Degradation of the Timok River Basin from unregulated mining activity of the Bor Copper Mine and untreated urban wastewater poses security risks to human health and environmental sustainability in Bulgaria and Serbia.
The Timok River creates an international boundary between Bulgaria and Serbia, and joint management of the river basin is required to mitigate the adverse affects of pollution on the local communities.
Economic development in the region is undermined by mismanagement of natural resources. Agriculture, fishing and the freshwater ecosystem of the Timok River are compromised by the release of untreated waste water and other pollutants into the Basin.
The Environment Security Initiative (ENVSEC) is a joint venture between the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), The Regional Environment Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC), and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an associate partner.
Under the ENVSEC, REC in cooperation with UNECE, is currently working with the governments of Bulgaria and Serbia to reach mutual understanding and cooperation on environmental sustainability of the Timok River Basin.
Cécile Monnier, Project Manager at the REC told WaterWideWeb, “The original goal of the Timok River project implemented under ENVSEC is to support dialogue between Serbia and Bulgaria in reaching a viable agreement for joint management of the Timok River Basin.”
Monnier detailed the work of ENVSEC in decreasing security risks to human health in Bulgaria and Serbia. Please read the complete interview with Monnier below:
EAB: Why did ENVSEC become involved in the prevention of transboundary environmental conflicts in the Timok River?
CM: They are seeking to decrease environmental and security risks in the Caucasus and Europe. ENVSEC strives to address environmental legacies of conflicts through strengthening national and regional capacities, institutions and cooperation, leading to concrete investments.
With respect to the Timok River, the Bor Copper Mine in Serbia has been identified as a “hot spot” for many yearsthat would pose a threat to human health and neighboring countries. So, the idea of the project is to focus on the Timok River, which flows into the Danube, and the Bor Copper Mine with respect to waste water and other pollution spilled into the river.
EAB: How is degradation in the Timok River Basin affecting the local community?
CM: Since the Bor Copper Mine started operations, river irrigation systems have been polluted. For roughly 20 years, the entire region has faced difficulties such as declines in population, and in the agricultural and fishing industries. All levels of the population are affected. It affects economic development and public health. There is no risk of conflict, but there is the risk of security to human health and steady environmental degradation.
Please watch the video of the Timok River Basin here
EAB: Can you please describe progress in the region in recent years?
CM: Cooperation is built upon the existing national and international legal frameworks. Bulgaria is an EU Member State. Bulgaria is obligated to comply with obligations set forth in the European directives. Serbia is not yet in the EU, but is working toward transposing and implementing the EU directives, in preparation for its accession. Both countries have ratified the UNECE Water Convention that promotes the conclusion of viable agreements for transboundary rivers.
Last year, Bulgaria adopted a river management plan for the Danube River, which is in accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive.
The International Danube River Management Plan was developed in the frame of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR). All the Danube Basin countries participate in this frame. It’s one platform where Serbia and Bulgaria are cooperating.
EAB: How is your program facilitating dialogue between Serbia and Bulgaria on river management?
CM: Our assistance is targeting capacity building, institutional cooperation and participatory approach, so we have organized several consultations and cross-border meetings. We have also developed assessments of what is being done in Serbia and Bulgaria. In the first half of this year, we will bring experts from Bulgaria to Serbia and from Serbia to Bulgaria. Then, experts can share best practices and lessons learned. We’re expecting it will be a big step towards better cooperation and dialogue. Hopefully we can organize the best platform for exchange and gather real comparable data between the two countries.
Please read a complete overview of the Timok River program here
EAB: Please describe progress toward finalizing agreements between Bulgaria and Serbia.
CM: They are really working toward cooperation. Since it ratified the Water Convention, Serbia has sent proposals for agreements to neighboring countries. These proposals were sent to Romania and Croatia only, but if such cooperation agreements work out, they could be a basis for future agreements with Bulgaria. This will certainly be reinforced if Serbia becomes an EU member state.
EAB: Thank you for interviewing with WaterWideWeb.
CM: You’re welcome.
Since the project began three years ago, both Bulgaria and Serbia have worked toward cooperative efforts in appropriate stewardship of the Timok River Basin. Engaging experts, from both countries, in dialogue about data sets, best practices, and future collaborations toward river management are crucial elements toward establishing a strong cooperation between the two countries.
Securities risks posed to human health and economic development from polluted water sources are not typically associated with European countries. But, security risks related to water exist in all parts of the world. Resolving the negative effects of transboundary river mismanagement in the Timok River Basin will provide the international community with an example for coping with such security risks with effective solutions in the future.
The photo above is credited to UNEP.
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