Scientific Research Camp Krivaja

Representatives of the Center for the Environment participated in research on the biodiversity of the Krivaja River in the areas of Zavidovići and Olovo, organized by SNIK Atom Zavidovići, Fojničani Maglaj, and the Network for Nature Protection in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The goal of this research, which involved dozens of experts from across the entire country, is to gather evidence to protect this unique river ecosystem, whose ecological value far exceeds the value of the planned mining project in its watershed.

Relevant and reliable information about the biodiversity of the Krivaja River will serve as a foundation for the permanent protection and sustainable management of this valuable natural area, which, according to the current spatial plan, is designated for protection at the level of a national park.

“Colleague Igor Kalaba and I researched the Duboštica River, its banks, and surrounding forest complexes, with a special focus on the ornithofauna, i.e., bird diversity. We recorded a large number of tits, woodpeckers, kinglets, buntings, warblers, treecreepers, and hazel grouse, while several forest owl individuals were observed during nighttime fieldwork. The area is interesting because it is mosaic-shaped, composed of different habitat types, so we collectively expect a great species diversity. I am confident that continued research in the spring will produce enough scientific data to move this area toward formal protection,” emphasized Nataša Crnković, Biodiversity and Protected Areas Program Coordinator at the Center for the Environment and participant in the research.

The particular significance of the research lies in the fact that the Krivaja River could be threatened by the planned opening of a chromium mine on its tributaries, Tribija and Duboštica.

“On the Krivaja, we have a recurring pattern of investor behavior where they attempted to conduct geological research for chromium exploitation without permits. They were stopped following interventions by cantonal and federal inspectors. Also, we have a positive pattern regarding reactions to such plans for exploiting our natural resources. The organizers of this camp successfully gathered scientists, associations, and enthusiasts who spent several days researching the Tribija and Duboštica watersheds, tributaries of the Krivaja,” Nataša added.

For the inhabitants of its valley, the Krivaja is not just a natural resource but an inseparable part of their identity and pride, deeply rooted in the life and heritage of the local community. Its protection means preserving the health, lives, and dignity of the people who live alongside it, and at the same time represents a matter of public interest requiring urgent and responsible action from the relevant institutions.