Creating the preconditions for improving water quality and habitat and restoring the free flow of the Mali Rzav River.
The Mali Rzav River is the largest of the five tributaries of the Veliki Rzav River, on which a barrier inventory was conducted in 2024. This 39.5 km long river, with a catchment area of 119 km², is managed as a natural fish habitat. Although there are no official data on biodiversity, fishermen report the presence of Salmo trutta, Cottus gobio, Phoxinus phoxinus, Gobio gobio, Alburnus alburnus, Barbus meridionalis, and Austropotamobius torrentium.
During fieldwork within a previous programme-supported project, it was found that none of the 13 fish farming facilities on the Mali Rzav have any type of permit, nor do they have adequate sedimentation tanks for discharging used water into the watercourse.
| Project status | Live |
|---|---|
| Project type | Dam removal: pre-demolition |
| Country | Serbia |
| River | Mali Rzav |
| Focal species | Salmo trutta, Cottus gobio, Phoxinus phoxinus, Gobio gobio, Alburnus alburnus, Barbus meridionalis, Austropotamobius torrentium |
| Organisation | Ecological Association Rzav |
| Website | Restoration of the flow on the Mali Rzav River |
Although the Mali Rzav is considered to have a good ecological status due to the favourable conditions of the Veliki Rzav, the specific parameters that determine its ecological categorisation have never been analysed in detail. Phase A2 (pre-demolition) presents an opportunity to address this gap and confirm the critical importance of preserving this tributary. Its ecological health is not only vital for local ecosystems and habitats, but also for public health, as a water intake located just 2 km from the confluence with the Veliki Rzav serves five cities and municipalities.
Through the A1 phase, an initiative was launched to remove barriers in Serbia and raise awareness about habitat and species conservation. It also highlights the importance of maintaining or improving water quality, enabling the free flow of water, sediment movement and fish migration, and preserving natural coastal features. The project also lays the groundwork for revising and improving legal regulations in the field of water management.
By removing outdated barriers and implementing key environmental measures – such as constructing fish passes – the project is creating the necessary conditions to restore natural water flow, sediment transport, and fish migration. These efforts will lead to long-term improvements in the ecological integrity of the watercourse.
The construction of fish passes at six sites and the removal of seven barriers will restore the Mali Rzav River to its natural, free-flowing state. This initiative directly supports sustainable water management, enhances biodiversity, and revitalises aquatic and riparian habitats – delivering measurable ecological and social benefits.
In addition to physical restoration, the project addresses the root causes of river degradation. Close cooperation with local authorities and institutions, alongside active citizen engagement through awareness campaigns and field monitoring, is establishing a foundation for lasting protection against illegal construction and harmful practices.
This initiative also contributes to stronger legal enforcement and aligns with the EU Nature Restoration Law – marking a significant step towards achieving European environmental goals and enhancing the implementation of green policies at the local level.
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