Nature protection experts warn of mining and fire threats in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The VII Conference of the Nature Protection Network of Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently taking place in Međugorje. Organized by UG ‘Fojničani’ with support from the ‘Dinarica’ Association, the three-day event brings together civil society, scientific communities, and government institutions to discuss river protection, the consequences of mining, and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage.

Professor Dalibor Ballian from the University of Sarajevo warned that forest loss directly threatens water resources and quality of life. He noted that over 39,000 hectares of forest have burned this year alone, including a recent fire between Tomislavgrad and Kupres that affected more than 14,000 hectares. Ballian highlighted an increase in public awareness regarding environmental issues compared to two decades ago.

Experts also raised concerns regarding the increasing pressure on rivers such as the Neretva, Una, and Krivaja. Specifically, the Krivaja river is considered at risk due to potential chromium mining projects at the Duboštica–Tribija site. Other threats discussed include the construction of highways, urbanization, and the ‘Gornji horizonti’ project, which impact areas like the Buna and Bunica rivers.