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due to heatwaves at the national level (e.g. FYR
Macedonia, Albania and Croatia). Other countries
are in the process of developing their own strategy
for public health integrating the risk of heatwaves
(e.g. Montenegro). However, these countries’ policies
do not take into account mountain areas.
One effective way to reduce heat-related health risks
is through the systematic development of heatwave
early warning systems (HEWS). These can provide
meteorological and/or climate-prediction-based
information on the chance of imminent hot weather
that may have a negative effect on health. This
information serves to alert and activate decision-
makers, health services and the general public, and
ultimately to moderate the effects of hot-weather
extremes on health. FYR Macedonia offers one
example of good practice, having implemented a
national Heat-Health Action Plan.
Risk of decreased public safety due to flooding in
landmine sites.
Landmines are not only a significant impediment
to settlements, sustainable forest management and
agriculture, but also become a matter of public safety
in the event of flooding.
So far this issue has been treated separately from
climate change and flood-related policies. In Croatia,
demining activities are limited due to a lack of
funds. These activities are focused on areas which
are urbanized, infrastructural or have agricultural
purposes, while the demining of forests has so far
mostly been the financial obligation of the state forest
management company.
implemented into the national legislation of Croatia.
This includes the establishment of a mechanism to
protect and restore regulatory ecosystem services. In
accordance with spatial plans, every building under
construction has to undergo an environmental impact
study. However, the integration of climate change
impacts as risk factors is rather slow.
The Framework Agreement on the Sava River Basin
(FASRB) covers BiH, Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia.
While it does not mention climate change, it does
account for measures to prevent or limit hazards,
and reduce or eliminate their adverse consequences,
including the release of hazardous substances into
water by flooding events. It states that the Parties shall
establish a coordinated or joint system of measures,
activities, warnings and alarms in the Sava River
Basin for extraordinary impacts on the water regime.
This includes from sudden and accidental pollution,
discharge of artificial accumulations and retentions
caused by collapsing or inappropriate handling,
flood, ice, drought, water shortage, and obstruction
of navigation.
Other countries in the Western Balkans are active
on this front, with an improved monitoring and
forecasting system for flood and water pollution
control in Albania and cadastre of water resources to
identify areas of potential danger in Montenegro.
• Risk not addressed by existing policies
• Poor regional/national policy coverage for
adaptation to health impacts of heatwaves
• Lack of/limited adequate inter-sectoral
cooperation
• Lack of/limited funding to finance adaptation
and flood management
• Lack of awareness of pollution as public safety
issues triggered by climate change
• Lack of/limited adequate vertical integration
from the EU to local administrations
• Inadequate policy coverage for adaptation to
health impacts of cold spells
• Potential lack of adequate inter-sectoral
cooperation
Risk of cold-related mortality and morbidity,
especially among vulnerable sectors of the
population.
Very few Western Balkan countries (e.g. FYR
Macedonia and Croatia) explicitly address the
health consequences connected with cold weather
during winter. Measures, where they exist, include
monitoring, early warning measures and advisory
services directed to elderly people. However,
mountain areas are not considered as a special case.
Decreased public safety
Key Policy gaps:
Key Policy gaps:
Key Policy gaps:
Key Policy gaps:
Risk of polluted water courses and related health
issues due to flooding in industrial hotspots.
The EU Directive SEVESO II aims to prevent major
accidents involving dangerous substances, and has been