Balkan River Defence – Protecting Europe’s Last Wild Rivers.
The Balkan River Defence (BRD) is a grassroots conservation movement dedicated to the protection of the last free-flowing rivers in the Balkans. Founded by activists, anglers, scientists, and outdoor enthusiasts, the initiative focuses on preventing the large-scale development of hydropower dams that threaten some of Europe’s most intact freshwater ecosystems. Operating across countries such as Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia, Balkan River Defence works to safeguard rivers that still support native trout, grayling, and other freshwater species in near-natural conditions. Rather than restoring already degraded systems, BRD focuses on preventing destruction before it happens, making it one of the most important river protection initiatives in Europe today.
Origins of the Movement.
Balkan River Defence was founded in 2016 by Slovenian kayaker and biologist Rok Rozman, together with a network of like-minded conservationists. The movement emerged in response to plans for thousands of hydropower dams across the Balkan Peninsula, many of them in remote and ecologically valuable headwaters. These rivers represent some of the last refuges for:
- Native trout lineages
- Adriatic and Danubian grayling populations
- Intact aquatic insect communities
- Free-flowing river dynamics rarely found elsewhere in Europe
From the beginning, BRD combined science, storytelling, and direct action, using film, media campaigns, and expeditions to bring international attention to these threatened rivers.
What Balkan River Defence Does.
River Protection & Anti-Dam Campaigns.
At the core of BRD’s work is the fight against unsustainable hydropower development.
Key actions include:
- Raising awareness about planned dam projects
- Supporting local communities opposing river destruction
- Highlighting ecological impacts of small hydropower plants
- Advocating for long-term river protection policies
Unlike traditional conservation projects, BRD focuses on keeping rivers wild, rather than restoring them after damage has already occurred.
Expeditions & Documentation.
Balkan River Defence is widely known for its expeditions across remote river systems.
These expeditions:
- Document untouched river landscapes
- Showcase biodiversity and ecological value
- Produce films and visual content that reach international audiences
- Bring global attention to local conservation issues
This storytelling approach has been key in turning regional issues into European-level conservation concerns.
Building a Regional Network.
BRD operates through a growing network of partners, NGOs, and local activists across the Balkans.
This network:
- Connects conservation groups across borders
- Shares knowledge and strategies
- Strengthens local resistance against harmful development projects
- Creates a unified voice for river protection in the region
Public Awareness & Advocacy.
Through campaigns, media, and public engagement, BRD has helped shift the narrative around hydropower in Europe. Their work highlights that:
- Not all “green energy” is environmentally sustainable
- Small hydropower can have disproportionate ecological impacts
- Free-flowing rivers are among the most valuable and endangered ecosystems in Europe
Project Focus Areas.
Balkan River Defence focuses on some of the last intact river systems in Europe, including:
- Remote mountain rivers
- Karst river systems
- Free-flowing tributaries of major Balkan basins
- Headwaters critical for native salmonid populations
These rivers are often still in near-natural condition, making their protection especially urgent.
Why This Project Matters.
Balkan River Defence highlights a critical but often overlooked reality:
- Protection is more effective than restoration
- Once rivers are dammed, ecosystems are extremely difficult to recover
- Many of Europe’s last wild trout habitats are located in the Balkans
- Hydropower development can permanently fragment and degrade these systems
By acting early, BRD helps preserve river systems that still function naturally—something increasingly rare in Europe.
Our Goal.
At the European Native Trout Challenge, we strongly support the work of Balkan River Defence.
By highlighting this initiative, we aim to:
- Raise awareness about the importance of protecting free-flowing rivers
- Promote the conservation of native trout habitats before they are lost
- Support organisations that defend entire ecosystems, not just individual species
- Encourage a broader understanding of river conservation across Europe
Balkan River Defence represents a different but essential approach to conservation—protecting what is still wild before it disappears.