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BALKAN NEWSBALKAN NEWSBALKAN NEWS

JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY

No.13/2016 No.13/2016 No.13/2016 Winter Winter Winter

TOP NEWS CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS

Top News P1Top News P1Top News P1

Balkan Balkan Balkan

Region P2Region P2Region P2

SerbiaSerbiaSerbia P3P3P3

Macedonia P3Macedonia P3Macedonia P3

Kosovo P4Kosovo P4Kosovo P4

Albania P5Albania P5Albania P5

Bosnia and Bosnia and Bosnia and

Herzegovina P5Herzegovina P5Herzegovina P5

Other Other Other

topicstopicstopics P6P6P6

For more information, please contact:

bk_oso_rep@jica.go.jp

or visit:

www.jica.go.jp/balkan/office/

For previous issues:

http://www.jica.go.jp/balkan/office/

others/newsletter/index.html

www.youtube.com/user/JICABalkan

Globally today, over 65 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced due to the devastating

consequences of the number of conflicts. Nearly nine out of ten refugees and IDPs are hosted in

developing countries, which are often already struggling to provide adequate services to their

own citizens.

Forced displacement has traditionally been perceived as a humanitarian challenge, however,

recently there is a growing attention towards this issue from development perspective. The 2030

Agenda for Sustainable Development is a prime example. It offers a universal, integrated, trans-

formative, human rights-based and an inclusive vision for sustainable development with the ex-

plicit recognition that refugees, internally displaced and other forcibly displaced are among the

most vulnerable people. The World Humanitarian Summit has also provided an opportunity to

place the key concerns into a broader development planning process, looked into ways to max-

imize the comparative advantage of humanitarian and development expertise to bring integrated

approaches. In September 2016, at the UN General Assembly, the member states made a firm

commitment to work together in support of the development of the „Global Compact on Respon-

sibility Sharing for Refugees‟ which will lay the foundation to improve the global response for the

displaced and support the generous governments which host them.

JICA has been involved in dis-

placement agenda through its

development projects. This

agenda has already had a sol-

id basis as priority in the agen-

cy. In order to address this

challenging task, JICA and

UNHCR (Office of the United

Nations High Commissioner

for Refugees) have collaborat-

ed through a unique partner-

ship that aims to bridge the

gap between humanitarian

relief and development since

1999, and worked together on

projects in a range of countries

with the ultimate goal of in-

creasing the positive impact of

the projects implemented.

In the Balkans being faced with a massive influx of refugees, JICA Balkan office works to deliver

quick assistance to them as well as hosting communities to sustain their Human Security.

Solutions for Displacement Agenda from Development Perspective

Source: unhcr.org

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SERBIA, MONTENEGRO, ALBANIASERBIA, MONTENEGRO, ALBANIASERBIA, MONTENEGRO, ALBANIA

Balkan region (Albania, Montenegro, Serbia) promoted their tourism potential Balkan region (Albania, Montenegro, Serbia) promoted their tourism potential Balkan region (Albania, Montenegro, Serbia) promoted their tourism potential

Within the framework of bilateral technical cooperation agreed up-

on between the government of Japan and government of Albania,

Montenegro, and Serbia, JICA is currently appointing a Regional

Tourism Advisor to Balkan region.

As part of its activity and for the purpose of enhancing the tourism

promotion of Balkan region to the Japanese market, JICA’s Re-

gional Advisor for Tourism in collaboration with the Turkish Airlines,

has successfully organized the media tour from 11 – 19 November

2016, inviting key journalists from Japan to the region.

Their 9-day visit to UNESCO World Heritage sites and scenic

views, as well as interactions with locals in each country have not

only exposed them to the region‟s tourism potentials in Japan, but

was also used as an opportunity for the region to tighten their col-

laboration between countries.

Published articles from participated journalists are expected to

reach wide variety of potential tourists and tour operators in Japan.

In order to pilot test the result of this activity, in collaboration with

the Turkish Airlines, there will be a familiarization tour planned in

2017 for the tour operators in order for them to develop the tour

programs for the region.

Author: Takahiko Makino

At Ostrog monastery, Montenegro

Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

River Uvac, Serbia

‟Stone City‟ Gjirokastra

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SERBIASERBIASERBIA

Campaign for Raising Awareness of Breast CancerCampaign for Raising Awareness of Breast CancerCampaign for Raising Awareness of Breast Cancer

MACEDONIAMACEDONIAMACEDONIA

Technical Seminar of the Third Country Training Programme on “Development Inte-Technical Seminar of the Third Country Training Programme on “Development Inte-Technical Seminar of the Third Country Training Programme on “Development Inte-

grated System for Prevention and Early Warning of Forest Fires”grated System for Prevention and Early Warning of Forest Fires”grated System for Prevention and Early Warning of Forest Fires”

Breast cancer causes high mortality rate in Serbia. The shortage of doc-tors, engineers, equipment and knowledge were pointed out as rea-sons of this high mortality. Under these circumstances, JICA‟s

technical cooperation project has

started from November 2015 for

three years . The main purpose of

this project is to strengthen its ca-

pacity of the responsible organiza-

tions for cancer control such as the

Ministry of Health.

In October 2016, the project imple-

mented a campaign to raise aware-

ness of breast cancer through post-

ing advertisements on billboards,

bus stops and buses. This cam-

paign has attracted huge attention

from people.

The West Balkan countries, which have similar geographical, climatic and other

conditions, are faced with common issues on vulnerable forest fire risk. Under the-

se circumstances, JICA implemented the Project on Development of Integrated

System for Prevention and Early Warning of Forest Fires, in collaboration with the

Crisis Management Center of Macedonia for three years from 2011 to 2014.

CMC and JICA considered that the outcomes of the previous project should not be

limited in Macedonia, but supposed to be disseminated into the surrounding coun-

tries because forest fire does not have borders and it is a common issue in the Bal-

kan region. In this regard, implementation of the training program on Integrated

System for Prevention and Early Warning for Forest Fires inviting five countries

(Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia) was ap-

proved.

The first technical seminar was held from 21 to 25 November 2016 in Skopje with 26 participants from five countries. In the semi-

nar, the experience and outcomes from the former technical cooperation were presented and participants exchanged their opin-

ions. It should be noted that the seminar provided opportunity for participants to network their counterparts in the region. The

network is expected to help cooperation among them.

The next technical seminar is expected in February 2017 to present action plans from participating countries.

Breast cancer awareness ad on public bus Bus stop posters on breast cancer awareness

Breast cancer awareness advertisement on billboard Mammography campaign ad on backlight

Participants at the seminar

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KOSOVO

Minutes of the Meeting (M/M) Signed for the New Technical Cooperation Project for

Air Pollution Control

Training Participants' Ideas Actualized for Rural Economic PromotionTraining Participants' Ideas Actualized for Rural Economic PromotionTraining Participants' Ideas Actualized for Rural Economic Promotion

Three follow-up cooperation projects initiated by the training par-

ticipants of “Local Industry Development in Agricultural Regions by

Strengthening Capacity of Management and Marketing (FY 2014

and FY 2015)” and “Merchandize Branding and Marketing by Uti-

lizing Local Resources (FY2015)” are being implemented in differ-

ent areas in Kosovo. The first project is to support activating pro-

duction of dried-fruits by VISOCA, the fruits association in

Partesh, located in the eastern Kosovo; the 2nd project is to pro-

mote agriculture production and rural economic development by

supporting development of agri-processed local products at the

vocational school in Gjakova; and the 3rd project is to propose

regional branding among Kosovo stakeholders by introducing Jap-

anese 6th industrialization to representatives of local government,

business entities and NGOs in Kosovo. For implementation of

these 3 projects, JICA dispatched a Japanese expert for SME promotion and rural industry promotion to Kosovo; and through-

out workshops and conferences organized in different areas, introduced Japanese successful stories from Shimanto in Kochi

prefecture, Imabari city in Ehime prefecture and Iga city in Mie Prefecture in order to discuss with Kosovo stakeholders about

the importance of cooperation and collaboration between local government, local businesses and residents; and exchanged

opinions on continuous discussion among local stakeholders for future efforts.

On 1st November, the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP) and JICA signed the meeting minutes (M/M) prior

to implementation of the Air Pollution Control Project. Japanese assistance in Kosovo‟s air pollution control started with the par-

ticipation of two MESP personnel in the JICA training course “Capacity Building towards Air Quality Management”. Then based

on the road map for National Emission Reduction Plan (NERP) formulated by them, JICA dispatched a team of experts for on-

site stack gas measurement from 2015 to 2016. The new project expected to start from 2017 is based on recommendation by

the experts; and it will aim at capacity building of MESP and other relevant institutions for stable air pollution control and air qual-

ity management based on technical evidence. While the mission was concluding the M/M with MESP, the team of experts con-

ducted continuous on-site stack gas measurement with local engineers at the power plant facilities located nearby Pristina.

Signing Minutes of Meeting

Japanese expert holding a presentation

The team of experts conducting measurements

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BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINABOSNIA and HERZEGOVINABOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA

The Project for Confidence Building through Physical Education Has StartedThe Project for Confidence Building through Physical Education Has StartedThe Project for Confidence Building through Physical Education Has Started

HandHandHand---over Ceremonies for Basic School Reconstruction Projectover Ceremonies for Basic School Reconstruction Projectover Ceremonies for Basic School Reconstruction Project

The Project for Confidence Building through Physical Education officially started in November 2016 and is expected to last for

three years. The Project has two project purposes which are introduction of the “Physical Education Common Core Curriculum

(CCC) to the target schools” and “Materialization of social inclusion and diversity in the Sports Association of the City of Mostar”.

JICA has provided technical support to education authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the area of information technology

(IT) to create CCC and JICA decided to expand its cooperation to the area of Physical Education. On the other hand, as for the

grassroots level, city of Mostar, one of the main counterpart in the Project, has recognized a potential opportunity in using sports

as the means to promote tolerance, to show respect, and to strengthen relationships besides competition. The Project will

strengthen institutional capacity of the Sport Association of the Mostar City.

The Project is one of the projects receiving attention in Japan because the Japanese government has announced the initiative

which is called “SPORT FOR TOMORROW” to promote sports towards 2020, the year when Tokyo will host the Summer Olym-

pic and Paralympic Games, and this project follows the initiative and JICA believes the project promotes multi-dimension of

sport.

In early 2000s, the Government of Japan provided grant aid for the Pro-

ject for Construction of Basic Schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina which

constructed 11 primary schools in the country. Since more than 10 years

have passed from the construction, some deterioration and damages of

the buildings (such as separation of exterior wall tiles, water leaking, and

deterioration of roofing materials) at the primary schools were observed.

Therefore, JICA decided to implement the Follow-up Project on the Pro-

ject for Construction of Basic Schools targeting 9 primary schools which

required significant repairs.

Rehabilitation work started in June 2016 when summer holiday season of

the schools began and was completed in October 2016. Through this co-

operation, primary schools in Varoska Rijeka, Gradacac, Tuzla, Mostar,

Donja Medida, Domaljevac, Bijelina, Istocno Sarajevo, and Ostra Luka in

both Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republic of Srpska. Offi-

cial handover to the targeted primary schools are in progress and the di-

rectors expressed appreciation for rehabilitation and promised to maintain the facilities for long time to provide appropriate envi-

ronment for current and future pupils.

ALBANIAALBANIAALBANIA

Field Visit to Kenya by Stakeholders of Financial InclusionField Visit to Kenya by Stakeholders of Financial InclusionField Visit to Kenya by Stakeholders of Financial Inclusion

The stakeholders of financial inclusion sector of Albania visited Kenya in Octo-

ber and conducted field surveys at various institutions such as microfinance

providers, commercial banks and so on. They have studied the current situa-

tion of financial inclusion in Kenya especially in the field of mobile banking sys-

tem and financial services through ICT. At the end of their stay, a workshop

was held to review the result of their field visit as well as to produce their ac-

tion plans for promoting financial inclusion in Albania. The final workshop was

also held back in Albania and the survey is heading to the stage of producing

final report.

Participants of the field visit to Kenya

Official handover at Primary School “Senjak” in Tuzla

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OTHER TOPICS OTHER TOPICS OTHER TOPICS

20 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Japan20 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Japan20 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Japan

Serbian High School Baseball National Team visited Japan Serbian High School Baseball National Team visited Japan Serbian High School Baseball National Team visited Japan

In October 2016, Serbian High School Baseball National Team visited Japan

and played international friendship matches with High School Teams from Osa-

ka, Nara, Mie and Kyoto. The purpose of their visit was to learn baseball from

Japan, which has been ranked as No.1 in the World Ranking. It was also won-

derful opportunity for Japanese side to enjoy international friendship.

They also had opportunities to visit Kyoto, Nara, Matsuzaka and Osaka. In

Matsuzaka particularly, they stayed in a hotel, which has been recognized as

one of the tangible cultural assets of Japan and had great experience to have a

dinner in traditional style.

Tokyo will host the Olympic Games in 2020 and Baseball will be back again. It

is very important for Japan to keep this status as one of the baseball kingdoms,

and to do so, it is crucial to promote baseball all over the world. Needless to

say, Europe and Balkan region are some of the most important target areas.

It has been 20 years since baseball reached Serbia but only 300 people are

playing it in this country. It could pull more attention if the National Team produced better results in international leagues and

tournaments. Toward it, Serbian Baseball Federation has already launched their preparation to make next training tour in Japan.

For more information on the trip to Japan, please visit the following page.

https://www.facebook.com/SRBbaseballJPN/ Author: Tomoyuki Tatsumi

Japanese and Serbian High School Baseball National

Teams

It has passed twenty years since the first assistance from the Government of Japan was delivered to Bosnia and Herzegovina,

after the sign of the Dayton Peace Accords in December 1995. Japan‟s Official Develop-

ment Assistance (ODA) to Bosnia and Herzegovina was firstly focused on the reconstruc-

tion of socio-economic infrastructure and improvement of the Basic Human Needs in the

health and education sectors, and then the character of assistance gradually developed to

a soft-type cooperation such as capacity building of various institutions, private sector de-

velopment and environmental protection.

The concept of peace building and peace consolidation was developed through JICA Pro-

jects for Confidence-Building through Rural Development in the various fields: raspberry

production, greenhouse/outdoor grown vegetable cultivation, apiculture, fruit tree planting,

improvement of sheep farming, recovery of grassland, blubbery production.

Through three phases, Projects on Informatics Curricula Modernization in Bosnia and Her-

zegovina covered 113 gymnasia and mixed secondary schools and made a great contribu-

tion to standardization of IT education.

For private sector development, JICA supported establishment, improvement and promotion of mentoring system in Bosnia and

Herzegovina through the regional Project which covered Western Balkan countries.

Besides, through two projects in tourism sector JICA supported Bosnia and Herzegovina to enhance partnership between public

and private sectors, improve cooperation with neighboring countries and use the positive impact of eco-tourism promotion.

Another key area of JICA‟s intervention is environmental conservation. In order to reduce air pollutants (SO2 and dust) by

98.4%, JICA finances for construction of the FGD facility. This ODA Loan project will contribute to improvement of the environ-

ment in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For more information please visit the following URL

https://www.jica.go.jp/balkan/english/office/others/c8h0vm00000175jf-att/bih_cooperation.pdf