The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Bosnia and Herzegovina, affecting the economic activities of the enterprises. As a result, as of February 2020, the unemployment rate increased drastically, raising by 1.96% in a year. At the same time, the crisis has had environmental consequences. While, for a time, it forced people to reduce their movements, contributing for example to a decrease in CO2 emission, the government’s responses mostly concentrate on boosting the economic activities. On the other hand, measures to counter climate change and pollution still occupy only a small share in the agenda. However, the pandemic could create a momentum to rethink the economic paradigms, moving toward a greener one.
In the continuum of the UNDA’s project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, an overview of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the economy and environment has been produced. This project aims at identifying the current situation, proposes related activities and guidelines with the objective to link human well-being, environmental protection and economic development in the context of the pandemic. Indeed, the crisis could constitute a starting point to promote and create more green and sustainable jobs in the country. Developing an economy resistant to future public health or climate change crises, which is built on the idea of circular economy and preservation of the global environment is key to the population’s well-being. In addition, taking this path will enhance the country’s achievement of a large panel of Goals of the Agenda 2030.