Press release – Roundtable on Plastic Pollution in Rivers

Date: 23.10.2025.
Location: Doboj, Hotel Park

On October 23, a roundtable on “Socio-environmental impacts of plastic pollution on rivers and communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina” was held, bringing together 25 participants from public institutions, local municipalities, NGOs, academia, and community groups.

The discussion focused on the challenges posed by plastic pollution in rivers, including low public awareness, weak institutional coordination, and limited waste management infrastructure. Participants shared local experiences, such as clean-up efforts in Bihać (Una National Park) and the installation of waste barriers in Bočac, and emphasized the need for preventive actions, education, and community engagement.

Key outcomes included:

  • Identifying practical solutions like environmental education, improved recycling systems, and stronger inter-institutional cooperation.
  • Highlighting the importance of long-term preventive measures rather than focusing only on clean-ups.
  • Exploring opportunities for regional and international collaboration to reduce plastic pollution in shared rivers.

Stakeholders agreed that ongoing dialogue, regular co-creation roundtables, and coordinated follow-up actions are crucial for effective cooperation and the sustainable management of rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For more information, contact:
e.bico@reic.org.ba