The Republic of Srpska has many significant natural resources, which
represent an important segment in the evaluation of its economic and geopolitical
position in Europe. The most important resource is fresh water, including mountain
and plain rivers, karst areas, natural and artificial lakes, and thermal and mineral
springs. Considering the emerging crisis in drinking and industrial water supply,
caused, among other things, by the negative effects of climate change at global and
local level, the water resources of the Republic of Srpska can rightfully be considered
as a key development resource, which has its own geopolitical dimension. This study
is based on the analysis of the impact of climate change on water resources of the
Republic of Srpska, including adaptation to climate change and optimal exploitation
and preservation of freshwater resources. While respecting the criteria of sustainable
development, the present situation has been examined through the prism of geopoliti-
cal aspect specific for the Southeastern Europe. Also, the research addresses national
priorities, as well as the mutual connection between natural and geographical factors
on one side and “the geopolitics of resources” on another. The results of this research
offer both theoretical and applied value to the current situation in the country, and
the Republic of Srpska could become a successful example of adaptation to climate
change under specific geopolitical circumstances.
