Organized by the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the system operators Ekopak and ZEOS, a presentation was held on the financing of waste management projects in local communities, with the aim of presenting opportunities to support projects that contribute to the development of the waste management system in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

During the presentation, the results of the public call for project proposals aimed at the development of separate collection systems for packaging waste and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) were presented. Following the evaluation of the submitted applications, a joint proposal was prepared for the financing of projects in the total amount of BAM 645,000.

Particular focus was placed on projects that contribute to the development of municipal infrastructure in local communities, increase the quantities of separately collected waste, improve recycling, and reduce pressure on landfills.

Ekopak Director Amela Hrbat emphasized that the funds invested through the system operators represent a direct investment in the development of the packaging waste management system, in accordance with legal obligations and the targets defined by the applicable regulations and the operating permit issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

The meeting also highlighted the results achieved through cooperation with public utility companies and local communities, as well as opportunities for further development of the system in areas with significant potential to increase the quantities of packaging waste directed to recycling.

The presentation was attended by representatives of cantonal and local authorities, mayors, municipal leaders, and representatives of public utility companies from across the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who had the opportunity to learn more about the project selection criteria and plans for the coming period.

Although Ekopak has invested in local communities since the beginning of its operations with the aim of developing the collection and preparation-for-recycling system for packaging waste, this event is of particular significance because, for the first time, such investments are being implemented with the support of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Special thanks therefore go to Federal Minister Nasiha Pozder and her associates for their efforts in collecting and evaluating applications from local communities and organizing the meeting.