The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Civil Engineering, and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska (BiH) has denied approval for the Environmental Impact Study for the "Janjina J-1" small hydropower plant, effectively halting the project. This decision marks a significant victory for the Janjina River, an important tributary of the Drina, preserving its natural flow and safeguarding its ecosystem.

The hydropower project, proposed by Hidroelektrane "Bistrica" d.o.o. Foča aimed to divert over three kilometres of the river through a tunnel and pipeline. This diversion would have left the natural riverbed with dangerously low water levels, threatening aquatic species, particularly salmonid fish that rely on the Janjina as a critical spawning ground.

Blue Heart partner, Center for Environment (CZZS), played a key role in this case, actively monitoring the project, commenting on the Environmental Impact Study, and highlighting its deficiencies. The submitted study relied on outdated hydrological data—some over 20 years old—and failed to account for changes in river flow and the effects of climate change. The Center for Environment and other stakeholders repeatedly emphasised that the study did not meet scientific or environmental standards, leading to its rejection by the Ministry.

The final rejection of this Environmental Impact Study ensures that the Janjina River remains free-flowing.