Balkan River Defence (BRD) is a river conservation movement based in Slovenia, dedicated to protecting the last wild rivers of Europe from the threat of over 2,700 planned hydropower dams. Founded by Slovenian kayaker and biologist Rok Rozman in 2016, BRD combines adventure sports, science, activism, and art to address the root causes of river destruction in the Balkans. The initiative organizes annual events, such as the Balkan Rivers Tour, which bring together kayakers, conservationists, and local communities to raise awareness and directly oppose unsanctioned and often illegal dam constructions. Through media exposure, direct actions, and collaboration with local stakeholders, BRD aims to foster a culture of river conservation and sustainable development in the region.

Key learning objectives:

• Raising Awareness: Educating the public about the ecological and cultural significance of free-flowing rivers and the detrimental impacts of hydropower projects.
• Promoting Sustainable Alternatives: Encouraging the exploration and adoption of energy solutions that do not compromise river ecosystems.
• Empowering Local Communities: Providing tools and platforms for communities to engage in river conservation efforts and advocate for their environmental rights.

These objectives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), and life below water (SDG 14).

Importance of water sport:

Water sports, especially kayaking, are integral to BRD’s mission as they:

• Enhance Engagement: Using adventure sports to connect participants directly with river environments, fostering a personal commitment to conservation.
• Raise Visibility: Organizing paddling events that draw media attention, highlighting the beauty of free-flowing rivers and the threats they face.
• Build Community: Creating a network of outdoor enthusiasts who serve as advocates for river protection.

By integrating water sports into their initiatives, BRD effectively combines recreation with environmental activism, making conservation efforts more dynamic and engaging.

Target Groups/Clients:

Balkan River Defence engages a diverse audience, including:

• Adventure sports enthusiasts (kayakers, rafters, anglers).
• Environmental activists and NGOs.
• Local communities residing near threatened rivers.
• Policy makers and governmental bodies.
• General public is interested in environmental conservation.

Good practices:

Key practices demonstrated by BRD include:

• Interdisciplinary Approach: Combining sports, science, art, and activism to address environmental issues from multiple angles.
• Grassroots Mobilization: Empowering local communities to take an active role in conservation efforts.
• Collaborative Networks: Building alliances with NGOs, scientists, and policymakers to strengthen advocacy and impact.
• Creative Awareness Campaigns: Utilizing art and media to communicate complex environmental issues compellingly.

These practices can be adopted by other organizations aiming to protect natural resources, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining community engagement with interdisciplinary strategies.

Organization: Leeway Collective

Website: https://balkanriverdefence.org/