Dahna Cave – a priceless natural phenomenon that needs to be protected in front of the speleological society “Mijatovi Dvori” and the hiking trail “Mate Spajić” in the realization of associations “Kultura i mladi Tomislavgrad” (Culture and youth), are two local initiatives from Duvanjsko polje that have been selected for financial support in the amount of 2500 euros.
Center for Environment has issued an invitation to all individuals, organizations, and initiatives from Duvanjsko polje who want to work on the protection of nature and sustainable development practices, and its goal is to support the local population in initiating and implementing positive practices that contribute to environmental preservation.
“As of the end of September, a total of 11 applications were received at our address, which is an excellent indicator and shows a significant number of active people from Duvanjsko polje who want to work on improving their local community. We would like to thank everyone who sent their applications and encourage them not to give up on their ideas”, said Milica Končar, coordinator of the project “Sustainable Future for the freshwater ecosystem Livanjsko polje in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.
This project is implemented by Center for the Environment in cooperation with the ornithological society “Naše ptice” and the organization EuroNatur with the support of DIMFE foundation. The two winning initiatives were chosen after voting by all three partners.
The speleological society “Mijatovi Dvori” has been actively and successfully researching the underground world of Duvanjsko polje for many years. Their initiative is focused on the protection of the unique paleontological and archaeological site of the Dahna cave near Tomislavgrad. The problem they encounter is unwanted entry into the cave, during which cave jewelry is damaged and stolen, precious traces from the past are destroyed, and the cave’s living world is disturbed. For this reason, their activities include replacing the existing grid with double doors at the entrance to the cave, installing cameras, as well as cleaning and removing garbage from the entrance and the beginning of the cave. The final activity is to launch a campaign to protect Dahna cave as a natural monument, which will guarantee the cave’s preservation.
Culture and Youth Association from Tomislavgrad plans to build a pedestrian path that starts from the center of Tomislavgrad to the nearest peak of the mountain Ljubuše, Ciganluk at 1331 meters. The trail starts from the base of the Duvanjsko polje, crosses the bridge over the Šujica sinkhole river, passes cultural and historical monuments such as the necropolis from the 10th century and the remains of the Roman road, and ends at Ciganluk, which offers a wonderful view of the entire Duvanjsko polje and Tomislavgrad. With the help of this grant, the association plans to put markings all the way down the road, arrange a blocked-off section of the road, install educational boards along the entire length of the path and several rest benches.
In addition to enriching the selection of hiking trails, the route will become part of the eco-tourism content of Tomislavgrad, which will also be used for leisure and education.