2024 Balkan River Summit

Representatives from over 15 countries, here to stand with the Balkans in protecting our natural treasures.
Representatives from over 15 countries, here to stand with the Balkans in protecting our natural treasures., © Solutions 4 You
Flotilla on the Morača– United on the water, our floatilla sends a clear message Keep Balkan rivers wild and free-flowing.
Flotilla on the Morača– United on the water, our floatilla sends a clear message Keep Balkan rivers wild and free-flowing., © Solutions 4 You
“Keep Rivers Wild” floats across the Morača, a moving reminder of what we’re fighting to protect.
“Keep Rivers Wild” floats across the Morača, a moving reminder of what we’re fighting to protect., © Solutions 4 You
The Big Jump! Participants take the plunge in celebration of river protection and solidarity.
The Big Jump! Participants take the plunge in celebration of river protection and solidarity., © Solutions 4 You
Members of the Balkan River Summit organising team.
Members of the Balkan River Summit organising team., © Solutions 4 You
The summit brought together local artists and activists through music, art, and the power of community.
The summit brought together local artists and activists through music, art, and the power of community., © Solutions 4 You
Artists display river-inspired works.
Artists display river-inspired works., © Solutions 4 You
River defenders strategised, shared ideas, and developed new approaches to conservation.
River defenders strategised, shared ideas, and developed new approaches to conservation., © Solutions 4 You
The design of the Balkan River Summit materials was done by Iva Jericevic.
The design of the Balkan River Summit materials was done by Iva Jericevic., © Solutions 4 You
Young activists making their mark at the summit, representing the future of river protection.
Young activists making their mark at the summit, representing the future of river protection., © Solutions 4 You
Enjoying the presentations.
Enjoying the presentations., © Solutions 4 You
Participants had many workshops to choose from to learn or hone new skills.
Participants had many workshops to choose from to learn or hone new skills., © Solutions 4 You
Throughout the summit, participants were encouraged to write down a question they would like support on to answer within the summit
Throughout the summit, participants were encouraged to write down a question they would like support on to answer within the summit, © Solutions 4 You
Banners over the years.
Banners over the years., © Solutions 4 You
All smiles.
All smiles., © Solutions 4 You
The members of the Montenegrin Ecologists Society that made the summit possible and so successful.
The members of the Montenegrin Ecologists Society that made the summit possible and so successful., © Solutions 4 You
Strategising new ways to conquer age-old problems.
Strategising new ways to conquer age-old problems., © Solutions 4 You
Panel discussions with experts across the Balkans exploring ways to tackle emerging challenges in river protection.
Panel discussions with experts across the Balkans exploring ways to tackle emerging challenges in river protection., © Solutions 4 You
Networking opportunities.
Networking opportunities., © Solutions 4 You
Meeting new allies and strengthening international bonds that will drive river conservation forward.
Meeting new allies and strengthening international bonds that will drive river conservation forward., © Solutions 4 You
Local activists share the personal stories of their campaigns and the challenges they face daily.
Local activists share the personal stories of their campaigns and the challenges they face daily., © Solutions 4 You
Examining how the media can amplify conservation efforts and support environmental activists.
Examining how the media can amplify conservation efforts and support environmental activists., © Solutions 4 You
Celebrating achievements unity and a renewed commitment to save the rivers of the Balkans.
Celebrating achievements unity and a renewed commitment to save the rivers of the Balkans., © Solutions 4 You
Solutions 4 You
Solutions 4 You
Andrijana Micanovic educating field trip participants about the Save Komarnica initiative.
Andrijana Micanovic educating field trip participants about the Save Komarnica initiative., © Roxanne Diaz
Time for reflection.
Time for reflection., © Solutions 4 You
Participants at the Mrtvica, a tributary of the Morača River, that is flanked by towering rock walls that rise steeply on either side.
Participants at the Mrtvica, a tributary of the Morača River, that is flanked by towering rock walls that rise steeply on either side., © Solutions 4 You
Learning about the local rivers.
Learning about the local rivers., © Solutions 4 You
Hiking along the river.
Hiking along the river., © Solutions 4 You
Filling up with nature's fresh water.
Filling up with nature's fresh water., © Solutions 4 You

 Under the banner “Uniting Voices for the Blue Heart of Europe” this year’s Balkan River Summit brought together over 100 international river conservation experts, scientists and activists in Podgorica, Montenegro, from 29 September to 3 October 2024. The event aimed at uniting river defenders to protect the valuable Balkan rivers and to speak out against the imminent and systematic threat the rivers are facing, mainly from hydropower development.

More about the summit.

100 People Unite to Protect Balkans' Wild Rivers and their defenders

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