Biological camp "White Waters 2011"

In the period from 20.08. to 25.08. 2011 on mountain Bjelasnica, eco-biological camp was held.  The operation of this camp was attended by students of the Faculty of Biology of the country and the region, and the goal was to contribute to biological research of this areas that are not seriously investigated since the time of the Austro-Hungarian administration in these areas, and which should be proclaimed as a National Park.

Participants (about 40 participants) were divided into groups: reptiles and amphibians, birds, mushrooms, butterflies, ecology, plants and bio-speleology. Each group had a mentor, and this work was an opportunity to learn directly in the field to research. What is "the first" discovered that the area abounds with many endemic species, in some cases, very numerous, but that is threatened by adverse human activity. The negative impact of people is evident from the waste leaving the tourists, fishing, and the construction of illegal buildings and cottages which look and waste-water disturb the harmony of the area, which according to all applicable laws should be protected, but because of the slowness of procedures in our country, has not been declared a national park, and no administration and rangers who would protect this area.
Participants visited the site at the source of the river Rakitnica, Lokvanjsko lake, entrance to the Canyon of river Rakitnica, the Village Umoljani and  Lukomir (1495 m. alt.), and the mouth of the river Rakitnica.

The camp is organized by "Association of Biology Students" at the Faculty of Natural Science and  Mathematics  of  University of Sarajevo, a camp is supported by the Faculty of Natural Science and  Mathematics, Federal Ministry of Education and Science, and Kakanj Cement - HeidelbergCement Group, Distribution Center Rajlovac, Amateur Mycological Association, Semikem Ltd. StudID,  Ekotim,  PD Željezničar, a literature on the upper part of the river Neretva and books about the plans for the construction of large dams donated Association "Green-Neretva" from Konjic.

We recommend that you look at photos and ask yourself how much should be such beauty in a normal country declared a national park and placed under the protection of the relevant institutions.