The Balkans: Striking a Balance Between Preservation and Ecological Transition

As Shota continues his journey through Southern Europe, he discovers the natural and cultural wealth of the Balkans, a region where tradition and modernity intertwine. His stops in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina reveal two perspectives on a shared challenge: preserving extraordinary natural heritage while fostering sustainable development.
From the wild beauty of the Plitvice Lakes to Bosnia’s resilience in transition, Shota explores local initiatives supporting ecology and renewable energy. These experiences inspire him to reflect on how every country, despite its unique challenges, can contribute to sustainable development in the Balkans and beyond.

Chapter 5: The Ecological Odyssey

Croatia – A Wild Nature to Preserve

After his visit to Slovenia, Shota took a bus to Croatia, a country known for its stunning coastlines and national parks. His first stop was Zagreb, a vibrant city that blends tradition with modernity. Shota was struck by the city’s relaxed atmosphere, with its numerous green spaces and outdoor cafés. However, his attention quickly turned to sustainability in Croatia, particularly the impact of tourism on the environment.

He learned that Croatia had made significant strides in developing sustainable tourism, a key aspect of sustainable development in the Balkans, including limiting access to certain natural sites to protect them from massive tourist influxes. The Plitvice Lakes National Park, for example, was one of the country’s gems, attracting millions of visitors each year. To protect its biodiversity, measures had been put in place to restrict the number of visitors per day.

Shota decided to visit the Plitvice Lakes, a true natural wonder with its crystal-clear waterfalls and dense forests. As he walked along the wooden trails winding between the lakes, he realized how crucial nature preservation was for future generations. He thought about his own country, Japan, where natural sites were also threatened by development and urbanization.

Sitting by one of the lakes, he wrote in his notebook:

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“The Plitvice Lakes remind me that nature, as beautiful as it is, is fragile. It’s not enough to admire it; we must also actively protect it. Croatia, by imposing restrictions on tourism, demonstrates that economic growth and environmental preservation can coexist, provided there is proper planning and awareness”.

– Shota Fujino

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Shota also looked into renewable energy initiatives in Croatia. The country had vast resources for wind energy and was seeking to further develop solar power, contributing to its transition to a cleaner energy model. Inspired by these actions, he realized that even a sector like tourism could become a lever to promote sustainability.

Chapter 6: The Ecological Odyssey

Bosnia and Herzegovina – A Country in Transition

After exploring Croatia, Shota boarded a bus to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This country, still marked by the scars of the 1990s war, was in a phase of reconstruction, both economically and socially. This contrast struck Shota as soon as he arrived. On one side, he discovered a city with a rich history and diverse cultural influences; on the other, he observed efforts to renovate infrastructure and improve living conditions

Bosnia and Herzegovina was still heavily dependent on fossil fuels, particularly coal. However, Shota learned that hydroelectric and renewable energy projects were underway, although limited by insufficient investments. He realized that sustainable development in the Balkans faced unique challenges in countries like Bosnia, where recent conflicts and economic difficulties added layers of complexity.

One evening, Shota met young Bosnians at a youth hostel. They told him how mindsets were gradually changing and how younger generations were increasingly mobilizing for environmental causes. They spoke of local initiatives aimed at promoting recycling and protecting natural parks, which were often overlooked treasures in the country.

Shota also visited the Sutjeska National Park, one of the oldest parks in Bosnia, which housed exceptional biodiversity. There, he thought:

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“Even in countries under reconstruction, where priorities might seem far from ecology, nature needs to be preserved. Bosnia shows that every country, regardless of its history, can embrace sustainability, at its own pace. CGS’s role is also to raise awareness among companies about these issues in regions where they are not yet a priority”.

– Shota Fujino

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Follow Shota’s journey across 15 inspiring chapters! Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated and never miss a chapter of Shota’s journey!

• Summary: The Ecological Odyssey: From the Heart of Europe to Asia 
• Chapter 1 & 2 : The Ecological Odyssey: From the Heart of Rotterdam to Berlin
• Chapter 3 & 4 : The Ecological Odyssey: Austria and Slovenia’s Green Secrets
• Chapter 5 & 6 : Sustainable Development in the Balkans: The Ecological Odyssey
• Chapter 7 & 8 : Sustainable Transition Heritage: Pioneering a Bold Green Revolution