At the premises of Euro House in Sarajevo, grant agreements were signed today with 16 civil society organizations under the FUTURE Project, implemented by the Resource Environmental Center (REC) with the financial support of Sweden.
The grants are aimed at strengthening and developing environmental CSOs across Bosnia and Herzegovina — by enhancing their internal capacities, financial sustainability, communication, and management. This initiative lays the foundation for the long-term empowerment of civil society’s role in environmental protection and the sustainable development of communities.
At the signing ceremony, the media were addressed by Ms. Lejla Šuman, Director of the Resource Environmental Center in BiH, and Ms. Brigita Jansson, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in BiH, who emphasized the importance of investing in knowledge, capacities, and networking of organizations as key drivers of change.
“We are strengthening the voice of environmental organizations — because change starts within communities. The FUTURE project demonstrates that local initiatives can have national and regional impact when they receive the necessary support and trust,” said the Director of the Resource Environmental Center.
“Sweden has a long-standing partnership with civil society in BiH. We believe that an independent and professional civil society is the cornerstone of good governance in the field of environmental protection. Through these grants, our goal is not only to support practical activities, but also to strengthen the organizational capacities of civil society organizations — helping them become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to engage with citizens and institutions on key environmental issues and participate in EU integration processes related to Chapter 27,” said the Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in BiH.
The FUTURE Project aims to improve environmental governance and strengthen the role of environmental CSOs and networks in policy-making, as well as in promoting innovative and sustainable solutions for the protection of natural resources.
Grants have been awarded to 16 organizations from various parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a total value of BAM 300,000. Through their projects, these organizations will develop internal structures, enhance transparency, and become leaders of change in the field of environmental protection. The projects will be implemented until the end of 2026.
Through the FUTURE Project, with the support of Sweden, we are building the capacities of organizations that are changing the way Bosnia and Herzegovina takes care of its environment — responsibly, professionally, and sustainably.
Sarajevo, October 31, 2025
