On Saturday, 9th April 2016, a coalition of 40 non-governmental organizations, led by WWF, “Moja Mura” organized an international regatta on the Mura at Petanjci in Slovenia. More than 40 rowers from Slovenia, Austria and Croatia came together to mark the beginning of the campaign “Save the Mura – Stop dams”.  At the event, they urged the Slovenian government to prevent the destruction of this Slovenian and European natural treasure and stop plans to build a chain of eight hydropower dams along the Mura.

The Mura is a biodiversity hotspot with more than 4,000 animal and plant species, including endangered species such as the white-tailed eagle, black stork and kingfisher. The Slovenian Mura has the highest fish diversity in Slovenia and is home of the highly endangered Danube salmon. Above all, the Mura hosts the largest Slovenian floodplain forests, which are priority conservation habitats on European level.

"The Mura is the only river in Slovenia, which is not interrupted by dams and the only one where fish can migrate freely 380 kilometres to the Drava and into the Danube. Any dam along this unique, free flowing stretch would make it impossible for fish species to migrate, even though this is vital for their long-term survival. Also, a free flowing Mura is key for the people who live near the Mura," said Stojan Habjanič from the alliance “Moja Mura”.

This is the second time that the Mura at risk of being destroyed by hydropower dams – however, during the 80s, the local population successfully prevented the destruction of the river. Now, 30 years later, history repeats itself: The Slovenian company “Dravske elektrane” (DEM) plans to build a chain of eight hydropower dams, which will turn the river into series of lifeless lakes.

"The planned dams would have an irreversible impact on this unique riverine ecosystem and will threaten the survival of many fish and other species. The plans are moreover not only in contradiction with the commitment and Slovenia’s effort to protect this area, but also violate European environmental and nature protection legislation, "said Andreja Slameršek, coordinator of the campaign “Save the Mura” at WWF. She adds, "The Mura is a Slovenian natural treasure, comparable with the world famous Postojna Cave. Nobody would seriously consider sacrificing it for short term economic interests."

The first dam is planned to be build near the village of Hrastje Mota, which would create an 8 km long reservoir, stretching all the way to the Austrian border. In 2012, the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning started a Strategic Impact Assessment procedure and the environmental report for public consultation is expected this year.

The Mura is protected as a Natura 2000 site and is moreover a central part of the planned Transboundary UNESCO Biosphere Reserve “Mura-Drava-Danube”. “The approval of Hrastje Mota would be a “door opener” for the construction of the further planned 7 dams along the Mura. Moreover, it would also be the first large hydropower dam within a Natura 2000 area, which would certainly increase the pressure on other riverine Natura 2000 sites in Europe, "said Arno Mohl from WWF.

Also part of the group fighting for free-flowing Mura is former Olympian kayaker Rok Rozman, which will embark on the Balkan Rivers Tour (BRT) starting on Saturday the 16th, kayaking 18 rivers in the Balkan region under the slogan “Save the Balkan Rivers - Stop the Dam Tsunami!”.  "If you know and appreciate the river with all your heart, then you’re willing to fight for it – that’s why I support the Mura campaign”, said Rozman.

"My wife and I have a company that organizes descents on the Mura. In 2011, when I, together with a friend, first kayaked the Mura from the source to the mouth, I experienced all the horrors of hydropower plants first-hand. With the planned 8 dams, not “only” nature will be destroyed, but we will also no longer be able to carry out many leisure and professional activities and live the way we do now along the Mura. Therefore, we wholeheartedly support the campaign, said Denis Cizar from MURAMAR.

"With the regatta, all participants and NGOs sent the clear message that the Mura is unique and that it must be preserved for future generations. The negative consequences for nature and people through the construction of hydropower plants are in big contrast with the clearly expressed interests of the region and people, who wish for sustainable tourism development and a high quality of life. We therefore urge the Government to take immediate measures to stop this project and halt the irreversible destruction of this Slovenian and European natural treasure,” added Stojan Habjanič.

To find out more about the planned hydropower dams along the Slovenian Mura, please download the factsheet