River protectors, environmentalists and concerned citizens from across Europe are linking arms with the community of the Una Spring in Croatia this Friday to protest the construction of an illegal dam at the source of the Una River.
On July 28, 2024, residents were joined by people from across the region at the second major protest on the construction site. Another, even larger demonstration will follow on 2 August.
© Joshua D. Lim
The famous waterfalls on the Una; the Una is one of the river pearls in the Balkans that is currently under threat.
© Bruno D'AmicisThe demonstrators, who will be joined by the well-known musician Darko Rundek and his band, will send a clear message to Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, urging him to stop this crime against nature before the Una is damaged forever.
The river, revered locally as "Una" or "the One," is a stunning natural wonder and a vital ecological and cultural resource. The river's source is one of the deepest karstic springs on Earth, and its waters flow from Croatia into Bosnia, symbolising unity and shared heritage across borders. The entire headwater section is protected under the Natura 2000 network. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, parts of the Una are protected as a national park.
Despite these protections, an investor recently began constructing a hydropower plant just downstream of the river's source, disregarding the site's protected status and without valid permits. This illegal action threatens to destroy a crucial ecosystem, home to several threatened species and risks significant environmental damage downstream. The rapid and unauthorised development has alarmed local communities, who rely on the Una for drinking water, recreation, and cultural identity.
Sanja Sevo, who grew up alongside the Una Spring, says, “Who can even dare to try and destroy this sacred place? The diggers are in the ground, and we are raising our voices to say “NO!” but we need the power of national and international friends to support us in resistance.”
In addition to the immediate threats this construction poses, it sets a dangerous precedent, undermining environmental laws and protections to safeguard our natural heritage.