Just Transition in Select Coal Regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina

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PDO is to support a Just Transition in select coal mine regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.Project Summary: The project aims to (i) strengthening the institutional frameworks and project management for “just transition”; (ii) repurpose mining lands and closure of select underground works in Banovici, Zenica and Kreka mines; (ii) support development of renewable power generation in Banovici and Kreka mines; (iii) implement early-stage social protection, reskilling and economic opportunities for workers and communities; and (iv) facilitate policy dialogue on "just transition" in FBiH.Component 1 focuses on enhancing the capacity of coal regions, their entities, and the state-level government to manage a Just Transition by supporting (1) the Committee on Just Transition at the State Level as well as a state-level knowledge platform to promote and exchange knowledge on Just Transition; (2) capacity building of the Interministerial Committee on Just Transition in the Federation of BiH to perform its duties related to Just Transition strategy implementation; (3) technical assistance to relevant FBiH Ministries to enhance the existing regulatory laws on labor transitions; and (4) the core functions of the Project Management Unit (PIU) nd its corresponding Project Management Teams in Banovici and EPBiH to manage project responsibilities, including procurement, financial management, contract administration, environmental and social monitoring, and stakeholder coordination.Component 2 supports the repurposing of select post-mining lands in Banovici, Zenica and Kreka, and closure of specific underground works in the Zenica mine by (1) performing all necessary baseline assessments and environmental and social impact assessments to inform land repurposing master plans and mine closure plans; (2) improving capacity of Banovici mine and EPBiH to carry out land repurposing and mine closure activities in accordance with national laws and international best practice; and (3) implementing the land repurposing master plans in Banovici, Zenica and Kreka, and the mine closure plan in Zenica. Component 3 supports the transition of renewable power generation in Banovici and Kreka mines by (1) support the installation of 27 MWp of photovoltaic (PV) systems at two identified mine sites to generate over 30 GWh of annual electricity. Component 4 aims to mitigate the social and labor impacts of coal transition on workers and communities by (1) support to cover the financial obligations of Zenica mine workers; (2) implement reskilling and retraining of eligible workers in Banovici and Zenica; and (3) support to affected communities through community investments and stakeholder engagement processes.