On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the first Forum on Blooming and Eutrophication of Lake Modrac Reservoir was held at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Tuzla (PMF UNTZ), organized by the Resource Environmental Center (REC) and PMF UNTZ. The forum was organized within the project “Improving Water Quality through Research and Management Measures for Microorganism Blooming in the Jablanica and Modrac Lake Reservoirs in the Federation of BiH”, funded by the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, with the aim of bringing together key stakeholders and exchanging knowledge on this important environmental challenge.
The forum gathered representatives from the academic community, relevant institutions, public enterprises, and the NGO sector, who analyzed the state of Lake Modrac Reservoir and the challenges related to eutrophication and microorganism blooming through a series of expert presentations and discussions.
The event was opened with introductory remarks by Dr. Sc. Isat Skenderović, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Tuzla, Mr. Sc. Lejla Šuman, Director of REC, and Dr. Nasiha Pozder, Minister of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, who addressed participants via video link. She emphasized that, as the initiator of the activities, the Ministry is committed to providing continuous support to such initiatives and expressed readiness for active cooperation with all relevant stakeholders to more effectively address key environmental challenges and promote sustainable development in the Federation of BiH.
During the expert segment of the forum, research results on monitoring the state of Lake Modrac Reservoir were presented, including identified eutrophication issues, inflow conditions, and existing gaps in management practices. Special attention was given to the activities of public institutions in water resource management, as well as the impact of water quality on agriculture and local development.
Results of research on the level of ecological awareness and engagement of local stakeholders were also presented, further highlighting the need to strengthen collaboration between institutions, experts, and the community.
The forum concluded with a participant discussion and the formulation of recommendations for improving the condition of Lake Modrac Reservoir, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring, institutional cooperation, and the implementation of concrete water protection measures.
Sarajevo, April 1, 2026.
