The Zenica-Doboj Canton is home to some of the most valuable natural and tourist potentials in Bosnia and Herzegovina – from mountains and springs to protected areas and rich traditions.
Adnan Šabani, Minister of Spatial Planning, Transport and Communications, and Environmental Protection of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, speaks in an interview for Visit BiH magazine about the Canton’s strategic goals, concrete measures taken to improve air and water quality, spatial planning, the development of eco-tourism, and the projects that will shape its tourism and environmental landscape in the coming years.
What are the key goals of the Zenica-Doboj Canton in developing sustainable tourism, and does the Canton aim to position itself as a “green destination”?
“Our goal is for tourism in the Zenica-Doboj Canton to be based on nature conservation, quality infrastructure, and the authentic offerings of local communities. We see potential in mountains, rivers, industrial heritage, and small rural areas. We certainly do have the ambition to position ourselves as a ‘green destination’; however, this requires coordinated investment from all levels of government and investors, as well as clear standards and a long-term approach.”
How do you want tourists to recognise you in the future? What is your key “brand identity”? Is there a strategy or policy that integrates sustainable tourism with spatial planning and environmental protection?
“We want to be recognised for our natural flows, from mountain tranquillity to active outdoor recreation, and for blending tradition with modern green policies. The Canton has strategic documents that link spatial planning, environmental protection, and sustainable tourism, and we are working on further aligning them through joint action plans.”
Environmental protection, as you have repeatedly emphasised in public appearances, is a priority of the ministry you lead. What concrete steps have you taken regarding air and water quality?
“Our priority is reducing pollution. We launched projects to modernise monitoring stations, strengthen inspections, and support the transition to more environmentally friendly energy sources. We funded and hired a competent company to create a register of household furnaces. We are the first canton to take an €8 million World Bank loan under favourable conditions to eliminate solid-fuel household heating systems, insulate residential buildings, replace carpentry, and increase energy efficiency. As for water, we are focusing on improving sewage systems, repairing illegal discharges, and protecting water sources.”
How does spatial planning ensure that the development of tourist zones does not harm natural resources? Are there initiatives for eco-tourism – educational trails, viewpoints, and protected zones?
“In spatial plans, the boundaries of protected areas, construction-restricted zones, and conditions for developing tourist facilities are clearly defined. Until a few months ago, the Zenica-Doboj Canton had only one protected area, Tajan Nature Park, which received little or no attention. With my arrival and the support of the entire Cantonal Government and strong understanding from the Assembly, we succeeded in declaring Mount Zvijezda a protected natural area. It is a natural treasure located above Vareš, representing one of the most significant areas in terms of biodiversity, landscapes, and tourism potential. Zvijezda is known for its forests, mountain springs, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural-historical heritage. We fully support eco-tourism initiatives, including educational trails, viewpoints, rest spots, and promoting areas with high natural value, both institutionally and financially.”
Will “green transport” be developed in tourist areas: electric charging stations, cycling routes, hiking trails, and safe access roads? Are there plans to make certain destinations partially or fully car-free to reduce emissions and noise?
“We are planning to expand the network of electric charging stations and develop cycling and hiking routes, especially in areas that attract numerous visitors. We are also considering models of partially restricted car access, which are justified to preserve the ambience and reduce noise. Now that we have established the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas, institutional care will be ensured for all protected areas in the Canton, enabling planned management, conservation of natural values, and the development of educational, tourist, and recreational facilities that will benefit local communities and the economy.”
How is waste management planned, especially in tourist zones?
“Our focus is on waste separation, installing additional equipment during the peak season, and organising more frequent collection. The goal is for tourist zones to be examples of best practice rather than areas of accumulated waste during the busiest periods. In that sense, we are working intensively to open new capacities for environmentally acceptable waste disposal and separation. Across the Canton’s 12 municipalities and cities, we currently have only one sanitary landfill, and next year we plan to begin construction of another modern landfill.”
What are the plans for road infrastructure? Are there plans for expansion, repairs, or improved signage, especially on roads leading to areas with high tourism potential?
“We are carrying out repairs, improving signage, and ensuring safer access roads to attractive locations, and we will intensify these efforts in the coming period. Last year, for the first time since Canton’s establishment, we renovated roads leading to tourist destinations. Over the past two years, we invested several million KM in the reconstruction of roads to Smetovi, Ponijeri, Pepelari, Kamenica, and even Mount Zvijezda.”
Is there a plan to improve mobile and internet coverage in the mountains and in rural areas?
“In cooperation with operators, we are working on expanding the network of base stations and improving signal strength in mountain and rural areas. This is important both for visitor safety and for the development of modern tourism services.”
Can we expect a digital map of traffic routes, tourist trails, and environmentally protected zones that will be available to domestic and foreign visitors?
“Yes. The plan is to integrate information on road networks, tourist routes, and protected areas and make them available in digital format. It would be a modern, interactive map for domestic and foreign visitors. We will strive to follow global trends in this field.”
