Comparative Analysis of Existing Water Resources Data in the Western Balkan States of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia

The vulnerability of water resources in Western Balkan States of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia is analyzed in this study. Due to absence of comprehensive data sets, the pool of available information was examined to define gaps and inconsistencies that hinder the initiation of in-depth water resource analyses. Comparative analysis of these four non-EU former Yugoslav republics indicated that lack of reliable data is a main issue that hinders estimation of existing and future states of water resources. Nevertheless, obtained results suggest high vulnerability of water resources. Defined circumstances, however, hindered any coordinated efforts to adequately manage the water management system and resist more frequent severe weather events predicted by climate changes.