Bosnia and Herzegovina - KRIOT

Ecosystem

Olovo, as well as the Zavidovici is rich in mixed forests of beech, fir, and spruce, supporting diverse plant and animal species. Key wildlife species include the wolf (Canis lupus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), and Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), along with numerous birds of prey. River ecosystems, such as the Krivaja River and its tributaries, provide habitats for endemic fish and amphibian species. The river flows are especially rich in trout and river crayfish. The area has significant potential for biodiversity conservation through nature protection programs. However, activities such as unsustainable mining and deforestation pose major threats to the ecosystem.

The Krivaja River in Bosnia and Herzegovina is unique due to its biodiversity, cultural significance, ecological challenges, the inflow of thermal waters, and the presence of specific species. It is particularly distinguished by its incredible color, but also faces the problem of plastic pollution and the impact of mining activities on its flow.

Existing projects

● Reforestation of degraded areas through local and international environmental initiatives. ● Remediation of mining tailings to reduce erosion and water pollution. ● Ecotourism and sustainable forest management aimed at promoting green economic activities. ● Biodiversity monitoring projects in collaboration with universities and research institutes. ● Local initiatives for the protection of rivers and watercourses as part of efforts to combat pollution and illegal resource exploitation.

DALIA Implementation Plan

1. Create an Action plan for plastic waste management for Krivaja river. It will be created by Action group for plastic waste management on Krivaja and partially Bosna river
2. Mapping of the illegal landfills on Krivaja river
3. Organize public campaign for raising awareness about plastic pollution in the rivers with name “Krivaja unites us”
4. Educate school students about environmental issues in three schools in Olovo, Zavidovići and Maglaj municipality
5. Organize cleaning actions on the river Krivaja and partially Bosna and around the schools (3)
6. Transform collected plastic waste into the plastic granules
7. Exchange of practice and knowledge between KRIOT project and DALIA project representatives

Involvement of the Community

Although the lead organization for the activities is the municipality of Olovo, it is partnering with UDEG, so we already have collaboration between local authorities and civil society. In addition to the municipality of Olovo, the project covers the territories of the municipalities of Zavidovići and Maglaj, and includes various stakeholders, including the action group for the Krivaja River basin with 45 different stakeholders (from NGOs, schools, activists, inspectors, utility companies to government representatives). It also involves schoolchildren through cleaning campaigns, introduces the citizen science method through GPRS bottles, and mobilizes and actively engages the ecological movement "Rivers of Bosnia and Herzegovina," which has over 62,000 members. Thus, the community is engaged both through institutional involvement and as part of a broader public opinion. Additionally, campaigns will be run through social media, billboards, and cleaning actions.

Expected Impact

Permanently resolve the pollution problem of the Krivaja River, both from plastic waste and mining activities, and subsequently transform it into a resource to promote self-sustainability.

Photo Gallery