STUDY VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM
Representatives of the Institute for Protection and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska participated in a study visit to the United Kingdom within the framework of the UK–BiH Fellowship Programme, implemented by the British Council and funded by the Government of the United Kingdom. The programme is aimed at strengthening institutional capacities in the field of air quality policy and public health protection.
During their stay in London, participants held working meetings with representatives of the Greater London Authority, where the implementation of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was presented, along with the role of regional authorities in coordinating air quality policies. Special emphasis was placed on integrating scientific data into decision-making processes and on measures aimed at reducing emissions from traffic.
Local-level governance experiences were presented through a meeting with Westminster City Council, where sustainability strategies, challenges of implementing measures at the city level, and models of cooperation between local and regional institutions were discussed.
The technical part of the programme included meetings with experts from Logika Group and Cura Terrae Air, who presented modern approaches to air quality monitoring, emissions modelling, and the use of data for planning and evaluating measures. Particular attention was given to the connection between measurement data, modelling, and evidence-based policymaking.
The academic segment was carried out at Imperial College London, one of the world’s leading centres for air quality research, where examples were presented of how scientific knowledge and models are used as a foundation for the development and improvement of public policies in the United Kingdom.
The study visit also included the city of Bath, where participants learned about the process of establishing a Clean Air Zone, the work of local authorities, and field monitoring stations. The programme concluded with a meeting with representatives of the Clean Air Fund, focusing on European initiatives and financial support mechanisms for cities in their efforts to achieve cleaner air.
The programme brought together representatives of key institutions from Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the Republic Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Srpska, the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute, the Federal Institute of Public Health, representatives of the local self-government of the City of Banja Luka, the academic community, and other relevant stakeholders in the field of air quality and renewable energy.
The Institute’s participation in this programme represents a significant contribution to strengthening professional and institutional capacities in air quality management and enables the transfer of good practices and cooperation models that can support the improvement of policies and public health protection measures in the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina.