Rakitnica (Neretva)

Rakitnica Ракитница
Upstream view on the Rakitnica river, squeezed in a deep narrow canyon between Bjelašnica (on the left) and Visočica (on the right).
Location
Country	Bosnia and Herzegovina
Physical characteristics
Source	Zucina Vrela
• location	Above Rakitnica village under the northwestern ridge of Treskavica mountain.
• coordinates	43°38′04″N 18°19′03″E / 43.634420°N 18.317633°E / 43.634420; 18.317633
• elevation	1,270 m (4,170 ft)
2nd source	Confluence of Crna Rijeka & Glibovac
• location	2 kilometers downstream of Zucina Vrela
• coordinates	43°38′35″N 18°17′59″E / 43.6430165°N 18.2998538°E / 43.6430165; 18.2998538
• elevation	1,200 m (3,900 ft)
Mouth
• location	The Neretva river between Glavatičevo and Konjic
• coordinates	43°33′16″N 18°04′12″E / 43.5544°N 18.0700°E / 43.5544; 18.0700
• elevation	323 m (1,060 ft)
Length	33 km (21 mi)
Basin features
Progression	Neretva→ Adriatic Sea
Landmarks	Lukomir, Stećak's UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tributaries
• left	Glibovac, Pijevac, Velaškovac, Tušilska Rijeka, Međeđa, Grušćanska Rijeka
• right	Veliki Do, Lađevac, Kolijevka, Potoci, Zapolje, Šklope, Studenac
Waterbodies	Blatačko Lake
Waterfalls	Peruće

Rakitnica (Serbian Cyrillic: Ракитница) is the main tributary of the first section of the Neretva river, also called Upper Neretva (Bosnian: Gornja Neretva). It meets Neretva from the right, flowing from north to south, between Bjelašnica and Visočica mountains.^[1]

The Rakitnica river begins as Crna Rijeka (English = Black River) from "Zucina Vrela" (English = "Zuco's Wellsprings") that emerges in the areal above Rakitnica village under the northwestern ridge of Treskavica mountain, and after a short run, cca. 2 kilometers, and confluence with Glibovac creek it becomes Rakitnica. The Rakitnica river forms a 26 km long canyon, on its 33 km long stretch, carved between Bjelašnica and Visočica, southeast from Sarajevo.^[2]

There is a hiking trail along the ridge of the Rakitnica canyon, all the way to the famous village of Lukomir. The village, inhabited by Bosniaks, is the only remaining semi-nomadic traditional mountain village in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At almost 1,500m, Lukomir, with its unique stone homes with cherry-wood roof tiles, is also the highest and most isolated. Indeed, access to the village is impossible from the first snows in November until late April and sometimes even later, except by skis or on foot. A newly constructed lodge is now complete to receive guests and hikers.^[3]

Bosnia and Herzegovina on several occasions, since 1998, was preparing to establish a large national park which, according to developed but never operationalized plans, would comprise the entire region of Gornja Neretva (English: Upper Neretva), including the Rakitnica river.^[4][5] However parts of the river course and canyon features are designated Nature Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Glavatičevo
• ZELENI-NERETVA Konjic NGO For Preservation Of The Neretva River And Environment Protection
• Declaration For The Protection Of The Neretva River for download - Declaration Initiator, ZELENI-NERETVA Konjic NGO For Preservation Of The Neretva River And Environment Protection
• WWF Panda - Living Neretva
• Regional Programme for Cultural and Natural Heritage in South East Europe Council of Europe - Directorate of Culture, Cultural and Natural Heritage
• Balkan Trout Restoration Group Site
• Center of expertise on hydropower impacts on fish and fish habitat, Canada
• REC Transboundary Cooperation Through the Management of Shared Natural Resources
• Bosnia and Herzegovina Commission for Preservation of National Monuments
• International Rivers
• Interactive site that demonstrates dams' effects on rivers
• Municipal Website of Konjic (in Bosnian)
• Website of Konjic (in Bosnian and English)
• Konjicani
• Neretva.org Open Project
• Rafting Neretva
• Ambasada Neretva Rafting

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