Balkan River Defence – Protecting Europe’s Last Wild Rivers.
The Balkan River Defence (BRD) is a grassroots conservation movement dedicated to the protection of the last free-flowing rivers in the Balkans. Founded by activists, anglers, scientists, and outdoor enthusiasts, the initiative focuses on preventing the large-scale development of hydropower dams that threaten some of Europe’s most intact freshwater ecosystems.
Operating across countries such as Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia, Balkan River Defence works to safeguard rivers that still support native trout, grayling, and other freshwater species in near-natural conditions.
Rather than restoring already degraded systems, BRD focuses on preventing destruction before it happens—making it one of the most important river protection initiatives in Europe today.
Origins of the Movement.
Balkan River Defence was founded in 2016 by Slovenian kayaker and biologist Rok Rozman, together with a network of like-minded conservationists.
The movement emerged in response to plans for thousands of hydropower dams across the Balkan Peninsula, many of them in remote and ecologically valuable headwaters. These rivers represent some of the last refuges for:
Native trout lineages
Adriatic and Danubian grayling populations
Intact aquatic insect communities
Free-flowing river dynamics rarely found elsewhere in Europe
From the beginning, BRD combined science, storytelling, and direct action, using film, media campaigns, and expeditions to bring international attention to these threatened rivers.
What the Wild Trout Trust Does.
Habitat Restoration.
At the heart of the WTT’s work is hands-on river restoration. Projects focus on restoring natural river processes rather than artificial engineering. Typical actions include:
- Re-introducing natural flow diversity
- Improving in-stream habitat complexity
- Restoring spawning and nursery areas
- Managing riparian vegetation and shading
- Reducing fine sediment inputs
These interventions benefit not only trout, but entire freshwater ecosystems.
Advisory & River Assessments.
The Trust provides independent advisory visits to rivers and streams across the UK. These assessments result in practical, site-specific recommendations that can be implemented by angling clubs, landowners, or conservation groups. This advisory service has become one of the most effective tools for improving trout waters at a local scale.
Education & Training.
Education is a core pillar of the Wild Trout Trust’s mission. The Trust offers:
- Training courses for anglers and river managers
- Workshops on habitat restoration techniques
- Volunteer workdays and practical demonstrations
By sharing knowledge, the WTT ensures that restoration continues long after individual projects end.
Advocacy for Wild Fish.
The Trust actively promotes policies that prioritise wild fish over stocking, encouraging river management strategies that support natural reproduction and genetic integrity.
Project Focus Areas.
The Wild Trout Trust works across a wide range of freshwater environments, including:
- Chalk streams
- Upland spate rivers
- Lowland rivers and streams
- Small headwaters and tributaries
Many of these waters still support wild trout, but often in reduced numbers due to historic modification. The Trust’s goal is to unlock the natural potential of these rivers, allowing trout populations to recover naturally.
Why This Project Matters.
The Wild Trout Trust demonstrates that:
- Healthy habitat is the foundation of healthy fish populations
- Stocking is not a long-term solution for wild trout conservation
- Local action, guided by science, can deliver measurable results
Its work has helped shift river management thinking in the UK and beyond, influencing how trout waters are restored across Europe.
Our Goal.
At the European Native Trout Challenge, we strongly support the philosophy and approach of the Wild Trout Trust.
By highlighting the WTT’s work, we aim to:
- Promote habitat-based trout conservation
- Encourage river managers to prioritise wild populations
- Share proven restoration concepts beyond the UK
- Support organisations that protect trout through ecosystem recovery, not artificial replacement
The Wild Trout Trust sets a benchmark for how wild trout conservation should be approached—and its methods are highly relevant far beyond British rivers.