To experience the atmosphere of the Pliva springs is to be reminded of the world and the values that nature defenders are fighting to protect! The Pliva is one of the largest sources of drinking water in Europe. Unfortunately, this environment is also under threat of destruction. While old stone houses and a few cottages do not significantly harm the landscape and ecosystem, their very existence is now overshadowed by the threat of two small hydropower plants. SHPP “Jovići” is maliciously planned at a fragile rock gorge, cherished by both locals and visitors. The other, SHPP “Kužo 1,” threatens one of the larger springs, planned just a few dozen meters away from it.

We took part in the citizens’ assembly of the Municipality of Sopot, one of the thirstiest municipalities in Serbia. Under the slogan “Water, our right, not our treasure,” citizens demanded concrete measures to address the long-standing problems of water distribution and supply during the summer months.

In a single day, 620 wildfires were recorded across Serbia. Fires in the country pose a serious long-term threat to both people and nature. They are caused by prolonged drought, poor forest management, and careless fire use. The most vulnerable are remote and neglected villages, which suffer additional consequences from these disasters due to decades of neglect.