Protecting the Sava River Confluence – A Natural Heritage Site of National Importance
The confluence of the Sava Bohinjka and Sava Dolinka rivers, located in the Municipality of Radovljica, is a place of outstanding natural, cultural and historical significance. It marks the birthplace of the Sava River, Slovenia’s longest river, and is recognised as a natural heritage site of national importance. However, this unique landscape is currently threatened by plans to construct a large-scale tourist complex.
Together with the local citizens’ initiative Save the Confluence, Guardians of the Rivers has organised a series of activities to protect the birthplace of the Sava River, including public events, an online awareness campaign and meetings with representatives of the relevant public authorities. The campaign has also attracted significant media attention
September 2025
First Walk for the Sava Confluence
Together with representatives of environmental initiatives and associations from across Slovenia, conservation experts, local residents and journalists, we organised a public walk accompanied by a travelling exhibition to the Sava Confluence.
The event revealed that the confluence is currently inaccessible to the public. Participants also experienced threats from the landowner and inappropriate conduct by the Radovljica police.
River defenders from the Slovenian Coast, Zasavje, Ilirska Bistrica, Ljubljana, Kranj, the Soča Valley, Radomlje, Nova Gorica, Škofja Loka, Bled and many other parts of Slovenia took part in the action.
November 2025
Round Table: "Save the Sava Confluence from Overdevelopment" – Radovljica Public Library
The public discussion evolved into a genuine citizens’ assembly, bringing together representatives of the municipality and national institutions, local residents, conservation experts, anglers and members of river protection initiatives from across Slovenia.
All speakers agreed that the Sava Confluence should receive permanent protection. Radovljica Mayor Ciril Globočnik also announced the municipality’s commitment to actively participate in safeguarding the site.
November 2025
Public Letter of Support in Slovenia and Abroad
We prepared an open letter calling for the permanent protection of the Sava Confluence, outlining the key threats to the area and presenting our demands. The letter was translated into several languages and received broad support.
It was signed by approximately 700 individuals, 60 organisations and citizens’ initiatives from Slovenia, and 40 organisations from abroad.
from January 2026
Online Campaign: "Become the Voice of the Sava Confluence!"
Through our social media campaign, we are bringing together the voices of conservationists, artists, public figures and many other supporters to call on the Slovenian authorities to grant the Sava Confluence permanent protection.
The campaign has already been joined by dozens of supporters from different fields.
April 2026
Expert Conference at the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia
In cooperation with the Commission of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia for Local Self-Government and Regional Development, we organised an expert consultation on the protection of the Sava Confluence entitled “The Importance of Preserving Natural Heritage Values for a Sustainable Future.”
Representatives of civil society, scientific and professional organisations, and public institutions highlighted from different perspectives that the birthplace of Slovenia’s longest river must be urgently protected, restored, and kept accessible to the public.
National documents related to the Sava Confluence, created as part of our advocacy campaign
Report on the Conclusions of the Consultation “The Sava Confluence: The Importance of Preserving Natural Heritage Values for a Sustainable Future”, adopted by the Commission of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia for Local Self-Government and Regional Development (May 2026).
Government Response to the Resolution of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia regarding the Conclusions of the Consultation “The Sava Confluence: The Importance of Preserving Natural Heritage Values for a Sustainable Future” (May 2026).