Herzegovina revives traditional rainwater harvesting amid water crisis

Traditional rainwater harvesting methods, known locally in Herzegovina as ‘čatrnja’, are seeing a resurgence due to increasing summer droughts, heatwaves, and drying rivers. While modern water infrastructure once led to the abandonment of these stone wells, the current climate reality has made them vital for sustainable living.

This local shift mirrors a global crisis. A United Nations report warns of a potential global water bankruptcy, noting that major lakes have lost 50 percent of their water and global resources for well irrigation have decreased by 40 percent. As public water systems struggle under summer loads, these traditional collection methods are becoming essential tools for survival in regions facing extreme water scarcity.