In a significant step forward for nature protection, the Croatian authorities announced yesterday that they are taking legal action against the construction of a dam on the Una River within a protected area of environmental importance. UPDATE: Construction has finally been stopped.
Construction on the dam began in July 2024, despite the area's national and internationally protected status.
© Ray Demski
The Una springs here from one of the deepest karst springs in the world.
© Ray Demski
Local community protest the mini hydropower plant construction.
© Fondacija Atelje za društvene promjene - ACTUPDATE (19 August 2024): A huge success! The construction of the planned small hydropower plant at the Una spring has been stopped by the courts - after a month of local protests against this illegal project, supported by the tireless efforts of numerous NGOs, activists and Patagonia.
The state inspectorate in Croatia has initiated criminal proceedings against an official involved in issuing a location permit for a small hydroelectric power plant (HPP) at the source of the Una River in Croatia. The official is suspected of abuse of position and authority, with the permits being issued based on incomplete documentation. The Environmental Protection Inspection cited a failure to conduct an appropriate assessment before amending the location permit.
No formal suspension of construction work has yet been ordered, and local communities and international environmentalists continue to monitor the proposed area, which has Natura 2000 status, day and night. This charge comes after weeks of intense Croatian and international media coverage, social media lobbying and protests from local and international groups and individuals who rallied against the destruction of this ecologically vital and culturally sacred river.
The HPP construction began in early July despite the area's national and internationally protected status. The State Inspectorate has requested the Ministry of Environment and the Nature Protection Bureau assess whether the construction has caused harm within the Natura 2000 protected area, which could influence future actions. Local communities and environmentalists are calling on the government to immediately suspend all construction activities to prevent further damage to the river’s ecosystem and to uphold environmental laws.
"We are relieved that the authorities have recognised the gravity of this situation, and now we need to continue to raise awareness so that the construction is stopped for good, and the Una protected," said Tanja Rastović, president of Udruga Una. "This is good news for everyone who has worked to protect the Una, but we must remain vigilant to ensure that justice is fully served."
The Una River is a stunning natural wonder. The river's source is one of the deepest karstic springs on Earth, and its waters flow from Croatia into Bosnia, symbolising shared heritage across borders. The headwater section is protected under the Natura 2000 network, an EU initiative to preserve habitats and species of European importance. As it flows into Bosnia and Herzegovina, parts of it are protected as a national park.
The protests will continue until all construction activities are permanently stopped, the river and the site are restored to their previous state, and environmental protections are guaranteed. The fight for the Una River has become emblematic of broader efforts to uphold environmental laws and safeguard natural heritage across Europe.