Mediterranean Corridor, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Croatia CVc Road Interconnection, Subsection: Konjic (Ovčari) – Prenj Tunnel – Mostar North, Gap Analysis & ESIA Disclosure Pack, WB20-BIH-TRA-02 – Component 1
Under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) and within the IPF8 Technical Assistance Programme, ENOVA is supporting the COWI-IPF Consortium in finalising the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the most significant infrastructure project currently underway in Bosnia and Herzegovina – the Konjic (Ovčari) – Prenj Tunnel – Mostar North section of Corridor Vc. This strategic section spans from the City of Konjic to the City of Mostar, with the 10.9 km long Prenj Tunnel as its central and most complex structure.
ENOVA led the development of the entire ESIA documentation package, which includes seven comprehensive volumes:
- Volume 1: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report (including the Environmental and Social Management Plan)
- Volume 2: Technical Annexes
- Volume 3: Environmental and Social Action Plan
- Volume 4: Biodiversity Management Plan
- Volume 5: Non-Technical Summary
- Volume 6: Stakeholder Engagement Plan
- Volume 7: Land Acquisition and Resettlement Framework
In close alignment with international financial institutions’ requirements, including the EBRD Environmental and Social Policy and the EIB Environmental and Social Standards, ENOVA ensured full compliance of the ESIA with applicable environmental and social safeguards.
Through this engagement, ENOVA is helping align the project with international best practices, ensuring that potential environmental and social impacts are responsibly managed and transparently communicated. Some of the key aspects of the ESIA package development included:
| Land, Resettlement & Stakeholder Review | Conducting socio-economic surveys, census activities and asset inventories. Analysing potential risks related to involuntary resettlement and reviewing stakeholder engagement practices to promote transparency and inclusivity of all stakeholders, including vulnerable groups. |
| Biodiversity Survey | Coordinating year-long biodiversity fieldwork covering habitats, vegetation, invasive species, invertebrates, fish (ichthyofauna), amphibians and reptiles (herpetofauna), birds (ornithofauna), bats and large mammals. Drafting the Critical Habitat Assessment and Appropriate Assessment reports. |
| Environmental Survey | Organising seasonal field assessments across key parameters – air, water, soil, noise and vibration in line with international standards and best practices. |
| Specialist Modelling & Visuals | Delivering a series of advanced modelling studies to assess environmental impacts. This included air quality modelling based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to simulate pollutant dispersion, as well as a comprehensive Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) with photomontages and modelling of Zones of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV). Additionally, noise impact assessment and mapping were carried out using the specialised software IMMI Premium 2021 by Woelfel MebSysteme GmbH, ensuring accurate prediction and evaluation of noise levels across the project area. |
| Waste Management Planning | Preparing comprehensive Waste Management and Construction Waste Management Plans tailored to the project’s specific needs. |
| Disclosure & Public Consultation Support | Supporting the entire disclosure process and facilitating public consultations, ensuring effective community engagement throughout the project lifecycle. |