In 2007 the Government of Japan and the United Nations  decided to extend assistance, through the Trust Fund for Human Security to a project entitled “Community Reconciliation through Poverty Reduction” to be implemented by UNDP and UNESCO in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Community Reconciliation through Poverty Reduction project with funding from UNHSTF focuses on community reconciliation in South-eastern Herzegovina through a multi-dimensional approach to poverty reduction.

The approach includes mine clearance, waste management, income generation activities in highly potential tourism industry, restoration of cultural heritages and strong PR activities all of which combine to contribute to poverty reduction and community reconciliation. The project is based on the principle that a participatory and transparent approach to income generation will create a synergetic bond for municipalities to cooperate in the development of common interests and the mitigation of “hard-line” politics.

Objective : Developed capacity of municipalities to generate employment using pro-poor approach.

Achievements and Expected Results :

1. approximately 180,000 m² of category 1 land that is of significance for income generation and/or community reconciliation restored for use;

2. 70% of illegal waste depots in the target region removed, cleaning campaigns in each municipality organized, and waste management capacities improved;

3. Minimum of 8 income generation sub-projects implemented with at least 30% of projected employment coming from the vulnerable groups;

4. Three cultural-historical monuments restored in the region.