The entire rescue exercise, held today in Jablanica, more precisely at Grabovička Lake, i.e. Prenjski vrata, brought together numerous members of mountain rescue services, specialized rescue services and related rescue teams from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This is the central part of the joint search and rock exercise called “For Every Human Life 2026”, which was organized by the Jablanica Mountain Rescue Service with the aim of demonstrating readiness, coordination and strengthening joint capacities for action in crisis situations, announced the Government of Herzegovina-Neretva County (HNŽ).
The Prime Minister of the Herzegovina-Neretva County, Marija Buhač, the Minister of the Interior of the HNŽ Marijo Marić, and the County Minister of Trade, Tourism and Environmental Protection, Emil Balavac, who is also the President of the GSS Jablanica, as well as representatives of the Civil Protection and Fire Department of the HNŽ and the Municipal Government of Jablanica, monitored the course of this complex exercise in which the conditions of a water search and technically extremely demanding rescue from rocks were simulated, using specialized equipment, boats and radio communication systems.
“Our goal is to send a clear message about the importance of unity, continuous training and equipment of all rescue services in our country. Our motto is ‘For every human life’ and every minute on the ground during this exercise is dedicated to raising the level of safety of our citizens and tourists visiting mountain ranges such as Prenj and Čvrsnica, our rivers and lakes,” said Balavac.
The Government reminds that the HNŽ was the first in BiH to adopt the Law on Mountain Rescue Services last year, while at yesterday’s Government session, a Decision was made on the method of financing the activities of mountain rescue services in the HNŽ, which ensured the necessary budgetary funds for the activities of the GSS in the County.
Also, last month, the HNŽ Ministry of Interior concluded cooperation agreements with the Herzegovina Mountain Rescue Service Mostar (HGSS Mostar) and the Mountain Rescue Service Prenj (GSS Prenj) from Konjic, which further improved the coordination system in the field in situations that require joint action.
“We are proud to point out the fact that we were the first in the country to pass this law, regulating the activities of mountain rescue services, whose work and willingness to selflessly donate their time, resources and their safety to everyone in need, we greatly appreciate. That is why we have made an effort to introduce them into the system, resolve the issue of financing their activities and, through the activities of the Directorate for the Protection and Fire Department of the HNŽ, constantly assist in equipping and training all our emergency services and teams for rapid response in crisis situations,” said Buhač.
In addition to the practical part in the field, today’s exercise in Jablanica also served for inter-station discussions, analysis of previous actions and planning of future joint training at the level of BiH. The organizers emphasize that the preparedness and synergy of all protection and rescue systems represent a key pillar of security for the entire community.
