Visit of SUS-SOIL Project Members from the University of Sarajevo to the Municipalities of Bugojno, Živinice, and Ilidža

As part of the activities of the EU SUS-SOIL project (Horizon Europe 2024–2028), representatives from the University of Sarajevo (Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences and the Faculty of Forestry) conducted official visits to the municipalities of Bugojno, Živinice, and Ilidža.

The purpose of the visit was to present the project’s key objectives, establish collaboration with local institutions, and agree on the next steps regarding the organization of local workshops, soil sampling, and the establishment of demonstration (demo) plots.

Considering that the next project activity (planned for May–June) is the organization of workshops in the mentioned municipalities, the project team initiated discussions on the topic. They covered potential venues, the time frame for the events, participant structure, and logistical and organizational aspects.

The project team presented the soil sampling plan in each municipality (80 samples per municipality across agricultural, forest, and urban land types). Prof. dr. Sabrija Čadro informed the municipal representatives about the methodology and the time period during which the sampling would take place. The criteria for selecting sampling locations were also presented:

Parent material type: Bugojno (Mesozoic limestone), Živinice (heavy clay sediments deposited on former tertiary lakebeds), Ilidža (fluvial deposits of Werfen age)

Soil types:

Bugojno (Calcomelanosol / Calcaric Cambisol), Živinice (Pseudogley / Stagnogley), Ilidža (Fluvisol and Humofluvisol), Land use types: meadows, orchards, young and old forests, parks, gardens, etc.

Each municipality will also host demonstration plots. These were discussed during the meetings, focusing on potential locations. These parcels will serve as Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Living Labs, where research and the promotion of sustainable soil management practices will be carried out.

Key Conclusions of the Meetings

During the meetings, the following key conclusions and agreements were reached:

• Each municipality will appoint a representative to coordinate the planned activities in collaboration with the project team.

• Each municipality will provide a venue for the workshops planned in the coming months (the workshop in Ilidža will be held at the University of Sarajevo Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences demonstration site) and will assist in inviting and gathering relevant stakeholders (farmers/landowners, associations, private companies, etc.).

• Municipalities will propose sampling and demo plot locations, participate in field visits, and assist in contacting landowners and issuing the necessary permissions.

• Local representatives will participate in informing the community about the importance of the project and soil sampling activities.

• Municipalities will take part in selecting local individuals responsible for the setup and monitoring of demo plots, who will be compensated as outlined in the project budget.

Shared Vision: Healthy Soil for a Sustainable Future

Through collaboration with the municipalities of Bugojno, Živinice, and Ilidža, the SUS-SOIL project aims to contribute to the creation of a transparent soil health database for the selected locations and to strengthen local capacities for informed land-use decision-making. The activities will include both scientific research and the direct engagement of local communities.

Municipal representatives expressed their willingness to actively participate in the project, recognizing the importance of healthy soils for the preservation of natural resources, agricultural productivity, and the overall quality of life for citizens.

Meeting Participants

Project team representatives:

The University of Sarajevo delegation included:

Prof. Dr. Dženan Bećirović

Prof. Dr. Sabrija Čadro

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Osman Musić

Assist. Prof. Dr. Emina Sijahović

Assist. Prof. Dr. Merima Makaš

Representatives of the Municipality of Bugojno:

Haris Haznadarević, Assistant to the Mayor

Bahira Abdibegović, Head of the Department for Economy and Social Affairs

Senada Čolić, Senior Expert Associate for Agriculture, Water Management, and Tourism

Nermin Mehić, Expert Associate for Agriculture, Water Management, and Tourism

Representatives of the City of Živinice:

Began Muhić, Mayor

Salih Durić, Advisor to the Mayor

Mirsad Butković, Agricultural Advisor

Representatives of the Municipality of Ilidža:

Sabina Viteškić, Assistant to the Municipal Mayor for Economy and Local Economic Development

Jasmin Voloder, Assistant to the Mayor for Property-Legal and Geodetic Affairs

Selver Vreto, Agricultural Advisor

Zerina Hadžiahmetović, Senior Agricultural Officer

Neira Mirojević and Samra Lepir, Legal Associates