The project aims to fulfil all necessary environmental, social, technical, and legal requirements to proceed with the removal of the barrier from the Glisnička River, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, community support, technical feasibility, and legal authorisation.
The Glisnička River is a right tributary of the Ćehotina River. It flows through the territory of Pljevlja Municipality in the northern part of Montenegro and forms part of the Danube River basin. The river is characterised by well-preserved natural conditions and a good ecological status. It is of particular importance to the entire Ćehotina River basin, serving as a natural spawning ground for the brown trout and Black Sea trout (Salmo labrax).
Additionally, the terrestrial habitats along the river support native flora and fauna species that are not threatened by urbanisation or environmental degradation. The area around the Glisnička River is sparsely populated, which further enhances its ecological value. There are no pollutants or industrial activities in the vicinity to jeopardise the river, ensuring its clean and natural state.
| Project status | Completed |
|---|---|
| Project type | Dam removal: pre-demolition |
| Country | Montenegro |
| River | Glisnička |
| Focal species | Salmo Labrax |
| Organisation | NGO Eco team |
| Website | NGO Eco team |
The Glisnička River is fragmented by a single barrier, which prevents trout from accessing their spawning grounds, essential for reproduction. Without access to these areas, the fish population is at risk of significant decline, alongside a reduction in genetic diversity caused by limited genetic mixing between different trout populations. This diversity is crucial for the species’ resilience to diseases and environmental changes.
Removing the barrier will support the ecological balance and health of the river system. Barriers can trap sediment and pollutants, leading to degraded water quality, but their removal will enhance water flow and improve overall water quality.
The main outcome of the project is to establish the ecological, social, technical, and legal prerequisites for removing the barrier from the Glisnička River.
The project prepared all the necessary foundations for the future removal of an illegal barrier on the Glisnička River, a high-quality salmonid stream and an important spawning habitat for Salmo labrax. Through the project, Eco-team completed a full Feasibility Study, including technical analysis, legal and ownership verification, and a comprehensive Baseline Biodiversity Study confirming the presence of conservation-relevant species and a priority Natura 2000 habitat.
A structured stakeholder engagement process was carried out with municipal authorities, inspection services, local communities, and the fishing club SRK “Lipljen”. This resulted in improved institutional understanding of legal responsibilities, broader local support for river restoration, and clear guidance on the permitting pathway. In October 2025, Eco-team and SRK “Lipljen” jointly submitted a formal initiative for inspection oversight, officially launching the administrative procedure required for barrier removal.
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