The Una River, a symbol of life and natural wealth in the Balkans, is more than just a natural resource. It forms a vital part of the regional identity, connecting people and providing opportunities for the development of tourism and agriculture. On May 17, the Association “Green Team” Novi Grad highlighted the river's significance and the threats it faces.

Secretary of the Association Mladen Trninić emphasized the importance of protecting the Una and its basin. He noted that while there is growing awareness about conservation, numerous pressures still threaten the area, including plans to store radioactive and hazardous waste near the river, pollution, and uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources.

“These threats remind us that nature is not an inexhaustible resource, and what we lose today may be irrecoverable,” Trninić explained. “The Una is a part of our lives and will shape the future of the area.”

Trninić pointed out that the Una connects people and cities on both sides of the border, providing opportunities for tourism, agriculture, sports, and a healthy lifestyle. Any serious threat to this area causes justified concern among citizens who wish to preserve a clean and healthy river for future generations.

On the Una River Day, it is crucial to remember that nature protection is a shared responsibility. “How we relate to the river today reflects our relationship with our living space and towards future generations,” Trninić emphasized.

The Una River, with a total length of 212.5 kilometers, originates near Donja Suvaja and Donji Lapac in Croatia and flows into the Sava River near Jasenovac. The river is home to 28 different species of fish, some weighing up to 30 kilograms, and almost 200 species of medicinal plants grow near its banks. In 2013, the “Global Underwater Divers Association” awarded the Una the “White Flag” for its exceptional cleanliness.