For Sava with no hydropower plants

At the beginning of October, concession contracts were signed with municipalities in the Zasavje Region of Slovenia regarding the construction of three hydroelectric power plants on the middle segment of the Sava River. Simultaneously, a National Strategy for the Phase out of Coal and the Just Transition and Restructuring of Coal Regions with regional plan for Zasavje is being developed. Only one scenario within this plan is based on the green development of the region without HPPs. Both processes took place quickly and without proper consultation of all stakeholders. In the proposed project, we will analyze both the concession contract and coal exit strategy. We will support a development scenario which respects natural and cultural heritage. The Za Savo group (six Slovenian NGOs) will prepare two responses and present them to the media and the public in November and December through an online press conference and a media release. The documents and our views will be published on the group's online platforms, with an invitation to the public and other NGOs to support our cause. Public support will strengthen our advocacy role and place pressure on decision-makers, which will further contribute to more transparent and inclusive decision-making processes regarding the development of the Zasavje Region. We will support a development scenario which is not based on additional HPPs on the Sava River. The project will be implemented by two members of the Za Savo group of NGOs, namely the applicant Eko krog (based in the region) and partner NGO Leeway Collective. Eko krog will provide coordination of the groups’ activities and legal support. Leeway Collective will manage project communications (including the setting up the web site and social media.