GeoConnect: Connecting geoinformatics expertise for responsible and transparent management

Basic information about the GeoConnect project:

• Financier: Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, via the Matra G2G programme

• Duration: 2025–2029 (4 years).

• Budget: 1.1 million euros.

• Implementers:

• Kadaster International- The Netherlands' Cadastre, Land Registry and Mapping Agency, with experience in developing and managing national spatial data systems
• Faculty of ITC, University Twente- a prestigious educational and research institution specialized in geoinformatics and remote sensing, with many years of work and experience on international development projects
• KU Leuven- a leading Belgian university with expertise in spatial data policy, data standardization and development of interoperable systems
• Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Sarajevo – domestic academic institution that will enable local implementation and development of educational programs adapted to the needs of the Federation of BiH.
• Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Mostar- domestic academic institution that will enable local implementation and development of educational programs adapted to the needs of the Federation of BiH.

Project goals:

1. Capacity building: development of technical and administrative skills in the field of spatial data management through special training, mentoring and the „Train-the-trainer“ programme
2. Harmonization and data interoperability: adoption and application of INSPIRE standards of European Union to ensure better exchange and spatial data quality
3. 3. Raising awareness and community involvement: Organization of campaigns and educational events for the public on importance of spatial data in decision-making and sustainable development.

Support for EU integration: Adaptation of domestic capacities to the EU requirements through the development of policies, standards and practices in accordance with the guidelines of the INSPIRE directive.

Key activities of the project:

• Education and trainings: Implementation of trainings and workshops for the SDI FBiH officials and other key actors in the spatial data management, including specialized programs on data standards and quality.

• Study visits and knowledge exchange: Organization of study visits to Dutch and Belgian institutions in order to exchange experiences and adopt best practices.
• Awareness raising campaigns: Organization of public events, workshops and media campaigns to promote the importance of spatial data.
• Promotion of open tools: Promotion and implementation of open-source solutions for managing and exchanging geospatial data, which will enable easier access and use of data.

Expected results:

• Training of a large number of experts and officials in the field of geospatial technologies and standards.
• Introduction of the INSPIRE standards.
• Improving the availability, interoperability and quality of spatial data.
• Greater public trust in the institutions through more transparent data management.
• Creating a sustainable framework for cooperation between domestic and international institutions.

Why is the Project important for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina?

• Modernizing institutions: The project enables capacity building of public institutions for data management, which is essential for transparent and responsible management.
• Adaptation to European standards: The adoption of INSPIRE standards ensures compliance with the European Union requirements, which contributes to the EU integration process.
• Support for sustainable development: The use of spatial data enables better planning and resource management, including urban planning, environmental protection and response to crisis situations.
• Increasing trust: More transparent processes and data availability increase citizens’ trust in public institutions and encourage their active involvement in decision-making.

Target audience and users:

The project involves a wide range of users, including civil servants, academia, private sector, non-governmental organizations and the general public. The Federal Administration for Geodetic and Real Property Affairs is the main user and coordinator, while federal ministries, universities and private sector are key partners in implementation.

For more information, please follow our websites and social networks www.fgu.com.ba and www.ippfbih.gov.ba or contact us via the Sector for management of public investment program projects.