In her introductory address, the Federal Minister of Environment and Tourism, Nasiha Pozder, emphasized the importance of the readiness of cantons and local communities to nominate quality projects that can contribute to the improvement of the environment and the quality of life of citizens.

"Our goal is to provide an efficient and accessible system of support for waste management projects. Through cooperation with system operators, we want to enable the implementation of specific projects that will improve the infrastructure for separate collection and recycling of waste, but also contribute to the arrangement of public space and the development of local communities", said Minister Pozder.

As part of the presentation, the plan for co-financing projects for the establishment and development of the system of separate collection of packaging, electrical and electronic waste in the Federation of BiH was also presented. After the invitation sent to the cantons and local self-government units, project proposals in the field of waste management were collected and analyzed, and the evaluation was carried out on the basis of the readiness of the project documentation, the requested funds (which are significantly higher than the possibility of co-financing), the number of users, the visibility of the project and its contribution to the improvement of public space. Based on the implemented process, the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, EKOPAK and ZEOS eko-system prepared a joint proposal for co-financing projects in the total amount of 645,000 BAM.

The presentation was attended by the Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection of the West Herzegovina Canton Mate Lončar, the Mayor of Gračanica Sadmir Džebo, the Mayor of Bihac Elvedin Sedić, the Mayor of Kupres Danko Jurič, the Mayor of Odžak Anes Omanović, as well as numerous representatives of local communities and public utility companies from the Federation of BiH.

Representatives of EKOPAK and ZEOS emphasized that for the first time in 14 years of work, this form of presentation and direct joint discussion with local communities and partners is organized. During the presentation, proposals for support to the projects of public utility companies were presented, with the explanation that the funds invested through the system operators represent additional investments made through their regular work and legal obligations. It was especially emphasized that EKOPAK and the ZEOS eco-system are not donors, but system operators who operate in accordance with the applicable regulations for packaging, electrical and electronic waste and permits issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

Operators have regular co-financing of projects based on performance and achieved goals within local communities, and yesterday's meeting aimed to encourage those who achieve less results, to get more involved, to support them and to reduce the pressure on some of the most burdened landfills, such as the one in Mostar.

The participants assessed that this model of cooperation is an important step towards strengthening the waste management system in the Federation of BiH, increasing recycling rates and creating a cleaner and more orderly environment for citizens.