Public institution Nature Park and the Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and Ecology of Republika Srpska have launched a public insight into the ten-year una plan management plan for the period 2025-2035. . It is a key strategic document that opens the door for investment in ecotourism, environmental protection, education and sustainable rural development in the field of four border municipalities: Novi Grad, Kostajnica, Kozarska Dubica and Krupa na Uni.
The plan envisages a comprehensive approach to the protection of natural resources, the development of green infrastructure and the strengthening of the local economy, with the total budget of 4,347,500 KM, which is arranged through seven budget lines for the next ten years. With the development of tourism there are also measures for the protection of cultural goods, the program of scientific research activities, landscaping and other.
Three pillars of sustainable management
The management plan defines three basic goals, which together represent the integrated model of preservation of natural values and economic development:
- Preservation of natural and cultural values - protection of biological diversity, rivers, and its phenomena (trapped forms, waterfalls, river lakes), but also the promotion of the cultural heritage of the region such as the monastery of the Moistan and Memorial Area of Lower Gradina;
- Education and recreation – Promotion of the park as an educational destination and space for an active stay in nature;
- Development of the local community – through support for rural farms, rural tourism, self-employment and development of microcesses.
Una River in the territory of the Municipality of Novi Grad, Kozarska Dubica, Krupa on UNI and Kostajnica, was first declared protected in the Protected landscapes – Nature Park 2019. years1. It is located in the extreme northwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska, and its entire length, border with the Republic of Croatia. The length of the protected area is 95 km, while its total area is 2,772.60 ha.
The highlighted characteristics of the UNE Landscapes are pure and emerald river, a series of hydrological, geomorphological and other phenomena, prompts, rapids, ads and river lakes and unbreakable coastal vegetation that accompanies the river along its entire flow.
Strategic development programs and infrastructure
The plan contains a detailed package of development measures and concrete programs, which, among other things, include:
- Construction and modernization of infrastructure within the park;
- Hiking and bicycle routes with accompanying content (Vidikovci, info-points);
- The system of tourist information and interpretation of natural heritage;
- Marketing program of destination promotion;
- Training and incentives for local tourism workers, especially in rural holdings;
- Organization of cultural and promotional events empowering the tourist identity of the park;
- Program for the protection of cultural goods and scientific research activities.
Threat from Croatia: Gora and ecological risk
According to this document, one of the most serious challenges for the future of the UN Nature Park is the formation of nuclear waste landfill at the Socija Gora in the Republic of Croatia. The location is located in the border belt, only a few kilometers from the new city, inside the Una River Basin.
The park manager, as well as local communities, require the urgent involvement of higher levels of government and international institutions to prevent the implementation of this project, which, would emphasize, had long-term consequences for the environment and the economic sustainability of the region, writes E gate.
In accordance with the Law on the Protection of the Nature of Republika Srpska, the Ministry has launched a public insight that lasts 15 days from the day of its publication.
