Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources of the Republic of Srpska (Entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina)—Geopolitical Aspect

Abstract

The Republic of Srpska has many significant natural resources, which represent an important segment in the evaluation of its economic and geopolitical position in Europe. The most important resource is fresh water, including mountain and plain rivers, karst areas, natural and artificial lakes, and thermal and mineral springs. Considering the emerging crisis in drinking and industrial water supply, caused, among other things, by the negative effects of climate change at global and local level, the water resources of the Republic of Srpska can rightfully be considered as a key development resource, which has its own geopolitical dimension. This study is based on the analysis of the impact of climate change on water resources of the Republic of Srpska, including adaptation to climate change and optimal exploitation and preservation of freshwater resources. While respecting the criteria of sustainable development, the present situation has been examined through the prism of geopolitical aspect specific for the Southeastern Europe. Also, the research addresses national priorities, as well as the mutual connection between natural and geographical factors on one side and “the geopolitics of resources” on another. The results of this research offer both theoretical and applied value to the current situation in the country, and the Republic of Srpska could become a successful example of adaptation to climate change under specific geopolitical circumstances.