Four years of cooperation strengthen air quality management in the Western Balkans
After four years of cooperation, municipalities and authorities across the Western Balkans have gained new tools, stronger expertise and improved data for tackling air pollution. Participants gathered in Sarajevo in early June to conclude the project Partnership for Improving Air Quality in the Western Balkans and share results ranging from local emission inventories to new digital tools for analysing and communicating air quality data.
The project was funded by Sida and implemented by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and UNICEF. SMHI was one of the main implementing partners, contributing expertise in training, methodology development and air quality modelling.
The project involved six countries and brought together 41 participants from municipalities, national authorities and hydrometeorological institutes across the region.
Participants from municipalities, authorities and partner organisations gathered at the final conference in Sarajevo in June 2026.
From training to better decision-making
Since 2022, participants have been trained in how to map air pollutant emissions, analyse emission sources and use data as a basis for local action. The aim has been to strengthen the capacity of municipalities and authorities to identify emission sources, evaluate different scenarios and support evidence-based decision making.
The training programme included three training events in five countries, comprising 46 presentations and 18 practical exercises, complemented by technical support, discussions and knowledge exchange between sessions.
One of the project's most important achievements is that participants developed eight local emission inventories. These inventories provide information on emission sources and can be used for air quality modelling, action planning and communication with decision-makers.
For many participants, the project has also strengthened their ability to communicate air quality issues within their own organisations and use data to support decision-making.
“I can go to my municipality and show the results of this project and help them understand what different pollutions they have. We can prove now with the map of pollutants that we have a problem with air pollution.”
- Participant in SMHI’s training programme on air pollutant emission inventories, June 2026.
A final evaluation showed significant improvements across all areas covered by the project, particularly regarding emissions from industry, residential heating and road transport.
“I am especially proud that participants succeeded in developing emission inventories robust enough to be used for air quality modelling. That is a significant achievement and an important step towards more evidence-based air quality management.” says Olivier Tasse, International Product Area Manager for Air Quality at SMHI.
User experience helped shape new tools
The project not only strengthened local capacity. It also contributed to the development of Eclair, SMHI’s emission inventory tool integrated into QGIS.
Close collaboration with municipalities allowed the tool to evolve based on real-world needs and practical challenges. User feedback contributed to new functionalities, improved workflows and supporting datasets for emission sources where information is often difficult to obtain, such as residential heating and road transport.
Turning data into action
During the final conference, representatives from municipalities, authorities, youth networks, UNICEF, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and Sida discussed how air quality data can be translated into concrete actions.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was that data alone does not solve air pollution challenges. Effective action also requires institutional capacity, collaboration between organisations and the ability to turn knowledge into practical decisions.
Youth participation played a prominent role during the conference. Young people from several countries took part in discussions on education, environmental awareness and the green transition, contributing their perspectives on environmental and air quality issues. The discussions highlighted the importance of involving young people in efforts to improve air quality and support sustainable development across the region.
Making air quality data accessible
Access to reliable data is an important part of the countries’ ongoing efforts to align with EU legislation. As part of the project, SMHI developed an open-source web portal that enables local authorities to publish air quality observations and air quality indices.
The portal allows citizens, researchers and decision-makers to access both current and historical air quality information, increasing transparency and reducing the administrative burden on local authorities.
Results that will continue beyond the project
Although the project has now concluded, its results will continue to support air quality management across the region. Over four years, participants have built both expertise and professional networks that create opportunities for continued cooperation.
“What we have seen throughout the project is the emergence of strong local competence across the region. I hope that the network and collaboration will continue long after the project has formally ended,” says Olivier Tasse.
The next step will be a new bilateral cooperation project with Albania’s environmental agency focusing on national emission inventories. There is also growing interest in applying the Eclair tool in research projects in Brazil and Indonesia.
For SMHI, the project demonstrates how long-term knowledge exchange, technical expertise and close cooperation with local partners can contribute to stronger air quality management both internationally and in Sweden.
