31. Climate in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Its Changes and Impact on Forest Genetic Resources

Bosnia and Herzegovina is divided into three areas with different climatic conditions: the northern flat is characterized by continental climate, the central part characterized by moderate climate and alpine climate and the southern part characterized by Mediterranean. According to climate change models, it is expected that the average annual temperature will increase to an average between +0.8 and +1.0 °C during the 2010–2030 period and from 1 to 3 °C during the 2031–2060 period. Precipitation will decrease by 10% in the western parts of the country, but it will increase by 5% in the east. Autumn and winter will have the largest decrease in precipitation. The impact on forest ecosystems is inevitable. Negative consequences of extreme climate in forests and forest ecosystems are not easy to identify. Their disclosure requires short term and long-term research and monitoring. This is the only way to determine and identify the cumulative effects of temperature and precipitation. Some of very resistant populations of the most important tree species have been identified and there is need for further investigations and target utilization of such material. Bosnia and Herzegovina is taking steps to address climate change issues, both at state level and internationally. Within Bosnia and Herzegovina climate change is increasingly seen as an issue of key strategic importance, especially by local authorities and the academic community.