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The Rikavac River Cleanup Action: Volunteers from NGO Kompas Collected Nearly 80 Bags of Waste
Due to the accumulated waste and the danger of it spilling into the river during the rainy period, NGO Kompas organized a cleanup action of the Rikavac riverbed in Bar.
This activity was carried out within the project “I’m Not a Tourist”, which NGO Kompas implements in partnership with Juventas and UNDP, through the program “Together for the Common Good”, as one of the supported ideas for improving cohesion in Bar.
Around fifty volunteers of this non-governmental organization participated in the action, who from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. collected nearly 80 bags of waste. The volunteers pointed out that the Rikavac River often serves as an improvised dumpster: “The Rikavac River is largely buried in waste and overgrown with dense vegetation, which additionally damages the stone-concrete foundation.”
A particular problem is the fact that some individuals use the riverbed for discharging wastewater and sewage. “During the cleaning, we noticed pipes coming from septic tanks. In addition, we found dead animals. Such findings not only endanger nature but also potentially pose a risk to the health of people who come into contact with the water or the river’s surroundings,” the representatives of NGO Kompas stated.
The most shocking part, according to the volunteers, is the fact that the waste is located in front of the houses of those who throw it away, which makes it easier to identify those responsible.
“Our goal is to draw attention to the state of the Ratac Nature Park. What it turns into every year is devastating. Cleaning alone cannot bring a long-term solution. Measures such as banning car entry, installing cameras, and declaring Ratac a cultural and historical heritage site of Montenegro are needed,” said Ivana Đoković from NGO Kompas.
She added that they are planning the first cleanup action in that park soon, and during the year they will continue to maintain cleanliness.
“We already have the support of the Municipal Police and we will work together. This river cleanup action will not be the only one – we want to fundamentally draw attention to the condition of the river. Research shows that as much as 80 percent of waste in seas and oceans comes from land, and Rikavac is a clear example of that. We continue to explore Bar, and almost every week we receive alarming photos from Šušanj, Tuđemili, and Polje,” Đoković emphasized.
The participants of this action emphasized that the key to the solution lies in the engagement of everyone, so that together we can preserve nature for future generations. They believe that only through joint efforts, education, and responsible behavior can we sustainably create a clean and healthy environment.
They call on all citizens to get involved in the preservation of the environment and, instead of unconsciously destroying it, to contribute to its protection.
“Stopping the spread of illegal dumps and changing the attitude towards nature can be achieved only if we all take responsibility and act in the interest of the common good,” they concluded.
The cleaning action of the Rikavac River marked the final phase of the project “I’m Not a Tourist”, and you can view the photos here.
The program “Together for the Common Good” is implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, and UNESCO in cooperation with the Government of Montenegro and financed by the UN Peacebuilding Fund. Support to citizen groups in implementing their ideas is provided by NGO Juventas.
