The Neretva in Bosnia - A wild river on the brink of collapse | DW Documentary

The Neretva River: A Battle for Europe’s Blue Heart

Key Concepts:

• Neretva River: One of the last wild rivers in Europe, vital to the ecosystem and local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Hydroelectric Power Plants: Projects threatening the river’s ecosystem through altered water levels and habitat destruction.
• Softmouth Trout ( Salmo marmoratus ): A unique fish species endemic to the Western Balkans, used as a key indicator of the river’s biodiversity.
• Karst Topography: The geological feature of the Neretva’s headwaters, contributing to its clarity and unique ecosystem.
• Surge Power Plant: A type of hydroelectric plant causing rapid and severe fluctuations in water levels.
• Ecotourism: Tourism focused on natural environments, a significant economic driver for local communities.

Introduction

The Neretva River in Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing a critical threat from planned hydroelectric power plant construction. This documentary explores the river’s ecological importance, the livelihoods dependent on it, and the fight to preserve it as one of Europe’s last wild rivers. The narrative follows local residents, scientists, and activists as they attempt to halt further development and protect the “blue heart of Europe.”

I. The Neretva’s Significance: A Lifeline for People and Nature

The Neretva is deeply interwoven with the lives and culture of the people living along its banks. Residents describe a profound connection to the river, viewing it as a source of peace, rejuvenation, and identity. Boan, a resident of Ulog, emphasizes the river’s importance, stating, “Without the Neretva, what would Ulog be without the Neretva? Just a forest, an overgrown valley.” The river provides resources like fish, game, mushrooms, and opportunities for agriculture and tourism.

The Neretva’s unique ecosystem is rooted in its origin in the mountains bordering Montenegro. Fed by rainwater filtering through permeable karst rock, it’s renowned for its clarity. However, the construction of the Ulog Dam, begun in 2013, has already led to the displacement of residents and significant environmental damage. A location near the dam, once a river whirlpool called Telenut (“green place”), has been drastically altered due to deforestation for the reservoir, destroying fish populations and riverbed structure.

II. Ecological Consequences and Scientific Efforts

The planned hydroelectric projects pose a severe threat to the Neretva’s biodiversity. Scientist Kurt Pinto explains that “surge power plants” cause “very rapid changes in water levels, some of which are quite severe with fatal consequences for the organisms that live in the water.” Inspired by successful campaigns in Albania that halted hydropower projects by demonstrating unique biodiversity, Pinto and his team are searching for the softmouth trout (Salmo marmoratus), a species found only in the Western Balkans.

Their research involves collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples using a filtration system. “The fish and all other organisms constantly release DNA which we collect in this filter here,” Pinto explains. Analyzing this DNA will provide evidence to support arguments against further dam construction. The area is also complicated by the presence of landmines from the Bosnian War, requiring careful navigation during research.

III. Local Communities and the Rise of Ecotourism

The town of Konjic exemplifies the strong connection between the local population and the Neretva. Kaplan Capic, from the local fishing club, teaches children traditional fly-fishing techniques, passing down a cultural heritage tied to the river. The river supports a growing ecotourism industry, with rafting being a particularly popular activity.

Samir Krivec, a rafting school operator, highlights the economic importance of the river, stating, “Not many people are working on the hydropower and it’s stupid to compare that for me when you know how many people live with Neretva from Neretva wine from rafting from all other kind of works and everything.” However, landslides and construction activities have already impacted water quality, with reports of muddy water and fish kills.

IV. Funding and Political Landscape

Despite environmental concerns, European banks have withdrawn funding for these projects, leading to Chinese banks and construction companies stepping in to finance and execute them. Local politicians promote hydropower as a renewable energy source to replace coal, but this argument is met with skepticism by residents who fear the environmental costs outweigh the benefits.

V. Ongoing Resistance and Future Prospects

Boan and other activists are actively resisting the construction of additional power plants. One activist even erected a barrier to obstruct access to a new construction site. Pinto advocates for designating the Neretva region as a national park to protect its wild character. He emphasizes the importance of the river’s natural fluctuations, stating, “This change is essential for the species and creatures that live here. It’s simply necessary. And if that is stopped, then it's over. Then it becomes a desert, if you will.”

The documentary concludes with Pinto and his team potentially locating a softmouth trout larva, offering a glimmer of hope. The discovery, if confirmed through genetic analysis, could provide crucial evidence to halt further development. The future of the Neretva remains uncertain, but the dedication of local communities, scientists, and activists underscores the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem.

Notable Quotes:

• “Without the Neretva, what would Ulog be without the Neretva? Just a forest, an overgrown valley.” – Boan, resident of Ulog.
• “This barrier was erected by one of our friends… who spent his youth on the Neretva and is a passionate fisherman. He wanted to prevent investors from reaching the new construction site.” – Narrator, describing an act of protest.
• “Every day is special. Every time I'm on the river, I enjoy it. Every time again and again.” – Samir Krivec, rafting school operator.
• “If it disappears now, then we'll have lost one more thing.” – Kurt Pinto, regarding the potential loss of the softmouth trout.

Technical Terms:

• Karst: A geological formation characterized by soluble rocks (like limestone) that create underground caves and channels.
• Surge Power Plant: A hydroelectric plant that operates by rapidly releasing water, causing significant fluctuations in river levels.
• eDNA (Environmental DNA): Genetic material shed by organisms into their environment, used for species detection and monitoring.
• Salmo marmoratus (Softmouth Trout): A critically endangered fish species endemic to the Balkans, serving as an indicator species for river health.
• Convertible Mark: The currency used in Republika Srpska, one of the two entities comprising Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Conclusion

The Neretva River stands as a poignant example of the conflict between economic development and environmental preservation. The documentary powerfully illustrates the river’s ecological significance, its cultural importance to local communities, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. The ongoing efforts to document biodiversity, resist further dam construction, and promote ecotourism offer a path towards safeguarding this “blue heart of Europe” for future generations.