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Protecting Rivers with Nature-Based Solutions: Treatment Wetlands

Rivers naturally break down pollutants, but this ability is limited and easily exceeded by continuous human pressure. Rural areas face particular challenges, as their scattered settlements, difficult terrain, and high costs make centralized sewer systems impractical. Wastewater from these communities also varies greatly in flow and composition, requiring treatment systems that are simple, robust, and able to operate with minimal technical support. What are Treatment Wetlands Treatment wetlands (TWs) are a nature‑based solution that is highly suitable for rural wastewater treatment. Developed in the mid‑20th century and widely adopted since the 1980s, they use simple [...]

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Montenegro Gains a New Protected Area

At its session yesterday, the Municipal Assembly of Bijelo Polje adopted a decision proclaiming part of the Ćehotina River a Natural Monument. With this act, another gem among Montenegro’s rivers has been placed under legal and institutional protection, bringing major benefits to Bijelo Polje and the country as a whole. Rising below Mount Stožer and shaping the landscapes of Bijelo Polje and Pljevlja, the Ćehotina now holds the status of an area of special natural value. Within the territory of Bijelo Polje, 516 hectares of river and riparian zones are protected as the Ćehotina River [...]

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Europe Breaks New Record in River Barrier Removals: More Countries Join the Movement to Restore Free-Flowing Rivers

Across Europe, more than 1.2 million barriers—including dams, weirs, and culverts—fragment rivers, choking the life out of freshwater ecosystems. Many of these structures are obsolete, yet they continue to disrupt the natural flow of water, sediments, and species. This has taken a heavy toll on biodiversity, contributing to a staggering 75% decline in freshwater migratory fish populations since 1970. But momentum is building to reverse the damage. In 2024, a record-breaking number of barriers were removed from rivers across the continent, as more communities, governments, and organisations embraced the dam removal movement to restore river [...]

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New Exhibition Rivers, Traces and Entanglements Opens in Zagreb

The exhibition Rivers, Traces and Entanglements opened tonight at the Gallery AMZ in Zagreb as part of celebrating the Earth Day. Organized by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb (AMZ), the exhibition invites visitors to explore rivers as dynamic, living landscapes—emphasizing their ecological, historical, cultural, and political significance. The works on display were created by contemporary Southeast European artists wh o participated in an art colony held in May 2024 in Kotli, Croatia. Immersed in this unique landscape—shaped by the Mirna River flowing through ancient mills and deep, cascading pools—the artists [...]

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United for Rivers: Highlights from the 3rd International Conference on River Protection in Southeast Europe

The 3rd International Conference on River Protection in Southeast Europe, held from 8 – 10 April 2025 in Skopje, North Macedonia, successfully concluded after three intensive days of dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative planning. Organized by The Nature Conservancy and Eko-svest under the umbrella of the United for Rivers initiative, the event brought together more than 100 participants, including conservationists, policymakers, scientists, civil society representatives, and community leaders from across the Southeast Europe and beyond. The conference highlighted several critical themes central to ensuring the durable protection and restoration of river ecosystems in the region. [...]

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Montenegro’s Bistrica River Joins Growing List of Legally Protected Rivers in the Western Balkans

The Municipal Assembly of Bijelo Polje voted today to bolster the status of Đalovića Gorge as a Natural Monument, marking a significant milestone for sustainable river protection in Montenegro. Following an initiative to protect the Bistrica River, launched by a coalition of environmental groups including Eco-Team and The Nature Conservancy, the Environmental Protection Agency of Montenegro evaluated the natural and geological values of the area and recommended strengthening the gorge’s protection.  Today’s decision marks the beginning of work to implement the full legal protection measures for the area. While the gorge was originally recognized in 1968 for [...]

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Karlovac County Assembly Votes for the Protection of the Mrežnica and Tounjčica Rivers

In a groundbreaking decision, the Karlovac County Assembly has officially confirmed the protection of the Mrežnica and Tounjčica rivers in Croatia and the establishment of two new protected areas, marking a significant milestone in the county’s nature conservation efforts. The decision was reached today following an initiative led by the Public Institution for Nature Protection Natura Viva and supported by the Karlovac County and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The newly designated protected areas result from the longstanding efforts to preserve the two rivers, something the local communities have been calling for decades. These areas mark [...]

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The Nature Conservancy and Public Institution Natura Viva Join Forces to Protect the Mrežnica River in Croatia

By signing the Memorandum of Understanding today, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Public Institution Natura Viva agree to work together on the establishment of new protected areas along the Mrežnica River in Croatia. Apart from jointly contributing to the protection of the river, both organizations recognize the need for new scientific research in the area, joint action toward national-level decision makers, and encouraging local community engagement. Flowing for 64 kilometers and cascading over numerous tufa barriers, the Mrežnica River is a vital natural resource for Karlovac County. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, [...]

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Regional Initiative Aims to Protect Up to 400 Kilometres of Rivers Across Southeast Europe

United for Rivers, a regional initiative dedicated to protecting 13 rivers across Southeast Europe, was launched today. By prioritizing the engagement of local communities, The Nature Conservancy and six partners from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia aim to safeguard the ecological, social, and cultural values of freshwater ecosystems in the region by establishing new river protected areas. Southeast Europe is home to some of the last free-flowing rivers on the continent. They are the lifeblood of communities and ecosystems, providing clean water, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining livelihoods. Unfortunately, these priceless resources [...]

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One Step Closer to Veliki Rzav River Special Nature Reserve

In addition to widely-known natural features, southwest Serbia also hides many river pearls, among which the most valuable is the Veliki Rzav River. This is supported by the results of scientific research conducted by the Institute for Nature Protection of Serbia in cooperation with the Ecological Association Rzav over the past four years. Results of the study were published recently on the official website of the Ministry of the Environment, initiating the process of establishing the Veliki Rzav River Special Nature Reserve. Recognizing the exceptional natural values of the Veliki Rzav River and its importance [...]