Campaign Helps Saves “Human Fish” from Extinction
The Triton survived the Ice Age but is considered an endangered species
today
Most locals call it the “human fish.” But unlike humans, the Triton Salamandar can be found on only a tiny sliver of the earth—Prokosko Lake near Fojnica in BiH. For almost 20 years, Prokosko Lake and nearby Vranica Mountain have been endangered by illegal construction and the introduction of Triton-eating trout into the lake’s waters. Despite many dire warnings from environmentalists, municipal authorities took no action to stop the destruction of this unique area of nature.
In 2003, USAID’s local partner Centers for Civic Initiatives (CCI) launched a campaign with USAID support entitled “Prokosko Lake – Monument of Nature”. CCI’s coalition of NGO partners included Greenway from Sarajevo, Ecologic Society Fojnica, and Ecologic Association “Kremenik” from Vitez. Together, they organized numerous public meetings, round tables, press conferences, interviews, and petitions to raise public awareness of its problem. Last October, the Middle Bosnia Cantonal Assembly adopted a law to declare Vranica Mountain and Prokosko Lake protected zones as well as designate them national monuments.
The law will protect endemic flora and fauna on the mountain from further devastation. In addition, the law will provide the preconditions for future development of tourism and sustainability of the wider region. USAID will continue to support activities that increase citizens’ participation in similar advocacy campaigns and directly include them in decision-making processes. The agency recently signed an agreement with CCI for a three-year program to support local NGOs by strengthening their advocacy, coalition building, and watch-dog capacities and activities.
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| Mountain huts dot the Vranica Mountainside surrounding Prokosko Lake |
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