Eko akcija

TO THE MINISTY FOR ENVIROMENT AND TOURISM OF THE FEDERATION BIH

Minister Nevenko Herceg

PETITION

FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE UNDERGOUND CAVE SYSTEM OF VJETRENICA AND FOR THE SUPPORT TO THE SPELEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF „VJETRENICA- POPOVO POLJE“

We, the undersigned, express our utmost concern with the fact that our colleague and friend Ivo Lučić was forced to take the radical measure of a hunger strike to raise public awareness of the imminent danger threatening Vjetrenica, a natural cultural heritage site under the protection of your Ministry.

Research conducted by the Vjetrenica Association, prominent BiH and international researchers have concluded that Vjetrenica has one of the most abundant underground biodiversity systems in the world. Even if we put aside the legal and institutional shortcomings of the current framework for protection of Vjetrenica, as well as disregard the highly qualified opinions of scientists and experts, the very fact that we have a reservoir of underground life in danger should alone be enough for the immediate protection and re-evaluation of the protection status of Vjetrenica

That is why we are asking you to do everything in your jurisdiction to remove the cause of Ivo Lučić's hunger strike and take responsibility for safeguarding the unique natural heritage of Vjetrenica.

This would send a strong signal to groups within the local community, that such a unique world natural heritage site as Vjetrenica can not and will not be the target of exploitation and personal financial gain.

We hereby offer our assistance to your Ministry in preserving this natural heritage site. We are convinced that care and protection of the environment will not only bring joy to those who signed this petition and all the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also to the next generations living on our planet.