River protectors, environmentalists and concerned citizens from across Europe are linking arms with the community of the Una Spring in Croatia this Friday to protest the construction of an illegal dam at the source of the Una River, “The One”.

Renowned musician Darko Rundek and band will participate, performing a free concert to raise awareness about the issue. The protestors aim to send a clear message to Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, urging him to stop this crime against nature before the Una is damaged forever.

Sanja Sevo, who grew up alongside the Una Spring, says, “Who can even dare to try and destroy this sacred place? The diggers are in the ground, and we are raising our voices to say “NO!” but we need the power of national and international friends to support us in resistance.”

The crisis at Una's Spring

The river, revered locally as "Una" or "the One," is a stunning natural wonder and a vital ecological and cultural resource. The river's source is one of the deepest karstic springs on Earth, and its waters flow from Croatia into Bosnia, symbolising unity and shared heritage across borders. The entire headwater section is protected under the Natura 2000 network, an EU initiative to preserve habitats and species of European importance. As it flows into Bosnia and Herzegovina, parts of it are protected as a national park. 

Despite these protections, an investor recently began constructing a hydropower plant just downstream of the river's source, disregarding the site's protected status and without valid permits. This illegal action threatens to destroy a crucial ecosystem, home to several threatened species and risks significant environmental damage downstream. The rapid and unauthorised development has alarmed local communities, who rely on the Una for drinking water, recreation, and cultural identity.

In addition to the immediate threats this construction poses, it sets a dangerous precedent, undermining environmental laws and protections to safeguard our natural heritage.

A call to action: join the protest and urge the Croatian Prime Minister to stop the works

The Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign group has worked with local community members to organise this protest event and Darko Rundek concert to galvanise public support and raise awareness. The event is a call to action for all who care about environmental conservation, human rights, and the rule of law. It is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with local communities and demand the immediate cessation of all construction activities.

Darko Rundek and band performance

We invite river protectors everywhere to join us at the source of Una (Vrelo Une) in Donja Suvaja on August 2nd at 17:00. Your presence will send a strong message to the Croatian Prime Minister that we will not stand by while our natural heritage is destroyed. We are calling on our friends around the world to spread the word, share experiences on social media, and contribute to the growing global movement to protect the Una River.

Event Details:

• • What: Darko Rundek and band concert followed by an open-air screening of the Blue Heart movie
  • Date: August 2nd, 2024
  • Time: 17:00
  • Concert location: The source of Una (Vrelo Une) in Donja Suvaja 
  • Movie screening location: Srb park at 20:00

For more information and updates, please join the conversation online using the hashtag #SaveUnaStopThisCrime and tag us @blueheartrivers (Instagram) @SaveTheBlueHeartOfEurope (Facebook). Your voice and participation can make a difference. Let us come together to protect the Una, ensure the enforcement of environmental laws, and safeguard the future of this precious river for generations.