Although it is one of the most important river ecosystems in this part of Europe, the Una River still lacks adequate protection. Significant parts of its middle course in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as a smaller section flowing through Croatia, remain unprotected, increasing pressure on the entire Una basin. If the initiative to establish a cross-border national park is accepted, the situation could change.
On October 26, 2026, in Bihać, the first of five planned presentations of the initiative for the establishment of the Wild Una River National Park was held in front of about 50 participants, which involves the formation of a cross-border protected area that would encompass the entire Una River system, including tributaries, and not individual parts of the stream, as is currently the case. Green Team Novi Grad, the Centre for the Environment Banja Luka, and the Foundation Atelier for Social Change – ACT Sarajevo organised the entire Una Tour, along with international partners Riverwatch and Earth Law Centre.
Currently, entity decisions on protecting parts of the Una River are in force in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina entity, Una National Park, proclaimed in May 2008, covers 19,800 hectares and administratively belongs to the city of Bihać. In the Republika Srpska entity, part of the lower Una River has been protected as a nature park since 2019.
As highlighted during this meeting, the key objective is to implement full and substantial protection of over 650 kilometres of the Una River basin, including the Una and all its tributaries, through the establishment of a transboundary national park of 351 km². A similar initiative to establish the Wild River Vjosa National Park, the first of its kind on the European continent, which the Albanian government established in March 2023, served as a model example.
On behalf of the Green Team – Novi Grad association, Mario Crnković briefly addressed the first night's gathering. "For years, there has been talk about protecting the entire Una, in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, and now we are moving on to concrete actions. This is a complex process, and we will not achieve success overnight, but we have an obligation to future generations to protect this river!" he said.
Ulrich Eichelman from Riverwatch highlighted the importance of the unique Una. "It is one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe, but the pressures on it are growing significantly. With our partners in the region, we are working to keep the Una alive, and tonight we are presenting the concept of a transboundary wild Una river national park," said Eichelman.
In this process, strong cooperation with the local community will be established, as Lejla Kusturica from the Atelje for Social Change Foundation – ACT pointed out in her statement. “When it comes to love for the river, the best example is you, the way you love your Una. Now is the time to protect it fundamentally, which is a generational process that will require cooperation and involvement of all stakeholders,” she said.
Vladimir Topić from the Centre for the Environment reminded us of the numerous activities of this organisation regarding the Una. “We are registered in Banja Luka, but we operate throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. From Livanjsko polje, Una, Neretva, Pliva, Drina and numerous other locations. We have published numerous studies regarding the Una and are working to ensure that this river finally receives the protection status it deserves,” was the message he sent.
The Earth Law Centre is recognising the Una River as a living being. “We are committed to translating the love and deep connection people have with rivers into legal recognition of their rights and status as living beings. The Una River is a river that inspires us with its biodiversity, beauty, and significance for communities along the river,” said Pooja Sharma, a representative of the organisation, in her speech.
