Osijek citizens protest against Drava river embankment project

Citizens in Osijek, Croatia, held a protest on Saturday against a planned embankment and promenade project on the right bank of the Drava river. The civil initiative “Za zeleni Pampas” (For Green Pampas) claims the project, led by investor Hrvatske vode in cooperation with the City of Osijek, is illegal and threatens protected areas within the Natura 2000 network and the Mura-Drava Regional Park.

Protesters expressed concern over the use of approximately 6,000 tons of concrete, which they argue will create a heat island and destroy a vital green oasis. The initiative has reported Hrvatske vode to the State Inspectorate, alleging potential criminal acts related to environmental destruction and abuse of official position. They are demanding an immediate halt to construction and a comprehensive environmental impact study.

While the initiative states they do not oppose urban development or new amenities, they specifically oppose the extensive concreting of roughly two kilometers of the riverbank. The project, valued at 8.3 million euros, remains under scrutiny as legal and administrative processes continue.