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Miljan Erbez

Miljan Erbez joins the PLUS Change project to represent the interests of dairy farmers.

I hold a PhD in Agriculture, specialising in dairy farming and the environment. I completed my engineering studies at the University of Banja Luka in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and my PhD at Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic.

I have nearly 20 years of professional experience in rural development, working in both the private and state sectors. Over 10 years of this experience is directly related to the preparation and implementation of projects and analyses at local, regional, and global levels (including work in Africa and Asia), focusing on identifying challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in rural areas. In the project field, I have participated in the preparation of various analyses and strategic documents at both local and entity levels, as well as in the implementation of diverse activities and projects.

In addition to my native Serbian, I am fluent in English and Czech.

What community or organisation are you representing in the project?

The Dairy Farmers Association of the Republic of Srpska (DFA) was registered in December 1996 by the Basic Court in Banja Luka. The DFA has over 420 members. The number of heads in herds ranges from 5 to 300 heads. Permanent members of the DFA produced and sell 45,000,000 liters of milk in 2023, or almost 1/5 of the Bosnia and Herzegovina milk production. Our association is a member of ICAR.

What motivated you to apply to become an ambassador?

I was motivated to be part of the PLUS Change project because it aligns perfectly with my passion for sustainable development and my extensive experience in rural development and environmental sustainability. The project’s focus on addressing critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and human well-being through comprehensive and multi-level interventions resonates with my commitment to creating impactful and transformative change in diverse communities. I also look forward to representing my country in this project.

How does your work correspond with PLUS Change?

My work with the DFA aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the PLUS Change project. With over 20 years of experience in rural development, particularly in dairy farming and environmental sustainability, I bring a wealth of knowledge in identifying and addressing challenges related to climate change, biodiversity, and human well-being. 

Through the DFA, which boasts over 420 members and significantly contributes to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s milk production, I plan to collaborate with PLUS Change by leveraging our established networks and expertise in sustainable dairy farming practices. By integrating PLUS Change’s innovative strategies and decision-making processes, we can enhance our community’s resilience to climate challenges, promote biodiversity, and improve overall human well-being. This collaboration will involve active participation in knowledge sharing, pilot projects, and strategic planning to drive transformative change towards sustainability in our region. 

What are you looking forward to in the coming years?

In the coming years, I am looking forward to making significant strides in the project sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I anticipate leveraging the insights and strategies from the PLUS Change project to drive impactful initiatives within our community. My general expectations include fostering stronger collaborations between local stakeholders, enhancing sustainable land use practices, and addressing climate change and biodiversity challenges more effectively. I aim to see our region become a model for sustainable development, where innovative solutions and best practices lead to improved resilience, productivity, and well-being for all.