priorities, in line with recommendations of the EU

Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change. In 2013,

Croatia developed its Framework for Low-Emission

Development Strategy to serve as a basis for the Low-

Carbon Development Strategy, planned for adoption

in 2015. The National Program to Reduce Road

Transport Emissions, and the Strategy of Marine

Environment and Coastal Areas Management will be

completed by the end of 2015.

Albania

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Croatia

FYR Macedonia

Montenegro

Serbia

Kosovo

–

2013 – Climate Change Adaptation and Low-Emission Development Strategy

under preparation

–

2014 – National Adaptation Component (as part of the Climate Change Strategy)

National Adaptation Strategies in the Western Balkans