Scientific journal “ZAŠTITA I SIGURNOST” (Protection and Security) – Scientific action, a prerequisite for the progress of society

In order to strengthen scientific and professional competencies in the field of risk management, with special emphasis on security, the Association for Risk Management has launched a scientific journal “Protection and Security”, which deals with current topics and fields of scientific and professional interest and research. world and achievements. The journal “ZAŠTITA I SIGURNOST” (SAFETY AND SECURITY) is supported and published on the pages of the Central and Eastern European Online Library GmbH (CEEOL) and the Euroasian Scientific Journal Index (ESJI). More……..


Agreement on cooperation signed between the Association for Risk Management (BiH) and the Association for Corporate Security (Northern Macedonia)

Date 18.12.2021. year, a meeting was held and an agreement was signed between non-governmental organizations
Risk Management Associations from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Corporate Security Association from the Republic of Northern Macedonia. On this occasion, the presidents of both NGOs from the two friendly countries discussed, exchanged experiences, and agreed on steps for cooperation in the coming period.

Date 18.12.2021. year, a meeting was held and an agreement was signed between non-governmental organizations Risk Management Associations from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Corporate Security Association from the Republic of Northern Macedonia. On this occasion, the presidents of both NGOs from the two friendly countries discussed, exchanged experiences, and agreed on steps for cooperation in the coming period.

Both organizations, signatories to this agreement, bring together experts from the scientific and practical milieu, who have proven themselves in creating a better and safer environment.

On behalf of these organizations, the signing was carried out by mr. Haris Delic, President of the AZUR Association and Prof. Dr. Atanas Kozarev, President of the Corporate Security Association.


On Tuesday, May 11, 2021, as part of the WACOM project, an online workshop was held to present the project and analyze the current situation in the field of flood defense, accidental pollution and emergency management in Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on completed annexes.

The online workshop in Bosnia and Herzegovina was organized at the initiative of the Association for Risk Management AZUR and the Republic Administration of Civil Protection of the Republic of Srpska.

“Since we are all working on the realization of an important common goal, we need cooperation, networking and coordination of various services and institutions, both within each country where the project is implemented and internationally,” said Milan Novitovic, Director of the Republic Administration. civil protection of the Republika Srpska.

Haris Delić, President of the Association for Risk Management, pointed out: “This project represents a very significant contribution to the system of coordinated response in the event of accidental pollution and floods on the Sava River. Since 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as one of the four countries in the region, has been actively participating in its implementation through the activities of partners in the WACOM project – the Republic Civil Protection Administration of Republika Srpska, the Association for Risk Management AZUR and the Federal Civil Protection Administration. On this occasion, Bosnia and Herzegovina sent an important message that it is ready to actively participate in such and similar projects, and showed the ability to successfully organize such workshops. “

“Since this is the first such workshop, I believe that it will give good input to other project partners and organizers of national and regional workshops that are planned to be held in the coming period. In addition, this workshop showed that one of the better ways to more effectively promote our work and engagement in such projects, and to make it visible and publicly available to the interested public through organized workshops that, among other things, improve cross-sectoral cooperation at all levels. “, Said Tanja Milešević, project coordinator of the Republic Administration of Civil Protection of the Republic of Srpska.

“Since this is the first such workshop, I believe that it will give good input to other project partners and organizers of national and regional workshops that are planned to be held in the coming period. In addition, this workshop showed that one of the better ways to more effectively promote our work and engagement in such projects, and to make it visible and publicly available to the interested public through organized workshops that, among other things, improve cross-sectoral cooperation at all levels. “, Said Tanja Milešević, project coordinator of the Republic Administration of Civil Protection of the Republic of Srpska.
The workshop was attended by 30 different institutions coming from the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with more than 50 participants who made significant contributions and participated in the preparation of the annex – the basis for the preparation of the said Analysis. The workshop was extremely successful thanks to a dynamic discussion between WACOM project representatives and workshop participants. Topics related to the current state of civil protection and water management and river navigation from the aspect of floods and accidental pollution were discussed.

In the discussion, experiences were exchanged, different views and constructive proposals were presented in order to improve the final document Analysis of the current situation in the field of flood defense, accidental pollution and emergency management in Bosnia and Herzegovina for Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also improving the overall situation a more effective system of prevention and response to floods and accidental pollution.

During the WACOM project, four national and three regional workshops will be held with the aim of comprehensive and interactive review of the state of incident management (floods and accidental pollution) related to the Sava River flowing through all four countries, also participating in this project.

Project partners in the implementation of the Project come from four countries in the region:

Slovenia
University of Ljubljana (LP UL) – Project Manager
Water Directorate of the Republic of Slovenia (ERDF PP1 DRSV)
Hydroelectric power plants on the Lower Sava (ERDF PP2 HESS)

Croatia
Croatian Waters – Legal Entity for Water Management (ERDF PP4 HV)
Slavonski Brod Port Authority (ERDF PP4 LUSB) – until April 2021.
International Sava River Basin Commission (ERDF PP5 ISRBC)
Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure (ERDF PP6 MMPI)

Bosnia and Herzegovina
AZUR Risk Management Association (IPA PP1 AZUR)
Federal Civil Protection Administration (IPA PP2 FUCZ) – until May 2021.
Republic Administration of Civil Protection of the Republic of Srpska (IPA PP3 RUCZ RS)

Serbia
Jaroslav Černi Institute (IPA PP4 JCI)



Immunity in the age of the crown

Strengthening the immune system regularly appears as a strong need of modern man with the appearance of each seasonal virus, with the appearance of colder weather, with more frequent advertising of serious diseases such as cancer, etc. This need reaches its maximum with the new coronavirus. For the first time in our lives we have encountered a pandemic in its true form, we are witnessing incredible phenomena when many masks fall, and common to all people regardless of social status, social level, wealth, level of education – everyone is afraid and everyone wants to welcome this virus. In addition to the regular reporting of panic emptying of shelves in supermarkets, there was a little less loud talk about the panic buying of vitamin preparations and various dietary supplements in order to strengthen the immune system. A similar thing happened 100 years earlier – during the Spanish flu. Namely, in 1918, the Spanish fever spread throughout the world, led to an unprecedented crisis, and ultimately took tens of millions of lives. Each new crisis creates new opportunities, so 100 years ago, as today, there was a current story about strengthening immunity in order to prevent infection. At that time there was a demand for laxatives, fats of questionable composition, oils based on snake venom and the like, and today there is a modern demand for various seeds, immuno-mixes, immuno-bombs, large amounts of vitamin C, zinc and various other preparations. “Guarantees” strengthening the immune system and protection against disease. Again, the profession is consulted very little about all this.

What is very important to point out is the fact that there is no supplement whose intake could cure or prevent new coronavirus. In other words, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are witnessing the spread of various misinformation regarding the treatment and / or prevention of this disease. Therefore, the public should be aware that there is no “immunological” preparation, dietary supplement, multivitamin, diet or lifestyle modification that would replace the importance of maintaining physical distance (or often marked social distance) and practicing proper hygiene to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The human immune system is a complex system composed of many cells, processes and chemicals that constantly defend the body from the invasion of various pathogens, including viruses. Maintaining a healthy and strong immune system is therefore crucial in preventing disease. Choosing healthy living habits, consuming nutrient-rich foods, physical activity and getting enough sleep are the basics in maintaining the normal functioning of the immune system. But speaking of the immune system at the time of the crown, it is necessary to maintain a positive spirit first. If the mind suffers, the body calls for help. In other words, bombarded with negative news, limited freedom of movement, with minimal social interaction, over time our psyche will begin to weaken and immediately after it weaken our body. We feel fatigue, drowsiness, lethargy, headaches, muscle and bone pain. So, our immune system is already being attacked and endangered, and vitamin preparations will not help us. Instead, take that book that you have kept on the shelf for a long time with the intention of reading it sometime when the time comes. Now is the time. Do what you love, what pleases your mind, develop positive thoughts, train your brain. And then, don’t forget about physical activity. Respecting all precautions, do not hesitate to go out into the fresh air when allowed. Walk and breathe with full lungs. Pay attention to the nature that is waking up, which has come to life since we reconciled. If you are more active and vital, train. Tens of thousands of online trainings are available on YouTube for all levels of physical fitness, from total beginners to competitive categories. Maintain your form or improve it. Set yourself a new goal. Listen to your body. Physical activity that you enjoy will certainly stimulate the secretion of endorphins (better known as the hormone of happiness), and thus strengthen your immune system. After training, walking or any other physical activity, treat yourself and your family with a healthy meal. Thousands of books, scientific papers and reports have been published on the advantages and importance of a healthy and varied diet. Include as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible in your diet. Consuming citrus and / or peppers will satisfy your body’s daily needs for vitamin C; broccoli will supply you with adequate doses of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and antioxidant components; garlic should be indispensable in your kitchen; spinach, yogurt, sunflower seeds, flax, chia seeds, and white meat and fish, as well as cereals in the morning are the basics of a healthy and very varied diet that will help maintain the energy and vitality of your body.

However, if, in addition to the above, you still want to use supplements to strengthen your immune system, then there are, from the point of view of a pharmacist, 4 basic preparations:

Vitamin D – liposoluble vitamin essential for the functioning of the immune system. In the fight against pathogens, vitamin D improves the functioning of monocytes and macrophages, white blood cells that are important components of the immune defense, and reduces inflammatory processes as components of the immune response. A significant number of clinical trials have shown that vitamin D can improve the functioning of the immune system. At the time of the corona, it is important to note that a large number of scientists state that taking this vitamin can help protect against the development of respiratory tract infections. Thus, study 1 conducted in 2019, in which 11,321 people participated, showed that the use of vitamin D supplements in people with a deficiency of this vitamin as well as in people with normal levels of this vitamin, leads to a significantly significant reduction in risk from the onset and development of respiratory tract infections. Also, studies 2 3 have shown that vitamin D supplements can improve the effectiveness of antiviral therapy in people with viral infections such as hepatitis C and HIV. When it comes to dosing, doses between 1000 and 4000 IU of vitamin D supplements should be sufficient for most adults, while those with an established deficiency require significantly higher doses.

Zinc is a mineral that is usually added to various vitamin and mineral preparations, because zinc is actually essential for the functioning of the immune system. Zinc is necessary for the development and communication of immune system cells, and has an invaluable role in the development of the immune response. Studies have shown that a lack of this nutrient in the body weakens the functioning of the immune system and increases the possibility of developing infections and complications such as pneumonia. Also, numerous studies available in the official PubMed database show that zinc supplements can help protect the body from various forms of respiratory infections. In addition, it is stated that zinc supplements can be useful in people who have already become ill, in the sense that it shortens the duration of the disease. Taking zinc supplements is safe for adults as long as the daily dose does not exceed 40mg of elemental zinc.

Vitamin C is certainly the most popular vitamin supplement around the world that is taken to prevent disease. Vitamin C is very important in the functioning of immune system cells in protecting against infections; it is also necessary for the process of cell death, which keeps the immune system healthy because it is cleansed of old cells that are replaced by new ones. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that protects us from damage caused by oxidative stress, more precisely from free radicals. Oxidative stress has a negative effect on the immune system and as such is associated with a number of different diseases. A review of the results of a large number of studies6 (more precisely – 29 studies conducted on 11,306 people) concluded that regular intake of vitamin C supplements in doses of 1-2 grams per day shortens the duration of respiratory infections. It is interesting to mention the fact that these studies have shown that the incidence of respiratory infections in people who are exposed to daily physical exertion (for example, marathon athletes and soldiers) is reduced by 50% by regular intake of vitamin C supplements. studies have confirmed that taking vitamin C can significantly strengthen the immune system, especially in people who do not get enough of this vitamin through diet. It is necessary to take into account that the maximum allowed daily dose of vitamin C is 2000 mg. The daily dose of vitamin C supplements typically ranges between 250 and 1000mg.

Preparations of elderberry (lat. Sambucus nigra, black elderberry) – currently is the ideal period for picking and preparing elderberry juice. In addition to being physically active, breathing fresh air, having fun, we will do something very useful for our immune system. Namely, preparations of elderberry or elderberry have traditionally been used by our ancestors, and are now scientifically proven to be useful in strengthening the immune system.

Studies 7 conducted in the last ten years have shown that the extract called has antibacterial and antiviral potential significant in defending the body against bacterial pathogens that lead to the development of upper respiratory tract infections. Also, studies8 have shown that elderberry extract exhibits various inhibitory mechanisms in the early stages of influenza virus infection, and elderberry has immunomodulatory properties that it exhibits through stimulating action on cytokines. Therefore, it can be concluded that elderberry extract is useful in terms of preventing complications of viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. In addition to the traditional elderberry juice that has always been prepared in our region, especially useful in the context of the above is the juice of zov berries used in adequate quantities – the daily recommendation for consumption is 200ml for adults and up to 100ml for children.

Zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D and elderberry are just some of the substances whose immune potential has been thoroughly tested and confirmed. In addition to the above, there are a number of supplements for which there is some evidence that they can contribute to strengthening the immune system. However, in the context of the new coronavirus, there is still insufficient knowledge on either the prevention or treatment of infection caused by this new pathogen. Therefore, we once again note the importance of adhering to physical distance measures and hygiene measures.

Sandra Kamber-Karović, M.Sc.

1. Martineau A.R., Jolliffe D.A., Greenberg L. et al. Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory infections: individual participant data meta-analysis. 2019.

2. Bitetto D. et al. Vitamin D Supplementation Improves Response to Antiviral Treatment for Reccurent Hepatitis C. Transpl Int. 2011

3. Coelho L., Cardoso S.W., et al. Vitamin D3 supplementation in HIV infection: effectiveness and associations with antiretroviral therapy. Nutr J. 2015

4. Robert BS, Rash R. Zinc: An Essential Micronutrient. Am Fam Physician, 2009.

5. Barnett J.B., Hamer D.H., et al. Low zinc status: a new risk factor for pneumonia in the elderly? Nutr Rev.2010

6. Hemila Harry et al. Vitamin C for Preventing and Treating the Common Cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013

7. Krawitz C., Mraheil MA, et al. Inhibitory activity of a standardized elderberry liquid extract against clinically-relevant human respiratory bacterial pathogens and influenza A and B viruses. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011

8. Torabian G, Valtchev P. et al. Journal of Functional Foods. 2019.


Conspiracy theories in the age of the pandemic

With the development of the latest pandemic crisis that has hit humanity globally, caused by the spread of COVID-19 virus (coronavirus), the attention of professionals and the general public begins to occupy a new socio-communicative area, crisis communication, but also a socio-psychological phenomenon, theory conspiracies and the spread of fear and panic of the population. Edin Garaplija, M.Sc., and a member of the Scientific Board of the Risk Management Association spoke about this current and most important topic. His comment on the whole topic is transmitted in full below the email.

As an expert who has been continuously working on crisis risk management projects for the last twenty years, I must admit that little or no attention has been paid to crisis communication, which was one of the reasons for many unverified fake news. ). Thus, we can conclude that in the crisis management system in which the subsystem of crisis communication is insufficiently developed, various theories of global conspiracies or the coming of the day are born. In the following text, I will deal with two examples of global conspiracy theorizing, one that comes from international and the other that comes from domestic sources, but which have flooded digital social networks and spread at the speed of light to thousands of viewers. Unfortunately, many of these viewers do not have enough expertise or experience in pre-checking such news, so they expanded it further, fearing for their personal health or the health and lives of their loved ones. In this way, they unknowingly became part of a global network to spread fear and panic among the population. The goals of this network can be political on a global or local level, and this topic will undoubtedly be thoroughly researched and analyzed in the next period. The first example is an interview with South African scientist Professor Walter Veith. This interview stirred the global scientific community in the midst of the global coronavism pandemic (COVID-19). While the World Health Organization (WHO) is trying to point out the importance of a timely and firm response to global pandemic risks, a section of the scientific community is opening up, one might say, centuries-old dilemmas, whether it is really about “saving humanity” or a conspiracy. in order to further enrich some world powers and establish a “new world order”.

Namely, Professor Weith, in an interview, analyzes the document of the German federal government “Risk Analysis in Civil Protection from 2012”, which elaborates in detail the scenario “Risk analysis of the pandemic caused by the Modi SARS virus”.

This part of the document, which was prepared under the supervision of the German Robert Koch Institute of Public Health (RKI), literally states 1

“The scenario describes the global spread of a hypothetical new virus from Asia, called the Modi-SARS virus. Several people enter Germany before the authorities receive the first official WHO warning. Among them are two infected, which, by combining a large number of contact persons and high contagion, strongly contribute to the initial spread of the infection in Germany. Although the measures provided by the Infection Protection Act and pandemic plans are being implemented quickly and effectively by the authorities and the health system, the rapid spread of the virus cannot be effectively stopped due to the short interval between the two infections. At the height of the first wave of the disease, after about three hundred days, about six million people in Germany contracted the Modi-SARS virus. The health care system is facing enormous challenges that cannot be overcome. If the maintenance of the vital infrastructure function is given priority and key positions remain occupied, major supply disruptions in other infrastructure sectors can be avoided.

After the first wave of infection subsides, two more, weaker waves follow until the vaccine is available three years after the onset of the first diseases. The peculiarity of this event is that, firstly, it covers the entire territory of Germany and all population groups equally, and secondly, it occurs over a very long period of time. “

There are many similarities that anything would be accidental, between this document, made as a prediction of the worst-case scenario 7 years ago, and the information we get globally today through the media regarding the course and consequences of the coronal virus pandemic (COVID-19). The predictions of experts from the “Robert Koch Institute” at the time only show that the scientific community has been preparing for this, the worst-case scenario, for years and even decades.

Risk management experts know that two scenarios are always developed during the assessment. The first scenario is the most probable one that has already happened and which will happen again in the probable time by the law of probability, and which also serves as a comparative basic scenario for the worst possible or “blackest” scenario, which is usually heavier than the most probable. While the worst case scenario is the one that threatens us with its scope, consequences and speed of development in the form of taking the lives and health of a large number of people and their economy, but also points to possible weaknesses in the crisis management system.

Let me remind you, the crisis management system implies the establishment of management levels, human and material resources, maintenance of technical and technological process and communication in crisis situations.

In any case, the pandemic as a global risk or “conspiracy theory” pointed out to us all the weaknesses of our system, but also the great solidarity and humanism in sending mutual aid. We have become particularly aware of the dedication and importance of medical staff and the health care system in which they work for the benefit of citizens. We will have to analyze and improve all these identified weaknesses from the previous period as soon as possible and improve them in the short and long term, in order to strengthen and become more efficient our system of prevention, preparedness and response.

The second part of this consideration concerns the phenomenon of causing fear and panic, by spreading fake news. Namely, social networks were flooded with another “Youtube video” in which a certain Erna Selimović gives her half-hour critical review of the global pandemic and the “conspiracy theory of the new world order that wants to rule the world through vaccination and the introduction of the 5G network.” The portal “Raskrinkavanje.ba”, as one of the social media that deals with the analysis of certain news related to the global pandemic, warned the general public that this is fake news.

In its analysis, the portal “Raskrinkavanje.ba” deals with some of the incorrect claims made by the author of this video. However, the video spread on Facebook with incredible speed, despite the fact that this, as well as other platforms, announced that it would remove false news about the COVID 19 pandemic, which could incite people to dangerous and risky behavior. As a proof of how much news, whether reliable or fake, can quickly spread virally on social networks, there is also a video entitled: “COVID 19. THE BIGGEST LIE IN HISTORY”, which in less than 24 hours shared over 23,000 users of this social network and at the time of writing, had 502,000 views.

Furthermore, the portal “Raskrinkavanje.ba” states that the previously mentioned video visited the entire region of Southeast Europe in just fifteen hours, judging by the posts on social networks. It was taken over and published by Facebook pages: “CRAZY WORLD OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA”, (with over 2,500 interactions), “MOVEMENT FOR A SAFE SERBIA” (with over 200 interactions), “BLOODY BALKANS” (with over 13,000 interactions) ), “Info Magazine 24h”, “Perspektiva.ba”; “YouTube Channels”: “Mabus Channel” (with about 400 interactions) and “Voice of the People” (with over 2,000 interactions); and appeared in the form of a media report on the portals “Voice of the People” and “Bloody Balkans”, under the headlines: “COVID 19 is the biggest fraud in history / video / (Voice of the People)” and “Erna from Zenica revealed the greatest mystery in the world. Corona virus is a lie (watch video) (Bloody Balkans) ”

In its article, the team of investigative journalists of the portal “Raskrinkavanje.ba” analyzed in detail the claims of the young author of the disputed content, and by methods of comparison and deduction clearly defined the differences in the disputed video with numerous verified and relevant evidence of the scope, danger and significance . It is an indisputable conclusion that this is false news, which aroused great interest of the general public, and which was influenced by panic and fear, but also the age-old desire to bring the culprit for every evil, characterized this video as “revealing a great mystery or deception ”.2

Given that many researchers have begun to uncover or “expose” such fake news that “bombards” the public through social networks, we will not deal in more detail with these analyzes, but we will try to point out possible reasons that led to the placement of news. and some future ones in order to promote the global “conspiracy theory and the introduction of the New World Order”.

One of the reasons for publishing and placing news can be sensationalist in order to personally promote and earn money from online media, which pay the authors of such texts based on the number of their reviews or the number of “clicks” 2.

Nominal value per view or click, which again depends on the number of ads related to the content in question published on “Youtube”, or through one of “Google’s” services. The price varied from one to four euros. If we take the example that a content has 500,000 views, then we can conclude that its authors can earn between five hundred and a staggering two million euros. So, sensationalist publications can bring dizzying earnings to their authors and media owners, so it is not surprising that so many different fake news and ignoring a few well-known media outlets to place the mentioned content, because everyone earns this way.

The second reason for placing various unverified and false news has its socio-political dimension and the intention to increase the state of fear and panic in society by placing such content, in order to implement some political or economic interests. Global corporations whose wealthy owners represent the “New World Order”, through their mass media, quietly and unobtrusively propagate their interests, embedding the marketing of their products and services in the minds of end users, who today make up several billion people. Corporate media earnings: Facebook, Youtube, Google and Instagram are multiplying in times of global crisis. Imagine billions of people using these media on a daily basis while sitting at home, respecting self-isolation measures, exchanging trillions of terabytes of content and news, most of which are sensationalist and fake with lasting effects on the psyches of their consumers. they are “swallowed” every day due to the general fear and panic that prevails in times of world crises.

There is no doubt that both of these reasons are in a cause-and-effect relationship that complements each other and cannot do without each other. So, some need sensationalism and individual big earnings, while others need the realization of political and wider social interests followed by huge corporate earnings. ”

1 https://dipbt.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/17/120/1712051.pdf (review: 19.04.2020.)

2 https://raskrinkavanje.ba/analiza/erna-selimovic-internetska-senzacija-bez-ijedne-tacne-tvrdnje-o-koronavirusu (review: 19.04.2020.)

3 https://support.google.com/youtube/topic/9257532?hl=en&ref_topic=9257610 (reviewed: 19/04/2020)


How resilient is BiH to natural disasters?

The recent devastating earthquakes in Albania, in which 49 people were killed, 2,000 were seriously and lightly injured, and thousands of buildings were destroyed or damaged, once again pointed to the fact that the countries of the region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, are quite unprepared for disasters of this kind.

Slika je sa www.radiosarajevo.ba

In order to make more significant steps in this area, a major project of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (EU4BetterCivilProtection) was recently launched, which should introduce our country’s security flows to the European Union and significantly increase our country’s resilience to natural disasters.

Interviewed by: Faruk Vele

Garaplija: The Directorate of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Croatia, together with the AZUR Association for Risk Management in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has successfully applied for the project to strengthen the Civil Protection Mechanism of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its preparation for accession to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Why was BiH not in Albania?

Radiosarajevo.ba: A large project of the European Union Mechanisms for Civil Protection has recently started, what does this project bring to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region? Especially in light of recent events and the devastating earthquake that hit Albania with dozens killed.

Garaplija: The Directorate of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Croatia, together with the AZUR Association for Risk Management in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has successfully applied for the project to strengthen the Civil Protection Mechanism of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its preparation for accession to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

The project is called “EU4 Better Civil Protection” (European Union for Better Civil Protection). It will run for the next two years (24 months) and is worth 1,490,000 euros.

This project will transfer valuable data to the structures of civil protection in Bosnia and Herzegovina at all levels: Sector for Protection and Rescue of the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federal Administration of Civil Protection of the Federation of BiH the experience of colleagues from the Croatian Civil Protection Directorate in organizing the civil protection system in the Republic of Croatia, and especially within the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

The successful implementation of this project will also establish a model of efficient cooperation between the countries in the Western Balkans, which aspire to EU membership, and from that point of view it is interesting for the public as well as for the academic and expert community. Due to its complex socio-political system and (in) efficient civil protection system, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the only country in the region that, although it has trained certain entity rescue forces in ruins, has not sent aid to the affected areas in Albania. I emphasize, not because she didn’t have time and because she didn’t want to, but exclusively because of the inefficiency of her internal system. 

Radiosarajevo.ba: The Union Civil Protection Mechanism includes the participation of 34 European countries (with all their resources, intended for civil protection) whose potentials and resources can be made available to countries affected by disasters.

How important is it for BiH to be connected to the Union in this way as well, in the field of security, that is, civil protection, and what will that mean for its security?

Garaplija: The tasks of the Civil Protection are to deal with prevention, readiness and response, but also to eliminate the consequences of disasters. Bosnia and Herzegovina has been a signatory to the UN Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) since 2012, and has already taken a number of measures to comply with its commitments and catch up with the countries of the region.

Unfortunately, we are still among the few countries that are not members of the Union Civil Portection Mechanism (UCPM) and the successful implementation of this project is crucial for our country’s accession to this Community for Disaster Relief and Solidarity.

All activities in the BiH Civil Protection Mechanism Strengthening Project (such as: status quo analysis and concluding workshops, harmonization of regulations with the EU heritage, strengthening of common procedures, joint trainings and field exercises, harmonization of DRR assessments and plans with EU Methodology ), will strengthen the prevention, readiness and response of all civil protection operational forces and the coordination of the protection and rescue system in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Once again, I emphasize the role and importance of expert knowledge and rich experience of partners from the Directorate of Civil Protection of the Republic of Croatia, who selflessly convey this to us because we share the same cross-border risks on 70% of the common border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia.

The advantages of the same language area, and relatively similar experiences in natural disasters, help the successful implementation of the Project.

Increasing the level of BiH’s resilience to disasters significantly increases the level of general security, which will be visible to citizens through numerous indicators of this project, such as a large number of trained and trained staff, strengthened coordination at all levels of government, established effective contact points for early warning. disasters, and increased public awareness of disaster prevention.

Radiosarajevo.ba: The introduction of the unique number 112 for emergencies in the entire territory of BiH was interrupted in the parliamentary benches of the state parliament in 2018, although civil protection structures are working on its introduction. This is BiH’s obligation to join the EU, but also a modern practice of all European countries. How much will the project you are working on help bring BiH into the EU protection system faster?

Garaplija: Through this project, we have already started with numerous experts to analyze vertically and horizontally the entire protection and rescue system in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and within the activity package (Work Package – WP1), one of the segments of the analysis is the unique number system “112, and its effective establishment is one of the obligations for the member countries of the Mechanism.

Unfortunately, we have had certain operational and political problems here for years. Our task within this project is to recognize the requirements of all stakeholders within the Civil Protection Mechanism, get acquainted with the good practice of the Directorate of Civil Protection of the Republic of Croatia, whose experts will offer joint conclusions and proposals to improve standard operating procedures.

In that way, the system of the unique number “112” will be even stronger and more efficient, and it is up to the political instances to make certain decisions and a common position. This principle and model of joint cooperation will be applied around the contact point for receiving and providing international assistance.

I must emphasize here the high level of professionalism and awareness of all participants from the entity and state levels, who are patiently looking for a common link to solve this problem. The unique number for accidents “112” is in addition to the fact that it is one of the accession obligations in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and in the interest of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Radiosarajevo.ba: How many institutions in the BiH system understand the importance of such projects?

Garaplija: It’s too early to tell concrete agreement, because the Project is only a third of its realization, but we will continuously monitor quarterly through the meetings of the Management Board progress in strengthening the system. What is important to emphasize is that we are already on in some way involve certain partner Ministries, above all BiH Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic relations, and certain academic circles from Sarajevo, Banja Luka and Mostar.

Of course, through the institution of the EU Delegation to BiH, we have included representatives of the UN, and we will include others in the coming period institutions from the entity level and the Brčko District, such as the entity ones hydro-meteorological institutes. Development is extremely important inter-ministerial approach, and raising awareness within all partnerships institutions in the process of strengthening the Civil Protection Mechanism of Bosnia and Herzegovina,.

Radiosarajevo.ba: Poplave 2014. godine u Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, landslides, recent devastating earthquakes in Albania and other natural disasters and catastrophes say that we live in times when such phenomena are more and more pronounced. There are fires and others similar security challenges. As much as it puts civil protection before the council challenges?

Garaplija: Climate change, technological development, but also an increase in anthropogenic factors caused by accidents human intent or negligence), & nbsp; continuously and increase the risks by people, property, environment and critical infrastructure. All of you disasters that you have listed and others that you have not, are clear indicators of the state of the system in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.

Personally, I think there is a lot of room for improvement in all structural and organizational challenges. It is up to us to patiently and diligently through this project, but also all the future we are working to increase resilience and reduce system and local vulnerabilities community.

All these challenges require an inter-ministerial approach of all institutions, strengthening citizens’ awareness and strengthening structures of prevention, preparedness and responses under the BiH Civil Protection Mechanism. So a broader holistic approach of all stakeholders is needed in the interest of protecting and rescuing people, property and the environment. Here I especially emphasize the protection of critical infrastructure as a lifeline of one modern society, which is especially endangered by all these risks which we listed earlier. & nbsp;

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Great floods

Radiosarajevo.ba: How much is the project about we speak emphasizes solidarity in the region as an important concept of helping in situations like this. He especially came to the fore in 2014 during floods. Why is it important?

Garaplija: Indicators of all institutions, world, European and national authorities in the Western region Balkans, they tell us that we are unprepared for the catastrophes that befell us affected in the previous period caused by global climate changes.

Especially when it comes to regional cooperation, because we are not had developed common procedures for handling, informing, providing and receiving assistance. Specifically, in the 2014 floods, BiH due to the (in) efficiency of its coordination system, it was not ready for withdrawal of approved donor funds to help the affected areas, unlike Serbia, which withdrew over 300 million euros in grants. UNDP has directly provided about 100 million euros in aid to those affected areas in BiH, & nbsp; which somewhat relieved the budget expenditures for restoration of affected areas.

An analysis by the World Bank conducted immediately after the 2014 floods shows that only 2 percent of affected local communities in the 2014 floods had coverage of their budgets by a policy of (re) insurance against natural disasters.


Project: “EU for Better Civil Protection in BiH – Capacity Building and Preparation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for Accession to the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism”

Meeting of the Steering Group of the project “EU for Better Civil Protection in BiH – Capacity Building and Preparation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for Accession to the Civil Protection Mechanism of the European Union”.

Opširnije…



Project: “EU for Better Civil Protection in BiH – Capacity Building and Preparation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for Accession to the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism”

WP Act 1.2 – Status Quo Workshops – Provide information and training on EU civil protection legislation and implementing rules through

17 and 18 06.2019 organized by the Association for Risk Management and the Directorate of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Croatia, within the project “EU for better civil protection in BiH – capacity building and preparation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to join the EU civil protection mechanism “; in the Holiday Hotel in Sarajevo and the Building of State Institutions in Sarajevo, a Status Quo workshop was held. This workshop was attended by about 30 participants from: the Ministry of Security of BiH; Republic Administration of Civil Protection of the Republika Srpska, Federal Administration of Civil Protection and Cantonal Administration of Civil Protection from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Department of Public Safety of the Brčko District of BiH. The workshop was conducted by the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Croatia, which hired and included eminent experts for these lectures. The thematic units were based on the identification and analysis of BiH legislation in the field of civil protection; introduction to EU practice (example of EU members – Republic of Croatia); and steps to harmonize the legal solutions of BiH with the legal solutions of the European Union. On this occasion, the participants were transferred to the experiences presented in the practice of the EU from the Republic of Croatia. Considering that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a complex and specific state, this was an opportunity to hear the opinions of members of the civil protection structures present in BiH at the workshop, their experiences from the field, and ways of functioning and acting in emergency situations. The training took place in a good mood and constructive atmosphere. –>

Training of the working title “Introduction to the CMI-Civil Protection Mechanism and the importance of the Cantonal Civil Protection Administration of Sarajevo Canton, within the protection and rescue system in Bosnia and Herzegovina

On July 1, 2019, organized by the Cantonal Civil Protection Administration of Sarajevo Canton in the Building of State Institutions in Sarajevo, a training was held for members of the Cantonal Civil Protection Administration of Sarajevo Canton and members of municipal civil protection services from municipalities in Sarajevo Canton. mr. Idriz Brković, Head of the Strategic Planning Department of the BiH Ministry of Security Prof. Dr. Jasmin Ahić, professor at the Faculty of Criminology, Criminology and Security Studies mr. Edin Garaplija, President of the Scientific Council of the AZUR Association mr. Haris Delic, President of the AZUR Association The training was officially opened by Mr. Samir Agić, Assistant Minister of Security of BiH, Mr. Samir Džihić, Director of the Cantonal Civil Protection Administration of Sarajevo Canton, and on behalf of the Association AZUR, Mr. Edin Garaplija, President of the Scientific Council of the Association and Mr. Haris Delić, President of the Association . On this occasion, the participants were given experiences present in EU practice, with special reference to the importance of civil protection structures in the Sarajevo Canton. Activities that were realized through lectures included the following areas, with lecturers: Introduction to the principles of the Mechanism in accordance with regulatory EC 1313/2013 and review of the protection and rescue system in BiH – lecturer Idriz Brković, M.Sc. The process of harmonization of BiH legislation with the principles and principles of the EU, terminology and methodology for risk assessment – lecturer: M.Sc. Edin Garaplija, President of the Scientific Council of the Association for Risk Management AZUR BiH, The role and importance of KUCZ Sarajevo in the BiH Civil Protection Mechanism and the protection and rescue system in KS, FBiH and BiH. PhD Jasmin Ahić, Vice Dean for Teaching at the Faculty of Criminology, Criminology and Security Studies, University of Sarajevo Workshop – presentation of acquired knowledge At the end of the successful training, and after the presentation of the acquired knowledge, the participants were awarded certificates