Exploring the Tišina Marsh: A Vital Ecosystem 

The Tišina Marsh, nestled along the Sava River between the municipalities of Šamac and Domaljevac-Šamac, is a protected habitat undergoing significant restoration under the SPA project. Declared a protected nature area in 2019 and spanning nearly 200 hectares, Tišina is a crucial hydrological stabilizer and flood protector, home to a rich diversity of plant and animal species.

Tišina’s unique geological and hydrological features support 236 plant species, 130 bird species, 21 fish species, eight amphibian species, and four reptile species. Several species are endangered at the European level and protected by international conventions. The area is proposed as a Natura 2000 site due to the presence of six endangered habitat types. Through its restoration activities, the SPA Project strives to provide hydrological solutions as a means of supporting habitat conservation and physical/chemical features favourable to the establishment of target populations of endangered species. The restoration plan will include hydrotechnical measures (including nature-based solutions) to achieve better control over local hydrological features, with significant local community involvement and due consideration of biodiversity stability and preservation. Set for completion by the end of 2024, this initiative is the first of its kind in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The restoration of Tišina marsh is not just about preserving a vital ecosystem, it’s about creating a sustainable future for the local community and the country as a whole.

“The Tišina marsh restoration is a prime example of how nature-based solutions can mitigate environmental risks while preserving biodiversity. It’s a model that can be replicated across the region,” notes Vedrana Mihaljčić, Head of the Department for Spatial Planning and Housing and Communal Affairs of Šamac municipality.