River in focus: Una River 

Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia

Local partners: Green Team, CZZS and ACT, Aarhus Center BiH, Udruga Una

Project goal: To safeguard the ecological integrity of the Una River system by establishing a transboundary protected area – as a Wild River National Park and/or Biosphere Reserve – encompassing the entire Una and its free-flowing tributaries in accordance with IUCN standards.

Background

Una, the One, is one of the most stunning and scenic rivers in the Balkans and indeed all of Europe. It springs from the Vrelo Une (the source of the Una) in Croatia, one of the world’s deepest springs, and flows 217 kilometres through Bosnia-Herzegovina and partly Croatia, before joining the Sava River. 

Together with its tributaries, including Krka, Unac, Klokot, Krušnica, Sana, and many others, it forms an interconnected karst river network without parallel in Europe. Around 650 kilometres of rivers and streams are distinguished by outstanding hydromorphological integrity, tufa cascades, waterfalls, and a rich diversity of aquatic habitats.

Ongoing threats

While the Una enjoys great prestige, particularly in Bosnia, the threats it faces are steadily increasing. Sections of the Una and Unac rivers are already included in the existing Una National Park. However, the park’s strict protection zones mainly cover the surrounding forests rather than the rivers themselves, and the park’s management falls short of the IUCN’s international standards. Beyond the few remaining small hydropower projects, the greatest dangers come from unregulated construction along the banks and islands, water pollution, water abstraction, the impacts of growing mass tourism and, notably, a planned landfill for storing nuclear waste. 

How we are taking action

Like with the Vjosa, we aim to initiate a transboundary, large-scale river protected area of international significance. A feasibility study has been prepared, outlining different protection options, assessing opportunities and challenges, and estimating the costs for creating and managing such an exceptional protected area.

Together with local partners and communities, we will focus on:

• Advocacy and accountability: During an „Una Tour“ along the entire river in late 2025, we will discuss this vision with politicians, local communities, and other stakeholders. The insights gained will help us define the next steps toward realizing a protected area of European significance.
• Scientific monitoring: Supporting research to document biodiversity and track changes in river health, providing the evidence needed for stronger protection.
• Legal support: Our legal team works to halt imminent threats and to create the framework for an international protected area in this region.
• International outreach: Raising awareness through media campaigns, partnerships, and policy advocacy to ensure the Una remains a living symbol of wild river conservation.

In August 2024, local and international protests successfully halted the construction of a hydropower plant at the Una’s source in Croatia. This victory strengthened the vision of a large transboundary protected area, serving not only to safeguard the river but also as a symbol of unity in this historically divided region.

Supported by Manfred-Hermsen-Stiftung

Related news:

08/2024:  Una River saved from illegal dam construction

08/2024: Criminal complaint filed against Una River dam construction permits

07/2024: Join us to save Una "The One" from illegal damming