Deputy Minister at regional “Meeting on forests in our region and beyond” and “Black Sea Tourism Summit” in Turkey

Salkičević-Dizdarević: “Bosnia and Herzegovina is a state whose territory is covered with forests (over 50%), making it one of the most forested countries in Europe …“

21 – 22 January 2013 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH Ermina Salkičević-Dizdarević took an active part in the regional “Meeting on forests in our region and beyond” organized by the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs of Turkey, hosted by Minister Veysel Eroğlu, in Istanbul (Turkey)

Given that forests play a key role and contribution in terms of adaptation and mitigation of climate change, awareness of this role and contribution of forests has increased throughout the world, and the need for cooperation at the international level has taken on great importance.

Besides the representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the meeting was also attended by Ministers from Albania, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Nigeria, Palestine, Somalia, Tunisia and other countries, and about 500 participants from various institutions, associations, NGOs and international organizations concerned with the environment, forests and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) such as the UNFF, FAO and others.

In her address, Ms. Salkičević-Dizdarević  said: “Bosnia and Herzegovina is a state whose territory is covered with forests (over 50%) and therefore we give it special attention and importance. Most significant of which are: Increasing land and general areas that integrate biodiversity conservation and that are managed in a sustainable way; Restoration and increase of carbon stocks in forests and on land that is not forested; Improved intersectoral environment for integrated forest management and landscape; Increased investments in the integrated forest management; Application of sound management practices in existing forests, shown through the indicator used to define the area of certified forests, etc.”

Also, as part of his visit to Turkey, and at the invitation of the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Ertuğrul Günay, on January 23, Deputy Minister attended the "Black Sea Tourism Summit" on the topic: "The role of tourism in the economic development of the Black Sea region and its sustainability"

Besides the representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Summit was also attended by representatives of the Black Sea basin, tour operators and the world's largest investors in Turkey.

Tourism industry is one of the world’s largest industries responsible for a significant proportion of world production, trade, employment, and investments. There is a great need to invest in the tourism sector due to its importance for the economy. Bosnia and Herzegovina is becoming a more interesting touristic destination every year and has the opportunity to become a strong tourism destination in the Balkan region.

The Black Sea Tourism Summit was followed by the opening ceremony of the International Tourism Fair - EMITT 2013 to be held in Istanbul from 24-27 January 2013. EMITT Istanbul Tourism Fair 2013 is the sixth largest tourism fair in the world.