Protect the Sava Confluence

The action represents an urgent advocacy, legal, and communication response to new circumstances that
directly threaten the protection of the confluence of the Sava Bohinjka and the Sava Dolinka, a natural asset of national importance. It concerns the operation of the Lancovo Small Hydropower Plant (hereinafter: MHE Lancovo) on the protected Sava Bohinjka and the planned construction of the Lancovo Tourist-Recreational Centre (TRC Lancovo), both in the confluence area.

The immediate trigger for the action is the response of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning – Water Directorate (hereinafter DRSV) dated 25. 5. 2026, stating that it will not act on the reported irregularities because it declared itself incompetent. This created a new situation requiring an immediate response, as the competent authority did not substantively address the reported violations, while the investor is meanwhile continuing procedures to obtain a building permit and is securing the required consents. If civil society does not act now, there is a risk that the procedures will be concluded while the irregularities will not be addressed in time.

The main purpose of the action is to ensure a timely review of the legality of the operation of the Lancovo small hydropower plant (SHPP) and the planned spatial interventions, to achieve the determination of the ecologically acceptable flow (Qes) as soon as possible, to protect the aquatic ecosystem at the confluence of the Sava rivers, and to ensure effective public participation in environmental decision-making.

Taking action at this stage is crucial. Once the building permit for TRC Lancovo is issued, where the Lancovo SHPP will be a key electricity supplier despite the absence of an officially determined Qes, water use will increase further. At that point, the possibilities for effectively protecting the public interest will be significantly reduced. At the same time, any further delay in determining the Qes will prolong a situation in which this key safeguard for the aquatic ecosystem has not yet been specifically defined.

The action also supports civil society efforts to ensure the long-term protection of the confluence of the Sava rivers and its development as an educational, nature conservation and cultural area. These efforts are led by the informal group Zavetništvo za zaščito sotočja Sav (Stewardship for the Protection of the Confluence of the Sava Rivers), which brings together representatives of a local civil initiative, the Varuhinje rek (Guardians of the Rivers) movement, and relevant experts.

With the formation of new state authorities, decision-makers need to be informed of the issue without delay, called upon to take a position on the findings to date, and engaged through continued advocacy and media activities aimed at protecting the area. Particular efforts should be made to ensure that the competent institutions treat the determination of Qes as a priority due to increasingly frequent periods of extreme drought and the resulting increased pressure on aquatic ecosystems.

Professional and legal foundations will be established to enable more effective action by the competent authorities in addressing irregularities and protecting the confluence of the Sava rivers. 1 legal and expert analysis of the available documentation will be prepared, and 3 complaints or initiatives will be submitted to the competent state authorities. A written request for the determination will be prepared and submitted to the Slovenian Water Agency (DRSV). 1 initiative will also be prepared and formally submitted to the Municipality of Radovljica.

Advocacy will be strengthened and dialogue with national and local decision-makers will be established in relation to the objectives of the action. At least 3 advocacy or working meetings will be held with representatives of the competent national or local institutions, involving at least 3 institutions or decision-makers in the dialogue. 1 public appeal or open letter will be prepared and sent to the relevant addressees. At least 3 concrete responses or commitments will be obtained from the competent institutions.

Public awareness of the objectives, implementation and results of the action, as well as the importance of protecting the confluence of the Sava rivers, will be increased. At least 20 posts on the progress and objectives of the action and 3 short videos will be published on social media. The published content will generate at least 300 recorded interactions, including likes, shares, comments and other reactions. At least 6 articles or other media contributions will be published in local or national media.

The public will be actively involved in efforts to protect the confluence of the Sava rivers. At least 30 supporters of the protection of the confluence will be recorded.