{"id":5153,"date":"2026-02-27T20:32:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T19:32:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/projects\/komarnica-canyon-ii-a-vision-for-sustainable-preservation-and-growth\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T20:47:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T19:47:11","slug":"komarnica-canyon-ii-a-vision-for-sustainable-preservation-and-growth","status":"publish","type":"projects","link":"https:\/\/drustvoekologa.me\/en\/projects\/komarnica-canyon-ii-a-vision-for-sustainable-preservation-and-growth\/","title":{"rendered":"Komarnica Canyon II: A Vision for Sustainable Preservation and Growth\u2028"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

EuroNatur
2025-2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

River ecosystems are among the most threatened habitats globally, and this challenge is becoming increasingly pronounced in the Western Balkans due to the uncontrolled construction of dams and hydropower plants. This development trend poses a serious threat to biodiversity, natural landscapes and the quality of life of local communities across the region. According to available data, more than 3,000 hydropower projects<\/b><\/a> are planned between Slovenia and Albania, while Montenegro is facing growing pressure on its rivers and natural resources.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Komarnica River<\/b> has been at the centre of public attention for years due to the planned construction of a hydropower plant which, despite strong opposition from the scientific community, civil society organisations and local communities, has been included in key national strategic documents, including the Energy Development Strategy of Montenegro until 2030<\/b>, the Spatial Plan of Montenegro until 2040<\/b> (adopted in 2025), as well as the list of 15 priority energy projects<\/b>. The proposed intervention represents a serious threat to the Komarnica River and its canyon, which are recognised as areas of exceptional ecological, landscape and cultural value.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aim of the project is to safeguard the Komarnica River and its canyon from harmful hydropower development and to ensure their long-term and permanent protection. The project builds on the joint efforts of the \u201cSave Komarnica<\/strong><\/a>\u201d<\/i> initiative, which brings together several environmental organisations, international scientists and local activists, and forms part of the broader regional campaign \u201cSave the Blue Heart of Europe<\/i><\/a>\u201d, dedicated to protecting the last free-flowing rivers of the Balkans.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through a combination of science-based analysis, public advocacy and civic mobilisation, the project pursues the following specific objectives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n