Protected natural areas in Sarajevo Canton confirmed their status as some of the most attractive excursion and tourist destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina during 2025. In the past year, the Nature Monument Vrelo Bosne recorded a total of 332,007 visitors, including 225,196 foreign visitors, highlighting the significant role of this destination on the tourism map of Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The protected landscape of Bijambare welcomed 70,688 visitors throughout 2025, including 12,620 foreigners, while the Srednja Bijambarska Pećina (Middle Bijambare Cave) was explored by 27,030 visitors. Known for its natural phenomena, caves, and rich biodiversity, this site continues to attract nature enthusiasts, families, and tourists seeking an engaging outdoor experience.
According to the Cantonal Public Institution for Protected Natural Areas, the past year was highly successful and provides strong motivation for the continued development and enhancement of protected areas.
The Institution will continue its activities in 2026, focusing on improving conditions for visitors, with special attention to conserving natural values, enhancing infrastructure, and creating an even more enjoyable environment for spending time in nature.
Asad Jelešković, Director of the Cantonal Public Institution for Protected Areas, noted in an interview with FENA that for Skakavac and Trebević there are no visitor data available, since entrance is charged and monitored only at Vrelo Bosne and Bijambare.
“For the remaining three areas – Bentbaša, Skakavac, and Trebević – we do not have precise visitor numbers. However, we know that visitation is high in these areas, especially at Trebević, though unfortunately, we lack exact data,” said Jelešković.
When asked whether the increased number of visitors poses a challenge for biodiversity protection and how it is managed without endangering the natural environment, Jelešković explained that balancing high visitation with biodiversity conservation is one of the Institution’s key challenges.
“The most popular parts of the protected areas are often the most visited, putting pressure on these spaces. To address this, we are working to improve all areas to manage visitor flow and expand reception capacity, while simultaneously preserving the most valuable parts. Stojčevac is a prime example of this approach,” Jelešković added.
Regarding plans for additional facilities to extend visitor stays, he stated that visitor infrastructure is carefully planned to integrate with the landscape without compromising its natural value. All such developments are included in planning documents and are not implemented ad hoc to avoid disrupting natural processes.
“The greatest attractions are the natural values themselves, which we aim to showcase for our visitors. A speleological exhibition is currently being established at the Bijambare Cavesto present the underground world and its secrets and to develop a new concept of speleotourism, while respecting all restrictions and protecting these valuable ecosystems,” Jelešković explained.
Monitoring habitats and species provides the best indicators of ecosystem health, and most activities are dedicated to this purpose.
“Our team diligently implements all recommendations for proper management of species and habitats to protect flora and fauna. Last year, the watercourse at Vrelo Bosne was enriched with brown trout. Invasive species are also being removed to control both flora and fauna,” Jelešković said.
He added that the lady’s slipper orchid has been reintroduced at Skakavac, one of the most endangered wild orchids listed by the IUCN.
“The presence of beavers at Vrelo Bosne is an indicator of effective management. Nature protection is our top priority, which is why the Srednja Bijambarska Cave is closed to visitors from November to April to allow bats to hibernate and support the development of the next generation,” Jelešković emphasized.
Planned projects include the development of the Drveni Grad(Wooden City) area in Bijambare, featuring interactive and educational activities for children, designed to teach them about nature protection and local wildlife through play.
Once the speleological exhibition is completed, work will begin on the access trail to Donja Bijambarska Pećina (Lower Bijambare Cave), improving accessibility and interpretation of natural heritage and cave ecosystems.
Plans also include the construction of a hanging pedestrian walkway at Bijambare, enhancing the tourist offer and providing a unique nature experience while respecting conservation principles.
Furthermore, in compliance with obtaining all necessary approvals from relevant authorities, the Kosmatica site in the Trebević Protected Landscape will be developed, as the Institution, as the management authority, must secure all legally required permits in advance.
Activities are also ongoing to enhance and equip children’s playgrounds at the Vrelo Bosne Nature Monument.
“Digitalization of services represents one of our future goals. Through the establishment of the speleological exhibition and the development of a new speleotourism concept, we aim to improve the quality and accessibility of our services,” Jelešković highlighted.
Regarding the digitalization of ticketing and online ticket sales, the Institution faces certain limitations due to its status as a public entity operating through a treasury system.
“Nevertheless, this year we will continue, to the extent possible, to implement these processes and strengthen human resources so that we can adequately respond to these challenges. Embark on an adventure and visit the most beautiful areas of Sarajevo Canton,” concluded Asad Jelešković, Director of the Cantonal Public Institution for Protected Areas.
