Strategic framework for green growth in the selected Western Balkan countries

All of the observed Western Balkan countries are committed to the principles of green economy. Over the previous years they have made substantial effort in establishing the institutional, legislative and strategic framework for green growth. In this chapter we give a brief overview of the relevant strategic documents that have been in place as of 2014. From the viewpoint of green growth, they include several types of strategies. The most relevant are those that directly aim to lead economy along the pathway of green (or sustainable) development, and they are often entitled as Sustainable development strategies. We can also observe the existence of another type of comprehensive strategic documents that are relevant for green growth, and these are the development strategies. Although they are oriented towards achieving core economic growth, they often contain provisions for attaining a greener growth. Strategic documents on environment, nature, biodiversity etc. are also important in directing the economy towards sustainability. Then, there are sector-specific strategies, among which energy, agriculture and forestry strategies are of particular significance