Today, the EUFOR aviation unit, in cooperation with the Mountain Rescue Service of Jablanica, will use its advanced air transport capabilities to support the realization of the Arx Alpina operation, during which a new mountain bivouac will be transported and set up on the Prenj mountain.
As part of the operation, the EUFOR CH-47 Chinook helicopter will carry out the air transport of a specially constructed mountain shelter to a new location, where it will represent an important refuge for mountaineers, walkers and members of the emergency services operating on Prenj.
The bivouac was built and generously donated by the Brkanović family in memory of their daughter and sister Maida Brkanović, who tragically died on August 29, 2020. This shelter, which will be managed by the Jablanica Mountaineering Society, will represent a permanent memorial and at the same time be a useful facility for visitors to this mountain for many years to come.
The operation highlighted the positive impact that can be achieved through cooperation between local communities, the Mountain Rescue Service, civil society and EUFOR. Combining EUFOR’s specialist capabilities with a commitment to support local initiatives, Operation Arx Alpina shows how developing strong partnerships between EUFOR and local organizations can result in concrete and lasting benefits for communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
EUFOR Commander Major General Maurizio Fronda welcomed the opportunity to support the project.
“Operation Arx Alpina shows how EUFOR’s capacities can help the inhabitants of Bosnia and Herzegovina through something that is not part of our daily activities. We are proud to support the project that honors the memory of Maida Brkanović, but also provides a lasting benefit to the mountaineering community and everyone who enjoys Mount Prenj,” said Fronda.
Operation Arx Alpina shows how EUFOR’s unique operational capabilities can be used to support projects that bring lasting benefit to local communities, which is a confirmation of our continued commitment to cooperation with the authorities and communities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In addition to its primary mandate of providing support to the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in maintaining a safe and stable environment, EUFOR remains committed to providing support to initiatives that strengthen resilience, improve cooperation and realize visible benefits for citizens throughout the country, EUFOR announced.
