The first findings of the Neretva Science Week were summarized in a report. It provides preliminary impressions, highlights and an overview from the individual specialist groups.
The scientists were able to discover many endangered species in and along the Neretva River in one week, including the yellow-bellied toad.
© Saudin MerdanFrom June 26th to July 5th, a diverse team of 48 scientists and 11 students from 7 countries visited the Upper Neretva River to collect data aimed at characterising this pristine and highly threatened riverine ecosystem. They focused on describing aspects of river-associated biodiversity by combining their expertises on various aquatic and terrestrial plant and animal groups. Furthermore, they also studied the environmental conditions supporting this biodiversity and a selection of ecosystem functions it may drive in the particular setting of this river.
The motivation behind this science expedition is the planned construction of at least 25 new dams: this is a critical moment to collect data to provide evidence of what is at stake by the dam plans, to deliver data for legal proceedings against the projects, and increase public visibility of these valuable ecosystems.
You can view the preliminary report here: https://balkanrivers.net/uploads/files/3/NSW-PreliminaryReport-Final-Web.pdf
The data collected will be analysed in much more detail over the next months and a more detailed final report is expected by the end of the year 2022.