Rivers have always been a part of Podgorica's identity. Generations of Podgorica residents have found refreshment, rest and recreation on their banks.
Podgorica is located on several rivers. The ones we see most in the center are the Morača and the Ribnica. And there are also the Cijevna, the Zeta, which brings water to the Morača, and the Sitnica.
However, the quality and quantity of water in rivers is not what it used to be, warns Vulović - adding that in addition to the human factor, it is also affected by climate change.
"Compared to the period from the 1960s to the 1990s, there is a noticeable trend of decreasing water quantity in all medium and small watercourses. So that can be seen here as well. We have these extreme situations when there are large amounts of precipitation, sudden, and when there is a sudden increase in water quantity, but some kind of average indicates that the amount of water in our watercourses is decreasing," said Ljubica Vulović from the Water Quality Department of the ZHMCG.
During the summer, he adds, the water level is even lower – the slower flow changes the very character of the rivers. However, the banks of the Morača and Cijevna remain among the most popular places for vacation and recreation.
"But it's important that it's used in accordance with nature. That we try to disrupt as little as possible what naturally exists there. This results in disturbing the animals that are there, the birds, fish and similar things," she points out.
Rivers must be protected so that everyone can benefit from them, warns Vulović.
"So we have to make sure that we don't leave trash behind after spending time on rivers, things like that. That we behave in accordance with what we find, and that we leave it behind," Vulović concluded.
International River Day reminds us that rivers are much more than just places to swim and relax – they are an important part of nature and home to numerous plant and animal species. As we treat nature, so it will treat us, says the Water Department.
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