Neretva Science Week 2023

With a length of 230 km and with an exceptional network of tributaries, the Neretva River is one of the most biodiverse river ecosystems in Europe.
With a length of 230 km and with an exceptional network of tributaries, the Neretva River is one of the most biodiverse river ecosystems in Europe., © Joshua D. Lim
At the same time, it might be the most threatened river on the continent. More than 55 new hydropower plants are projected in the basin.
At the same time, it might be the most threatened river on the continent. More than 55 new hydropower plants are projected in the basin., © Joshua D. Lim
In 2023, nearly 70 scientists from 17 countries participated in the NSW 23. About 40 journalists, activists and artists joined them.
In 2023, nearly 70 scientists from 17 countries participated in the NSW 23. About 40 journalists, activists and artists joined them., © Vladimir Tadić
In Ulog, right next to the Neretva was the campsite and the “main station” where participants had their meals and where they worked.
In Ulog, right next to the Neretva was the campsite and the “main station” where participants had their meals and where they worked., © Vladimir Tadić
Scientists at work. During NSW mini field laboratories were established on the banks of Neretva.
Scientists at work. During NSW mini field laboratories were established on the banks of Neretva., © Ivana Milaković
Wildlife big and small were observed and recorded.
Wildlife big and small were observed and recorded., © Vladimir Tadić
The work of scientists was also documented by journalists, photographers and videographers.
The work of scientists was also documented by journalists, photographers and videographers., © Vladimir Tadić
Each day brought us numerous exciting findings, of which many turned out to be rarely recorded taxa or species new for the country.
Each day brought us numerous exciting findings, of which many turned out to be rarely recorded taxa or species new for the country., © Vladimir Tadić
Apis pernivorus. Rock Partridges, Golden Eagles, Short-toed Eagles, Eagle owls, Rock Thrushes – all these species were easily observed in the research area – and they’re really hard to observe in any non-protected areas in Europe.
Apis pernivorus. Rock Partridges, Golden Eagles, Short-toed Eagles, Eagle owls, Rock Thrushes – all these species were easily observed in the research area – and they’re really hard to observe in any non-protected areas in Europe., © Piotr Bednarek
Horned viper (Vipera ammodytes).
Horned viper (Vipera ammodytes)., © Saudin Merdan
The ubiquitous presence of large carnivores in the Neretva Valley enables a tighter coupling of predator-prey dynamics than elsewhere in Europe and speaks for the impressive and functionally intact biodiversity of the Upper Neretva Valley.
The ubiquitous presence of large carnivores in the Neretva Valley enables a tighter coupling of predator-prey dynamics than elsewhere in Europe and speaks for the impressive and functionally intact biodiversity of the Upper Neretva Valley., © Ivan Juraj Čehulić
Marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia). In addition to the 55 species of butterflies found in 2022, we confirmed the presence of 16 additional species, leading to a final number of registered species of butterflies in the investigated area of 71.
Marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia). In addition to the 55 species of butterflies found in 2022, we confirmed the presence of 16 additional species, leading to a final number of registered species of butterflies in the investigated area of 71., © Vladimir Tadić
Scientists investigated three caves: Čašica and Golubnjača in the Neretva area and Vranjača near the Zalomka river basin.
Scientists investigated three caves: Čašica and Golubnjača in the Neretva area and Vranjača near the Zalomka river basin., © Vladimir Tadić
Microscopic investigations.
Microscopic investigations., © Joshua D. Lim
Each night the scientists would regroup, discuss what went on during the day and plan their strategy for the next.
Each night the scientists would regroup, discuss what went on during the day and plan their strategy for the next., © Vladimir Tadić
All smiles as they explored the wilderness.
All smiles as they explored the wilderness., © Vladimir Tadić
Some even fully submerged into the water.
Some even fully submerged into the water., © Vladimir Tadić
Science meets art.
Science meets art., © Vladimir Tadić
In 2023, the scientists returned to study not only the river system, but the entire valley.
In 2023, the scientists returned to study not only the river system, but the entire valley., © Vladimir Tadić
Scientists searching for rare softmouth trout. This species lives only in a few rivers on the Balkans, including Neretva.
Scientists searching for rare softmouth trout. This species lives only in a few rivers on the Balkans, including Neretva., © Vladimir Tadić
While detailed results are not yet available, the extension of studied taxonomic groups and research areas resulted in at least another 1000 species.
While detailed results are not yet available, the extension of studied taxonomic groups and research areas resulted in at least another 1000 species., © Vladimir Tadić
We were blown away by the diversity of the Upper Neretva.
We were blown away by the diversity of the Upper Neretva., © Vladimir Tadić
Besides collecting data, raising awareness and increasing public attention is a crucial part of the science week. More than 15 journalists joined the event, from Bosnia-Herzegovina and from around the world.
Besides collecting data, raising awareness and increasing public attention is a crucial part of the science week. More than 15 journalists joined the event, from Bosnia-Herzegovina and from around the world., © Vladimir Tadić

Neretva Science Week 2023 took place from May 30th to June 7th. A diverse team of 62 scientists from 17 countries gathered in small town Ulog, to contribute to the conservation of the Neretva river system. They were accompanied by journalists, photographers, activists, and artists. Various independent teams explored different areas on and around the river, to get a deeper understanding of specific habitats, point to threatened places and integrate across terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

Read the preliminary report.

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