Drina under garbage: Political negligence fuels Visegrad’s ecological disaster

According to Furtula, the current situation confirms that institutions have failed to implement a permanent solution. While 2022 remains the record year for waste accumulation, the consistent return of debris proves that previous interventions were merely cosmetic. The lack of systemic action means that the environmental, health, and reputational risks to the region continue to grow unchecked.

A significant missed opportunity occurred two years ago during the international Aquatic Plastic project. This initiative utilized satellite tracking, waste sorting, and the procurement of specialized collection vessels for the Lim River. However, the Eco Center was excluded from this vital project because they could not secure a mere 20 percent co-financing. Furtula noted that despite appeals to competent institutions in Republika Srpska, no government body was willing to support a project of such high public interest.

The crisis is further exacerbated by its cross-border nature. The waste entering Drina Lake originates from Serbia via the Lim River and from Montenegro via the Drina. Despite the international scale of the pollution, regional cooperation remains non-existent.

Furtula maintains that this is no longer just an environmental issue but a political failure. Until regional authorities stop shifting blame and commit to coordinated action, the Drina will remain a collection point for thousands of cubic meters of trash every year. The cost of inaction continues to rise, yet the political responsibility required to protect the environment and public health remains absent.