The goal of the regional initiative is to protect up to 400 kilometres of rivers throughout Southeastern Europe.
The “United for Rivers” initiative will work in five countries to safeguard the freshwater resources of the region with the support of The Nature Conservancy organisation.
Today, the regional initiative “United for Rivers” dedicated to the conservation of 13 rivers in Southeastern Europe was presented to the public. Emphasising the involvement of local communities, The Nature Conservancy organisation and six partner organisations from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia are working to establish new protected areas along the rivers to preserve their natural, social, and cultural values.
Southeastern Europe is home to some of the last wild rivers on the continent. These rivers are the lifeblood of communities and ecosystems, providing drinking water, supporting biodiversity, and making life possible. However, today, rivers are increasingly threatened by pollution, habitat destruction, unsustainable development, and climate change. This is a global problem with a local solution: since 1970, the global populations of freshwater species have decreased by 83%, and we have lost 30% of freshwater ecosystems.
“Our initiative is based on the belief that involving and empowering local communities is essential for effective and long-term river protection,” stated Dragana Mileusnić, Director of the Southeast Europe Program at The Nature Conservancy. “We collaborate with various stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, the private sector, local communities, and governments to develop comprehensive and long-term solutions for the protection of our rivers.”
In addition to The Nature Conservancy, the members of the initiative include the Environmental Center, Dinarica Association, and the Youth Club Novi Val from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Rzav Environmental Association from Serbia, Eko-tim from Montenegro, and Eko-svest from North Macedonia.
The “United for Rivers” initiative actively works to protect 13 rivers in the region with the goal of promoting new local initiatives for river protection. Through scientific research and understanding the needs and views of local communities, the “United for Rivers” initiative aims to ensure early and transparent involvement of all stakeholders while respecting the unique natural, social, and cultural characteristics of each river.
When protection is established and good management of protected areas is ensured, this will be a direct contribution to fulfilling the international commitments to which our countries have pledged. Among them, it is worth highlighting the European Green Deal, the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework from December 2022.
The “United for Rivers” initiative invites individuals, organisations, and communities from the region who want to protect their rivers to join them. Together, we can preserve our rivers and protect them for future generations.
Join us in protecting the freshwater treasures of Southeastern Europe.
PARTNER STATEMENTS:
“Our initiative is much broader than establishing new protected areas along the rivers. We want to instil a sense of connection and collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure long-term protection. Our vision is a region where rivers are valued, and communities thrive. By promoting the involvement of local communities, we can create a movement of people united in their efforts to protect our rivers.”
Nataša Milivojević, Director of the Rzav Environmental Association from Serbia
“We have recognised the protection of our rivers as a social, economic, and ecological priority. Preserved rivers are crucial for our well-being, as they provide drinking water, support biodiversity, and enable life. By working to protect our rivers, we are investing in the sustainable future of our communities.”
Gjorgji Mitrevski, Community Support Leader at the Eko-svest Association from North Macedonia
“Rivers are the lifeblood of our communities and ecosystems. With the ‘United for Rivers’ initiative, we aim to create a platform for collaboration among various stakeholders to build a region where all the values that rivers hold for us and for nature are appreciated. Everyone is welcome to contribute.”
Milija Čabarkapa, Director of the Eko-tim Association from Montenegro
“It is a privilege to live in a country abundant in clean water. Croatia is known for its rivers, with Mrežnica, Korana, and Zrmanja being among the most beautiful in Europe. In addition to their biological and natural functions, they also have a significant impact on our well-being. It is important to ensure their proper protection so that we can continue to enjoy their values.”
Irma Popović Dujmović, Director of the Freshwater Program at The Nature Conservancy
“We encourage local communities to join our efforts and work together to protect our rivers. Preserved rivers are crucial for our survival – they are a source of drinking water and a treasure trove of biodiversity.”
Adnan Đuliman, President of the Youth Club Novi val from Bosnia and Herzegovina
“The Dinarica Association is involved in processes aimed at valuing rivers, lakes, and wetlands as natural resources essential for preserving life on the planet. We work on recognising the importance of all water resources in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national legislation and development plans to ensure their sustainable management.”
Đorđe Stefanović, Director of the Dinarica Association from Bosnia and Herzegovina:
“The official protection of rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina confirms their significance, which, beyond biological and ecological values, also has a significant social component, as communities across our country are connected to and live with the rivers. Of course, this contributes to our fight against hundreds of harmful projects planned on our rivers.”
Jelena Ivanić, Program Coordinator for Energy and Climate Change at the Center for Environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina
“The official protection of rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina confirms their significance, which, beyond biological and ecological values, also has a significant social component, as communities across our country are connected to and live with the rivers. Of course, this contributes to our fight against hundreds of harmful projects planned on our rivers.”