Hutovo Blato is a very special place in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Transformed from a hunting ground into a bird sanctuary of international importance (IBA), the reserve along the river Neretva is one of the few Mediterranean swamps in Europe.
Almost 40% of all flowing water in Bosnia and Herzegovina gathers in the carstic underground and has a crucial socio-economic role for the communities of the area, but also far away and across the border with Croatia. Hundreds of thousands of birds from almost 300 species, breed or rest in Deransko Lake, in lagoons and marshland of Hutovo Blato. At the same time the river Neretva itself is home to several endemic freshwater fish species like Softmouth and Marbled trout. The WWF, Euronatur and other NGOs are trying hard to preserve biodiversity in this area, which is regarded a key tool for the economic development and well-being of the three neighbouring countries.
Not too far away from Mostar, one of Bosnia’s major cities, this place is a must-see for all nature and animal lovers.