Balkan Tour - Event # 5: (BiH), April 25-27

The Neretva River is the largest river in the Eastern Adriatic river basin, known for its crystal green waters and number of endemic species like the softmouth (). The biggest threat to the river and its endemic species comes from hydropower development.

Upper Neretva river (upstream ) where a new will be built © Michel Gunther WWF-Canon

There are 12 hydropower plants operating in the Neretva and Trebisnjica basin, while an additional 9 are planned. WWF has been scrutinizing new hydropower plants in the past years and challenged unsustainable projects to protect the remaining natural parts of the river as well as the wetland. It has also been advocating for compensation of impacts produced by existing plants aimed at restoring disrupted of Hutovo Blato wetland.

WWF coordinator Zoran Mateljak explaining Agricultural land, Neretva river delta in the water flows in Nature park Hutovo blato, © Andrija Vrdoljak WWF-Canon BiH © Andrija Vrdoljak WWF-Canon

Program

On April 25, kayakers will arrive at Hitko rafting centre in Glavatičevo. On the next day kayakers will paddle the to Konjic and on April 27 to the construction site for a new hydropower plant in . WWF will organize evening events at the camp: the Vjosa documentary “One for the River – the Vjosa Story” on the first evening and DamNation on the second. WWF will also invite a painter to create art paintings with the help of the river flow.

Monday, April 25 – Arrival of kayakers at Hitko rafting centre in the afternoon. Screening of the Vjosa documentary “One for the River – the Vjosa Story” Address: Ban Vir – Glavatičevo, Konjic, 88400 Konjic, &

Tuesday, April 26 – Event Day 10:00h Start from camp: paddling route Glavatičevo - Konjic 13:00h Meeting at the camp and picnic for participants 19:00h Screening of DamNation + discussion and dinner

Wednesday, April 27 – Event Day 10:00h Hike to Ulog 12:00h Paddling Ulog - Glavatičevo 17:00h Return to the camp & art workshop

Participants are invited to stay at the Hitko rafting center. Camping there is 15 EUR/night, launch & dinner 12 EUR/day, dinner on the day of arrival is 5 EUR

Contact:

Bojan Stojanović, [email protected], +385 95 2567 780 Hitko rafting centre: [email protected], +387 36 739 221, +387 61 175 326

***** More info about the Save the Blue Heart of campaign at www.balkanrivers.net *****