Save Una River

Karstic source of the Una River in Croatia located within a Natura 2000 protected area.
Karstic source of the Una River in Croatia located within a Natura 2000 protected area., © Ray Demski
On July 5, an investor started the illegal construction of a small hydropower plant just 100 metres below the source of the Una.
On July 5, an investor started the illegal construction of a small hydropower plant just 100 metres below the source of the Una., © Una Sevo
The beautiful spring area was immediately devastated.
The beautiful spring area was immediately devastated., © Una Sevo
However, work continued unfettered despite the area's national and internationally protected status.
However, work continued unfettered despite the area's national and internationally protected status., © Ray Demski
On July 28, 2024, residents were joined by people from across the region at the second major protest on the construction site.
On July 28, 2024, residents were joined by people from across the region at the second major protest on the construction site., © Joshua D. Lim
Children were also encouraged to join the protest and were eager to take part.
Children were also encouraged to join the protest and were eager to take part., © Joshua D. Lim
They proudly stood up for the protection of their river.
They proudly stood up for the protection of their river., © Joshua D. Lim
Although protests were peaceful, police arrive on the scene.
Although protests were peaceful, police arrive on the scene., © Ray Demski
On August 2 2024, renowned musician Darko Rundek and band performed a free concert to raise awareness about the issue.
On August 2 2024, renowned musician Darko Rundek and band performed a free concert to raise awareness about the issue., © Ulrich Eichelmann
Hundreds of people showed up in support of the Una.
Hundreds of people showed up in support of the Una., © Ray Demski
Following the concert nearly 400 attendees made their way to the construction site together.
Following the concert nearly 400 attendees made their way to the construction site together., © Ulrich Eichelmann
After the concert, many of the attendees stayed to watch and be inspired by the screening of the Blue Heart film.
After the concert, many of the attendees stayed to watch and be inspired by the screening of the Blue Heart film., © Ulrich Eichelmann
On the August 6, local community members rally together with supporters who have travelled from several other European countries to Save Una.
On the August 6, local community members rally together with supporters who have travelled from several other European countries to Save Una., © Maja Sever
Locals are in good spirits seeing that we gathered quickly and stopped the work.
Locals are in good spirits seeing that we gathered quickly and stopped the work., © Una Rastovic
By now, the campaign to stop the illegal works inspires folks from across Europe to join in the support like this group in Amsterdam.
By now, the campaign to stop the illegal works inspires folks from across Europe to join in the support like this group in Amsterdam., © Patagonia Europe
Finally, on 20 August, everyone celebrated the news that Croatian state authorities have ordered all construction on the Una River to stop immediately.
Finally, on 20 August, everyone celebrated the news that Croatian state authorities have ordered all construction on the Una River to stop immediately., © Wolf Schnitz
Locals are thrilled to see their river saved from the grasp of the hydropower boom in the Balkans.
Locals are thrilled to see their river saved from the grasp of the hydropower boom in the Balkans., © Ray Demski
Relief and joy sets in as the fight for the river has a successful ending.
Relief and joy sets in as the fight for the river has a successful ending., © Ray Demski
Local communities and activists wave goodbye to the construction vehicles leaving the Una River for good.
Local communities and activists wave goodbye to the construction vehicles leaving the Una River for good., © Sanja Sevo

The #SaveUna River campaign was a concerted effort by local communities and environmental organizations to stop the construction of a small hydropower plant on the river's spring, a site of unique natural beauty and ecological importance. On 5 July 2024, the investor began construction but after protests, legal action, and international support, Croatian authorities halted all construction activities in August 2024. The investor was ordered to stop further work, and those involved in issuing faulty permits faced legal consequences. The victory celebrated the protection of the river but highlighted the ongoing need for vigilance.

2 August 2024 event invite: Join us to save Una "The One" from illegal damming

9 August 2024 press release: Criminal complaint filed against Una River dam construction permits

20 August 2024 press release: Una River saved from illegal dam construction

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