1: Geographical description of the area

Description

The project area is situated in the northwest region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, within the administrative boundaries of Republika Srpska. This area encompasses five local self-governments: Banja Luka, Prijedor, Kozarska Dubica, Gradiška, and Laktaši. The total area of the region amounts to 3722.3 km², which represents 15.1% of the territory of Republika Srpska, or 7.27% of the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The observed area exhibits a pronounced physical geographical diversity, reflected in various relief, geological, pedological, hydrological, climatic, and vegetation characteristics of the space itself. Flat terrains cover 42% of the territory, hilly terrains cover 43% of the territory, while mountainous areas account for approximately 15% of the region's territory. The hydrographic network is very rich, and the entire area belongs to the basins of the rivers Una, Sana, Vrbas, Vrbanja, and the immediate basin of the river Sava.

Additionally, this area is abundant in sources of drinking water, which are mainly located in the hilly and mountainous parts, while in the flat part, aquifers with good reserves of groundwater are present. Deciduous and mixed forests are the most prevalent, while coniferous forests are considerably less present in the observed area. It is estimated that the forested area covers around 37% of the total territory, not including areas covered by shrub vegetation. It is estimated that by mid-2022, there were 360,926 inhabitants in the observed area, representing 32.22% of the population of Republika Srpska, or 10.74% of the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina. More than 60% of the population lives in urban areas. Observing the gender structure of the population, it can be concluded that the female population is more prevalent in the region (51.6%).

In terms of the age structure of the population, the working-age population is the most prevalent (67.7%), followed by the elderly population, which accounts for 18.4%. The young population is the least represented, contributing only 13.9% to the total age structure. It should be emphasized that the observed region has been experiencing a depopulation process for several decades, especially in rural areas. Positive natural population growth is only recorded in some urban centers (such as Banja Luka, Prijedor, Laktaši). Population migrations mainly involve internal movements from rural areas to urban centers, as well as external migrations towards neighboring countries and EU countries.

Indicators

No.	Title	Unit of measure	Quantity	Sources
1.1	Land area by type: a. mountain; b. forest; c. hilly; d. plain; e. water-covered (by type: lake, river,…)	km2	a. 514; b. 1366,1; c. 1596; d. 1593,5; e. 31,1	CORINE land cover 2018; NASA Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM)
1.2	Topographic diversity (geographic form and elevation variation)	%	Plain area 42,8%; Hilly area 42,9%; Mountain area 14,3%.	NASA Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM)
1.3	Population on 1 January by age group, sex and NUTS 3 or equivalent	n.	Total population 360926; Male 48,4%; Female 51,6%; Age group 0-14: 13,9%; Age group 15-64: 67,7%; Age group 65+: 18,4%	Republika Srpska Institute of Statistics
1.4	Population: Structure indicators by NUTS 3 or equivalent region	n.	D.D.
1.5	Population density	n./sq. km	96,9	Republika Srpska Institute of Statistics
1.6	Municipalities	n.	5	Republika Srpska Institute of Statistics
1.7	Population in urban areas/total	%	61,8%	Republika Srpska Institute of Statistics
1.8	Rural centers	n.	Total number of rural settlements – 269; Total number of major rural settlements - 39	epublika Srpska Institute of Statistics and Republic Authority for Geodetic Affairs – RS

2: Communities and Stakeholders

Description

In the past, there have been numerous initiatives for collaboration and connecting the spatially functional unit of 9 municipalities that gravitate around the mountain of Kozara, but none have materialized. There is a particular need for cooperation and connecting local communities, especially in the tourism sector and the creation of a unique tourist destination with a strong cultural identity that has been evolving for centuries. In the area, various organizations, institutions, companies, and individuals operate at different levels, directly or indirectly linked to cultural, natural heritage, and tourism. The area encompasses the economic, cultural, political, financial, and university center of Republika Srpska (one of the two entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina), as well as the regional center of Prijedor, which hosts the headquarters of numerous institutions, NGOs, and businesses. Additionally, the area includes four cities and one municipality.

Some of the key stakeholders are the relevant ministries in the Republic of Srpska Government, municipal and city administrations departments, and tourist organizations, folklore clubs, cultural centers, as well as individuals knowledgeable about local stories, legends, and anecdotes. Local government units, together with the tourist organizations of cities and municipalities, have a good understanding of local conditions and possess certain knowledge related to the cultural and natural heritage of their municipalities. State institutions and centers coordinate activities related to legislation, strategic planning, education, research, and investments in the protection and valorization of resources.

Private companies such as tourist agencies and tour operators, hospitality businesses, and transporters have a direct interest in the valorization of tourist resources and their utilization for economic purposes. Citizen associations such as folklore clubs, women's associations, or national minorities have solid bases related to cultural heritage, and the project can provide them with new insights generated through meetings and field research. Individuals, enthusiasts who have gained certain knowledge and information related to cultural heritage through their work and experience, are also significant. Additionally, NGOs dealing with culture and environmental protection significantly influence local conditions through event organization, information dissemination, advocacy, promotion, and protection of the natural and cultural values of the area. Good practice examples of synergy among stakeholders in the area are rare, thus the Mystical Danube project presents an excellent opportunity for everyone to come together and connect through a new storytelling route of intangible cultural heritage, which will unite stakeholders of the area and create a joint tourism product.

Indicators

National and regional level stakeholders

2.1	Government
Name Location Score Link Ministry of trade and tourism RS Banja Luka High Ministry of Education and Culture RS Banja Luka High Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management RS Banja Luka High Chamber of Commerce RS Banja Luka Low Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage of RS Banja Luka High Museum of RS Banja Luka High Development Agency of RS Banja Luka Low Republic Institute of Statistics Banja Luka High Environmental Protection Fund Banja Luka Medium
2.2	(Tourism) Business Sector
Name Location Score Link Kozara National Park Prijedor High Public institution “Donja Gradina” Kozarska Dubica High Una Nature Park Kozarska Dubica High Mljecanica Spa Kozarska Dubica Medium Tourist agency Kompas Sarajevo High Tourist agency Zepter Passport Banja Luka Medium Tourist agency Marcello Travel Prijedor High Tourist agency Green Vision Sarajevo High
2.3	Educational Sector
Name Location Score Link Faculty of Sciences Banja Luka Medium Academy of Arts Banja Luka Medium Faculty of Forestry Banja Luka Medium Faculty of Mining Prijedor Medium
2.4	Transport Sector
Name Location Score Link Banja Luka Airport Laktasi Medium Railways Doboj Medium
2.5	NGOs
Name Location Score Link The speleological association Ponir Banja Luka Medium Center for Environment Banja Luka Medium

Local level stakeholders

2.6	Government
Name Location Score Link City of Banja Luka Banja Luka Medium City of Prijedor Prijedor Medium Kozarska Dubica Municipality Kozarska Dubica Medium City of Gradiska Gradiska Medium City of Laktasi Laktasi Medium Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Banja Luka Low Banja Luka Tourist Board Banja Luka High Prijedor Tourist Board Prijedor High Kozarska Dubica Tourist board Kozarska Dubica High Gradiska Tourist board Gradiska High Laktasi Tourist board Laktasi High Development agency of the city of Prijedor - PREDA Prijedor Low RAGA City Development Agency Gradiska Low
2.7	(Tourism) Business Sector
Name Location Score Link Workshop Prijedor Low Workshop Inidea Prijedor Low Wooden haberdashery Vuković Prijedor Low Mostanica Monastery Kozarska Dubica High Etno selo Balkis Laktaši High Tourist agency Good Host Banja Luka High Etno selo “BK Oaza” Prijedor High Hotel Bijele vode Prijedor High Restaurant Europa Prijedor Medium Planinarski dom Previja Prijedor High Starabašta Restaurant Prijedor High Guest House “Ribarska priča” Prijedor High Fijaker stari Restaurant Kozarska Dubica Medium Hotel Rafaelo Kozarska Dubica Medium Stara Civija Restaurant Kozarska Dubica High Floating restauran “St. Nicholas” Kozarska Dubica Medium Hotel Zepter Kozarska Dubica Medium Steva's Ranch Rural Household Kozarska Dubica Medium Laminci Lake Restaurant Gradiska Medium Stanica Restaurant Gradiska Low
2.8	Educational Sector
Name Location Score Link Museum of Kozara Prijedor High National Library Kozarska Dubica Low Public institution Veslin Masleša National Library Kozarska Dubica Low National Library of Gradiska Gradiska Low Homeland Museum Gradiska High Hospitality, Trade, and Tourism School Banja Luka High Adult Education Center Banja Luka High Agricultural High School Banja Luka Medium Agricultural and food school Prijedor Medium High Vocational and Technical School Gradiška Gradiska High Nikola Tesla High School Center Kozarska Dubica Low Faculty of Science Banja Luka High Faculty of Economics Banja Luka Medium University of Business Studies Banja Luka Medium College of Economics and Informatics Prijedor Low Agricultural faculty Banja Luka Low Institute of Agriculture Banja Luka Medium Institute for Genetic Resources Banja Luka Medium
2.9	Transport Sector
Name Location Score Link Vukovic travel agency Prijedor Medium In travel travel agency Laktasi Medium Bakal Tours Laktasi Medium Smiljic travel agency Banja Luka Medium Rale tours Banja Luka Medium Pavlovic Turs Banja Luka Medium Pixi Trade Banja Luka Medium Taxi Gradiska Gradiska Low Hit Taxi Prijedor Low Apolo Taxi Prijedor Low BT Taxi Kozarska Dubica Low A Taxi Laktasi Low Taxi Boba Laktasi Low BB Taxi Laktasi Low Taxi Vele SHM Laktasi Low Taxi Milanović Laktasi Low Taxi Otac I sin Laktasi Low Patrol Taxi Banja Luka Low Bel Taxi Banja Luka Low Euro taxi Banja Luka Low
2.10	NGOs
Name Location Score Link Association of Veterans of the People's Liberation War of Yugoslavia Banja Luka Low Folklore club Prijedor High Folklore club “Osman Džafić” Prijedor Medium Folklore club “Kozara” Prijedor Medium Folklore club “Piskavica” Banja Luka High Association of Traditions Prijedor Medium Klekovača Mountaineering club Prijedor Medium PAOK Mountaineering club Banja Luka Medium Albatros Mountaineering club Prijedor Medium Parish of Omarska Prijedor Medium Association of Veterans of the People's Liberation War of Yugoslavia Prijedor Low Association of Veterans of the People's Liberation War of Yugoslavia Kozarska Dubica Low Petar Pecija Mountaineering club Kozarska Dubica Medium Folklore club Una Kozarska Dubica Medium Višnjic Serbian singing group Kozarska Dubica Low Educational Society Prosvjeta Kozarska Dubica Low Educational Society Prosvjeta Kozarska Dubica Low Church municipality of Dubica Kozarska Dubica High Balkis Foundation Laktasi Low Ad Fines Foundation Laktasi Medium
2.11	Local communities / minorities
Name Location Score Link The Association of Polish Mak Gradiska Medium Association of Ukrainians Prijedor Medium Association of Ukrainians Prijedor Medium Vericanke Women's Association Banja Luka Medium

3: Economy & Tourism

Description

Economic activities of the region are concentrated in several sectors. Previously, this region was known for a strong industrial sector related to basic industry, wood processing, mining, food, and textile industries, as well as part of the defense industry. Today, industrial production is at a much lower level compared to the 1990s. Additionally, due to favourable natural conditions, agricultural production (crop farming, fruit growing, livestock farming) is developed in this region, especially in Lijevče Field, Dubica Plain, and Prijedor Field. In other parts of the region, agricultural production has a somewhat more extensive character. Forestry is prevalent in areas rich in forests, primarily in the wider regions of Kozara, Prosara, Majdanska Mountains, and the southern part of Banja Luka. The most dominant sector in the economy of the observed area is the tertiary sector. Here, the influence of trade and related activities is particularly emphasized. Additionally, catering and related services has a significant share in the economy of most municipalities, while manufacturing and service crafts are much less represented. Tourism still has modest indicators in the overall economy of the region. There has been a slight growth in the areas of transportation and construction.

When it comes to the labour market, there are certain limitations. In smaller municipalities (Kozarska Dubica, Laktaši, Gradiška), there is a shortage of job opportunities in the real sector, resulting in relatively high unemployment rates. The average unemployment rate in the region, according to official data, is around 24%. However, considering the shortcomings in the methodology of data collection for this indicator, there is a possibility that this rate is actually lower. It is important to note that recently there has been a shortage of qualified workforce, as well as certain highly educated profiles. The cause of the labour shortage is economic migration towards neighbouring countries and EU countries.

Although there are no exact data on trade and exports at the local/regional level, it can be said that there is a smaller number of business entities that are export-oriented, with the main market being countries in the region and some EU countries. Also, data on the number of startups are not available, but based on data from business reports, it can be concluded that this number is not large and that the majority of startups are in the IT or technology sector.

Indicators

3.1.1 Gross domestic product (GDP) at current market prices by NUTS 3 or equivalent regions

NUTS 3 name or equivalent regions name	Gross domestic product (GDP)	Sources/Links	Notes/Remarks

3.1.2 Employment (thousand persons) by NUTS 3 or equivalent regions

NUTS 3 name or equivalent regions name	Employment (thousand persons)	Sources/Links	Notes/Remarks

3.1.3 Dispersion of regional employment rates of age group 15-64 by NUTS 3 or equivalent regions

NUTS 3 name or equivalent regions name	Dispersion of regional employment rates	Sources/Links	Notes/Remarks

3.1.4 Dispersion of regional unemployment rates by NUTS 3 or equivalent regions

NUTS 3 name or equivalent regions name	Dispersion of regional unemployment rates	Sources/Links	Notes/Remarks

3.1.5 Business demography by size class and NUTS 3 or equivalent regions

NUTS 3 name or equivalent regions name	Business demography by size class	Sources/Links	Notes/Remarks

3.2. Description and data on tourism specifics

Most of the tourist sites and characteristics of local life are connected to the mountain of Kozara, which is surrounded by 9 municipalities, 5 of which are included in the project analysis. The most recognizable feature is the Kozara National Park, within which lies the memorial zone of the epic battle of World War II, featuring the sculpture by Dušan Džamonja and a museum.

There are numerous other markers, stories, and legends related to World War II which are still not valorized. Additionally, within the national park area, there are several hospitality facilities and kilometers of well-maintained hiking and biking trails that allow visitors to explore the mountain and its rich biodiversity. Most of these trails are located on Mount Kozara and are properly marked with signage. The trails are mainly used by day-trippers, hikers, and residents of surrounding municipalities, with insignificant visitors and tourists. There are very few maintained and marked hiking and biking trails outside the National Park, and efforts should be made to expand this network to connect tourist sites and stories. The regional road R477 passes through the center of the National Park, connecting the municipal centers of Gradiska and Prijedor over Mount Kozara, serving as the main road link to the Kozara National Park. There is a need to connect the Kozara National Park with the center of the Dubica municipality, enabling the development of circular tours from Banja Luka to the National Park, Dubica, Prijedor, and back to Banja Luka. Unfortunately, there is no public transport linking the municipal centers to the Kozara National Park, resulting in very poor accessibility to the region's main tourist attraction.

Apart from the National Park, other significant locations of interest and tourist sites within the project area include Laktasi spa center, the Mostanica Monastery, the memorial zone "Donja Gradina," and the Eco Center Ljekarice, while many other tourist potentials are underutilized. Particularly significant resources and potentials are found in the rural areas with strong cultural heritage, hospitable residents, and rural farms and households. There are also significant archaeological sites from various periods (from prehistory to the present) that place this area among the richest in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Accommodation facilities in the project area are mainly concentrated in municipal centers, with small accommodations in villages being very poorly represented. Each local government unit in the project area has a Local Tourist Boards with operating information centers. At the heart of the Kozara National Park is the Visitor Center and museum, where visitors can learn about the historical, cultural, and natural characteristics of the mountain of Kozara. Additional protected areas are designated in the spatial plan of the area, which could become significant destination points.

Indicators

3.2.1 Number of establishments, bedrooms and bed-places by NUTS 3 or equivalent regions

NUTS 3 name or equivalent regions name	Number of establishments and bed-places	Sources/Links	Notes/Remarks

3.2.2 Nights spent in tourist accommodation by NUTS 3 or equivalent regions

NUTS 3 name or equivalent regions name	Nights spent in tourist accommodation	Sources/Links	Notes/Remarks

---

No.	Title	Unit of measure	Quantity	Sources
3.2.3	Area of regenerated open spaces and regenerated public buildings (last 10 years)	sq. m.	D.D.
3.2.4	Tourist visits (year) and other information of tourist value	n.	154555	Republic of Srpska Institute of statistics
3.2.5	Duration of the period favorable to green mobility	n. of months / year	1. April - 31. October	D.D.
3.2.6	Tourist who go hiking	n/year	D.D.
3.2.7	Other activities tourists carry out while staying in the region (by type and %)	%	Spa Treatments; Cycling; Ethno animations; Farm tourism; Religious tours; Fly Fishing; Bird Watching; Gastro tours	No official source, by experience

4: Infrastructure and Mobility

Description

The transportation position of the region is very favourable, and it can be said to be a sort of crossroads connecting different parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the continental part of Croatia, further extending into the spatial central Europe. Considering the transportation position, the transportation infrastructure is relatively well-developed. The most developed and dominant type of transportation is road traffic. The network of primary transportation arteries spans across all sectors of the region, with the densest concentration found within the municipalities of Banja Luka, Laktaši, and Gradiška. Notably, these municipalities host a constructed highway, strategically serving to interconnect this segment of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the broader national network and the Republic of Croatia. Also, railway transport is present in the region, mainly serving for the transportation of goods and less frequently for passenger traffic. The railway line passes through the municipalities of Prijedor and Banja Luka.

The concept of green mobility has been promoted only in the last few years and is mainly focused on urban centers. The leader in terms of green mobility is certainly the city of Banja Luka. Banja Luka has developed a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, and activities have already begun to reduce motorized traffic in the city center and promote non-motorized modes of transportation. In addition to Banja Luka, Prijedor and Gradiška are considering activities related to promoting e-mobility. In Banja Luka, hybrid taxi vehicles have been introduced as a pilot project, and electric-powered buses for public transportation are also being considered.

Bicycle traffic is present in all municipalities; however, due to the lack of exact data, the exact number of users cannot be determined with certainty. The bicycle infrastructure is most developed in Banja Luka, where intensive efforts have been made in recent years to build new bicycle lanes and bike parking facilities. Other municipalities are following this trend but to a much lesser extent. Unfortunately, there are still no inter-municipal bicycle paths.

For all municipalities, it can be said that public urban and suburban transportation is underdeveloped. Banja Luka, as the largest city, has established public urban and suburban transportation, but with significant shortcomings. The prices of public transportation are high, so citizens often opt for alternative modes of transportation (e.g., private cars). The concept of intermodality is still in development, and there are no systematic efforts towards integrating multiple modes of transportation systems.

Indicators

No.	Title	Unit of measure	Quantity	Sources
4.1	Transport infrastructure (by type and length)	km	Highway – 49 km; Main roads – 312 km; Regional roads – 245 km; Local roads – 1357 km	Spatial planning documentation; Local self-government
4.2	Existing trails (type, length, conditions, …)	km	D.D.
4.3	Transport-related accidents (by mode of transport, other characteristics)	n. (per year)	4917	Ministry of the Interior, Republic of Srpska
4.4	Percentage of population riding a bike	%	D.D.
4.5	Railroad infrastructure	km	143,3	Spatial planning documentation

5: Environment – Nature – Climate

Description

Public water supply systems exist in all municipalities of the region. Currently, 99,736 households, or 77.5% of households in the region, are connected to the water supply system. On the other hand, other households are connected to local rural water supply systems that are not part of the public water supply system, while a small portion of households, mostly in individual and remote parts of the region, use water from their own wells. Only 50,004 households, or 38.8% of households in the region, are connected to the wastewater drainage system. Sewerage systems are built in urban centers of municipalities but do not cover the entire territory of urban areas. In rural areas, sewerage systems are rarely present or non-existent. No municipality has a wastewater treatment plant with primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment built, so municipal wastewater is discharged directly into the receptors. A smaller portion of industrial plants discharges wastewater into receptors after primary and secondary treatment, while an undetermined number of industrial and manufacturing facilities discharge their wastewater without any treatment. As a result of such activities, there is a lower quality class of watercourses downstream from urban centers. Solid waste collection is carried out at the regional landfill located near Banja Luka. A solid waste collection system has been established in all municipal centers. Solid waste is also organizedly collected in some rural settlements. However, the majority of rural settlements, especially those remote, do not have an organized solid waste collection system, leading to occurrences of various-sized illegal dumpsites. The insufficiently strict legal framework and the limited capacity of inspection services are also limiting factors when it comes to environmental protection. The distribution of electrical energy is organized through one distribution company that covers the entire region. The electrical energy consumed in the region comes from hydroelectric sources as well as from a coal-fired power plant. The contribution of solar and wind energy to the overall energy balance is almost non-existent. Unfortunately, data on both consumers and electricity consumption are not available at the local level, but reports from the distribution company indicate that there are certain energy losses in the grid due to the obsolescence of certain distribution lines. Due to underdeveloped legislation in the field of renewable energy and a lack of investment, significant projects related to renewable energy have not been recorded in the observed region.

Climate change is already present in the observed region and has an impact on all sectors, with a particular emphasis on agriculture, forestry, and water management. The analyses so far have shown an increase in average air temperatures, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. Over the last two decades, there has been an increase in the frequency of heatwaves and temperature extremes. The overall annual amount of precipitation has not varied significantly, but there has been a change in seasonal distribution. Spring precipitation extremes causing floods are becoming more frequent, while periods of drought are becoming more common in summers.

5.1. Indicators

No.	Title	Unit of measure	Quantity	Sources
5.1.1	Water supply	N. of households	99736	Republika Srpska Institute of Statistics
5.1.2	Energy supply (last year)	n.	D.D.	Republika Srpska Institute of Statistics
5.1.3	Maximum, minimum and mean temperature (Average)	C.	Average year minimum: 5°C; Average year: 9,8 °C; Average year maximum: 10,9 °C	Republic Hydrometeorological Institute; Climate atlas of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
5.1.4	Variation of exceptional climatic adverse events against previous year	n.	D.D.
5.1.5	Sewage connections	N. of households	50004	Republika Srpska Institute of Statistics
5.1.6	Maximum, minimum and mean precipitation (by year)	mm	Average year minimum – 917 mm; Average year – 1001 mm; Average year maximum – 1172 mm	Republic Hydrometeorological Institute; Climate atlas of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

5.2. Description of natural heritage

A variety of geological, pedological, morphological, hydrographic, climatic, vegetative, and other conditions have led to the existence of a large number of valuable sites and areas throughout the region. Some of the mentioned sites and areas have been recognized by relevant institutions and, as such, have been formally protected. Currently, there are seven protected areas with various levels of protection according to the IUCN in the region. The highest level of protection in the region is enjoyed by the Kozara National Park, which is territorially the largest protected area. What is interesting about the Kozara National Park is that, in addition to its natural heritage, it also contains significant elements of cultural heritage. Positioned at the center of the region, Kozara undoubtedly leaves its mark on the wider surroundings. The other categories of protected areas include nature monuments, nature parks, forest parks, and resource management areas.

However, in the region, there are other valuable natural areas that, in terms of their characteristics and values, are not inferior to formally protected areas. The Spatial Plan of the Republic of Srpska, as well as the spatial plans of local self-government units, have identified areas and sites that, due to their specific characteristics, should be formally protected in the future. A total of 13 such areas have been identified, which are very diverse in terms of types (ranging from caves, nature parks, forest parks, natural landscapes, special ornithological reserves, and similar). What characterizes most of the existing and planned protected natural areas is the intertwining of elements of cultural heritage, which ultimately adds additional quality to such sites.

During field visits and targeted interviews, as well as interactive workshops as part of project activities, it was determined that in the observed area, there are still many sites and areas with exceptional natural values that are not well-known and have not been adequately presented in the media so far. All the mentioned areas need further exploration and promotion in order to be adequately valorized.

Natural heritage list

No.	Name	Location	Condition	Protection level	Remarks
5.2.1	Kozara	Prijedor, Gradiška, Kozarska Dubica	D.D.	National park, II category IUCN	Protected
5.2.2	Pećina Ljubačevo	Banja Luka	D.D.	Natural monument, III category IUCN	Protected
5.2.3	Lijevčanski knez	Gradiška	D.D.	Natural monument, III category IUCN	Protected
5.2.4	Una	Kozarska Dubica	D.D.	Nature park, V category IUCN	Protected
5.2.5	Slatina	Laktaši	D.D.	Forest park, VI category IUCN	Protected
5.2.6	Jelića Brdo	Laktaši	D.D.	Forest park, VI category IUCN	Protected
5.2.7	Univerzitetski grad	Banja Luka	D.D.	Resource management area, VI category IUCN	Protected
5.2.8	Prosara	Kozarska Dubica, Gradiška	D.D.	Nature park	Planned for protection
5.2.9	Sana donji tok	Prijedor	D.D.	Nature park	Planned for protection
5.2.10	Banja Laktaši complex	Laktaši	D.D.	Nature park	Planned for protection
5.2.11	Trapisti	Banja Luka	D.D.	Forest park	Planned for protection
5.2.12	Starčevica	Banja Luka	D.D.	Nature park	Planned for protection
5.2.13	Šibovi sa Suturlijom	Banja Luka	D.D.	Forest park	Planned for protection
5.2.14	Kanjon Vrbasa	Banja Luka	D.D.	Protected natural landscape	Planned for protection
5.2.15	Krupa na Vrbasu	Banja Luka	D.D.	Natural park	Planned for protection
5.2.16	Osmača-Tisovac-Čemernica	Banja Luka	D.D.	Nature park	Planned for protection
5.2.17	Bardača-Donja Dolina	Gradiška	D.D.	Protected cultural landscape	Planned for protection
5.2.18	Saničani	Prijedor	D.D.	Special ornithological nature reserve	Planned for protection
5.2.19	Pećina u Trnovcu-Savino Brdo	Gradiška	D.D.	Natural monument	Planned for protection

Map of natural heritage

6: Socio-Cultural Information

Description

The socio-cultural environment of a region is shaped by its historical background, societal norms, traditions, and interactions among various social groups. In the case of the project area, a historical description reveals a complex tapestry of socio-cultural dynamics that have evolved over time.

Initially, the region might have been characterized by indigenous communities living in harmony with nature, practicing traditional customs, and engaging in subsistence activities. As external influences began to shape the landscape, such as migrations, invasions, and trade routes, the socio-cultural fabric underwent significant transformations. For example, the arrival of different ethnic or religious groups could have led to cultural exchanges, conflicts, or assimilation processes, impacting the social cohesion and identity of the local population.

Colonialism, imperialism, or feudal systems might have introduced hierarchical structures, power dynamics, and socio-economic disparities, influencing the distribution of resources, land ownership, and access to education or political representation. Additionally, technological advancements, urbanization, and industrialization could have altered traditional livelihoods, social roles, and community structures, leading to the emergence of new social classes, urban-rural divides, and cultural hybridization.

Over time, political ideologies, revolutions, or wars might have further shaped the socio-cultural landscape, fostering solidarity, resistance movements, or ideological divisions within the society. The establishment of nation-states, borders, and administrative systems could have also affected cultural identities, language policies, and inter-ethnic relations, sometimes leading to tensions or conflicts.

6.1. List of tangible cultural heritage related to natural heritage

No.	Name	Location	Condition	Protection level	Remarks
6.1.1	The Memorial Complex “Kozara” on Mrakovica	Kozara mountin	Good	Cultural and historical monument
6.1.2	Gornji Bakinci – Late Antique-Early Byzantine city and three Early Christian basilicas	Laktaši	Medium	List of national monuments
6.1.3	The wooden church in Malo Blaško	Laktaši	Medium	List of national monuments
6.1.4	Italian church in village Mahovljani	Laktaši	Good	Temporary List of National Monuments
6.1.5	The remains of the early-Byzantine lost city of Balkis	Laktaši	Good	List of national monuments
6.1.6	The archeological site “Brdašce”	Laktaši	Good	Locally protected
6.1.7	The wooden church in Marićka	Prijedor	Good	List of national monuments
6.1.8	The wooden church in Rakelići	Prijedor	Good	Temporary List of National Monuments
6.1.9	The wooden church in Busnovi	Prijedor	Good	Temporary List of National Monuments
6.1.10	The wooden church in Omarska	Prijedor	Good	Locally protected
6.1.11	The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Kozarac	Prijedor	Good	Temporary List of National Monuments
6.1.12	The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary known as Mehmed’s church	Prijedor	Good	Locally protected
6.1.13	The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Šurkovac	Prijedor	Good	Temporary List of National Monuments
6.1.14	The Klisina Monastery	Prijedor	Good	Temporary List of National Monuments
6.1.15	Monastery Moštanica	Kozarska Dubica	Good	Cultural and historical monument
6.1.16	Excavations of the Đurđevac Monastery	Kozarska Dubica	Medium	Locally protected
6.1.17	The first partisan airport	Kozarska Dubica	Medium	Locally protected
6.1.18	Donja Gradina Memorial	Kozarska Dubica	Medium	Cultural and historical monument
6.1.19	The necropolis of stećak tombstones in Moconje	Banja Luka	Good	List of national monuments
6.1.20	The wooden church in Kola	Banja Luka	Good	List of national monuments

6.2. List of intangible cultural heritage

6.2.1	Oral traditions and expressions including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage
Name Location Condition Protection level Remarks The Forbidden Love of Kozara Hill Kozarac near Prijedor Frequently occurring Locally protected The Evil Forces and Demons in Watermills Researched area Randomly occurring Locally protected Legends of the Wooden Churches Banja Luka, Laktaši, Gradiška, Prijedor Frequently occurring Locally protected Mystery of the Stone Ball in Slatina Laktaši Frequently occurring Locally protected Hajduk Petar Popović Pecija Kozarska Dubica Frequently occurring Locally protected Buried near the Moštanica monastery Legend about Rajko from Zmijanje Banja Luka Randomly occurring Locally protected Legend about the origin of the Moštanica monastery Kozarska Dubica Randomly occurring Locally protected Zmijanje - Legend of the Origin of the Name Banja Luka Randomly occurring Locally protected Lepa Radić – the youngest national hero from Potkozarje Gradiška Frequently occurring Locally protected Born near Gradiška Duke from Dragotinja Prijedor Living heritage Locally protected Banjalukan – legend about dragon Banja Luka Frequently occurring Locally protected Drekavac – mythical creature in South Slavic mythology Banja Luka, Prijedor Randomly occurring Locally protected Serbian Cyrillic Alphabet Researched area Living heritage Nationally protected
6.2.2	Performing arts
Name Location Condition Protection level Remarks Kozaračko (gusto, pleteno) kolo – traditional folk dance Kozara and Potkozarje area Living heritage Nationally protected Next element for UNESCO ICH list from Republic of Srpska / BiH Traditional Song Ojkača Kozara and Potkozarje area Living heritage Nationally protected UNESCO ICH list as heritage from Croatia Playing the Three-String Tambura Kozara and Potkozarje and Zmijanje area Living heritage Nationally protected
6.2.3	Social practices
Name Location Condition Protection level Remarks Haymaking Researched area Randomly occurring Locally protected Harvesting Researched area Randomly occurring Locally protected The Spinning Bee Researched area Randomly occurring Locally protected
6.2.4	Rituals and festive events
Name Location Condition Protection level Remarks Slava - celebration of family saint patron’s day Researched area Living heritage Nationally protected UNESCO ICH list as heritage from Serbia Saborovanje - celebration of church saint patron’s day Researched area Living heritage Nationally protected Christmas Customs Researched area Living heritage Locally protected Đurđevdan – a celebration of nature awakening Researched area Short before extinction Locally protected UNESCO ICH list as heritage from Turkey and North Macedonia under the name Tradition of Saint Peter’s Day Researched area Living heritage Nationally protected Čarojice – masked processions before Easter fasting Piskavica near Banja Luka Short before extinction Locally protected Babine – Customs regarding childbirth Piskavica near Banja Luka Frequently occurring Locally protected Wedding Customs Piskavica near Banja Luka Frequently occurring Locally protected
6.2.5	Knowledge and practice about nature and the universe
Name Location Condition Protection level Remarks Traditional Diet in Potkozarje Researched area Living heritage Locally protected The traditional way of making rakija Researched area Living heritage Locally protected Similar element is on UNESCO ICH list as heritage from Serbia under the name Piskavica grass Banja Luka Randomly occurring Locally protected Lipizzan horse breeding traditions Banja Luka, Gradiška, Laktaši Frequently occurring Internationally protected UNESCO ICH list as heritage from 8 countries
6.2.6	Traditional craftsmanship
Name Location Condition Protection level Remarks Traditional textile craftsmanship Researched area Randomly occurring Locally protected Weaving with Loom Weights Researched area Short before extinction Nationally protected Zmijanje embroidery Banja Luka Living heritage Nationally protected UNESCO ICH list as heritage from Bosnia and Herzegovina Crafting Three-String Tambura Banja Luka Short before extinction Locally protected

7: National and macro-regional policies, strategies and projects

Description

The socio-cultural environment of a region is shaped by its historical background, societal norms, traditions, and interactions among various social groups. In the case of the project area, a historical description reveals a complex tapestry of socio-cultural dynamics that have evolved over time.

Initially, the region might have been characterized by indigenous communities living in harmony with nature, practicing traditional customs, and engaging in subsistence activities. As external influences began to shape the landscape, such as migrations, invasions, and trade routes, the socio-cultural fabric underwent significant transformations. For example, the arrival of different ethnic or religious groups could have led to cultural exchanges, conflicts, or assimilation processes, impacting the social cohesion and identity of the local population.

Colonialism, imperialism, or feudal systems might have introduced hierarchical structures, power dynamics, and socio-economic disparities, influencing the distribution of resources, land ownership, and access to education or political representation. Additionally, technological advancements, urbanization, and industrialization could have altered traditional livelihoods, social roles, and community structures, leading to the emergence of new social classes, urban-rural divides, and cultural hybridization.

Over time, political ideologies, revolutions, or wars might have further shaped the socio-cultural landscape, fostering solidarity, resistance movements, or ideological divisions within the society. The establishment of nation-states, borders, and administrative systems could have also affected cultural identities, language policies, and inter-ethnic relations, sometimes leading to tensions or conflicts.

7.1. Policies and/or Strategies

No.: 7.1.1 Title: Culture Development Strategy of Republika Srpska Author: Government of Republic of Srpska Period: 2023-2030 Remarks:

No.: 7.1.2 Title: Law on Culture Author: National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska Period: From July 17, 2018 Remarks:

No.: 7.1.3 Title: The Law about Cultural goods Author: National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska Period: From February, 2022 Remarks:

No.: 7.1.4 Title: Low on Tourism Author: National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska Period: From February, 2023 Remarks: Official Gazette of the Republic of Srpska

No.: 7.1.5 Title: Hospitality Law Author: National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska Period: From May, 2017 Remarks: Official Gazette of the Republic of Srpska

No.: 7.1.6 Title: Tourism Development Strategy Author: Government of Republic of Srpska Period: 2021-2027 Remarks:

No.: 7.1.7 Title: Banja Luka City Development Strategy Author: City Assembly Period: 2018-2027 Remarks:

No.: 7.1.8 Title: Gradiska City Development Strategy Author: City Assembly Period: 2019-2027 Remarks:

No.: 7.1.9 Title: Laktasi City Development Strategy Author: City Assembly Period: 2014-2024 Remarks:

No.: 7.1.10 Title: Kozarska Dubica Municipal Development Strategy Author: Municipal Assembly Period: 2022-2028 Remarks:

No.: 7.1.11 Title: Prijedor Integral Development Strategy Author: City Assembly Period: 2014-2024 Remarks:

No.: 7.1.12 Title: Banja Luka Culture Development Strategy Author: City Assembly Period: 2018-2028 Remarks:

No.: 7.1.13 Title: Law on Museum Activities of the Republic of Srpska Author: National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska Period: Remarks:

7.2. Projects

No.: 7.2.1 Title: Kozara ethno Implementer: Banja Luka Tourist Board Period: 2005 - Remarks: kozaraethno.com

No.: 7.2.2 Title: Feel Kozara Explore Implementer: Development Agency of the City of Prijedor Period: 2021 - 2023 Remarks: Supported by EU4BusinessRecovery program

No.: 7.2.3 Title: Preparation/Updation of Protected Area Management Plans that Integrate Climate Change Adaptation Measures Implementer: Faculty of Sciences, University of Banja Luka Period: 1st April 2023 – 30. April 2024 Remarks: UNDP Business partner

No.: 7.2.4 Title: Project of Municipal, Environmental and Economic Management (MEG) Implementer: City of Gradiska and UNDP Period: 2021-2025 Remarks: Supported by the Government of Switzerland

No.: 7.2.5 Title: Collection and Treatment of waste water Gradiška Implementer: City of Gradiska Period: 2021-2026 Remarks: The German Development Bank (KfW) as a financing agency - with funds from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

No.: 7.2.6 Title: Establishing a Sustainable Water Supply System in Gradiška Implementer: City of Gradiska Period: June 2023 – Novembar 2024 Remarks: The Government of the Republic of Slovenia through the Center for International Cooperation and Development (CMSR).

No.: 7.2.7 Title: Strengthening the Role of Local Communities / Local Communities (MZ) in Bosnia and Herzegovina Implementer: City of Gradiska and UNDP Period: March 2020 – February 2024. Remarks: Government of Switzerland and Government of Sweden

No.: 7.2.8 Title: Three-string tambourine Implementer: Folklore club Piskavica Period: April 29 - August 31, 2024 Remarks: Suporrted by City of Banja Luka

No.: 7.2.9 Title: Rural - Challenges of Depopulation and Innovative Approaches in Rural Areas of the Danube region Implementer: Development Agency of the City of Prijedor Period: Remarks: Interreg Danube Region

No.: 7.2.10 Title: Natural and cultural heritage - identity codes of the past, present and future Implementer: University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Period: December 2023 – December 2024 Remarks: The Ministry of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education

No.: 7.2.11 Title: Preparation/updating of management plans for protected areas that integrate climate change adaptation measures Implementer: University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Period: April 2023 – April 2024 Remarks: United Nations Development Programme - UNDP