Western Balkans
The cooperation for Improved Air Quality in the Western Balkans started in August 2022 and involves UNICEF, the Swedish EPA, and the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, SMHI.
This programme is financed by Sida and stretches to July 2024 with possible extension. The objective is to contribute to enabling that all levels of government as well as the general public, including youth, have the correct data and information for making policy decisions, action plans, accurate analysis, and informed choices on air quality issues.
The Swedish EPA and SMHI support the countries of the Western Balkans by strengthening national and local government capacities as duty bearers with respect to air quality governance and air quality data. UNICEF’s work is also aimed at facilitating the voices and recommendations of children and youth as rights holders, to improve air quality policy and change social norms.
Action plan of four components
The work of the Swedish EPA and SMHI will be divided into four activities aimed at improving air quality data collection and dissemination. Component 1-3 will be pursued together with two countries during this pilot phase (2022-2024), while component 4 on regional network is open for all six countries of the region.
- Component 1: Increased processing capacity for emissions data
Develop a toolkit for more simple gathering and processing of emissions data including scenario comparisons and mapping - Component 2: Guidance for local self-governments regarding air quality management.
Assist EPAs in providing guidance to local self-governments in regard to their responsibilities for managing air quality based on national legislation and the EU air quality directive EC/50/2008 - Component 3: Increased Public Access to air quality data and information
Focus on making historical air quality data and information regarding how to interpret air quality data available to the public - Component 4: Regional network of air quality practitioners
Convene a network of people working with and affected by air quality management.
Read more about Component 4: Regional network of air quality practitioners
Contact
Would you like to know more about our cooperation with the Western Balkans? Send an email to Annakarin Lindberg, annakarin.lindberg@naturvardsverket.se.