Explore the untouched wonders of Montenegro!

22 – 30 July 2024, Donja Brezna, Montenegro

Price: € 2,500

Embark on an extraordinary adventure to an almost uncharted territory—a 600-meter-deep, 25-kilometer-long canyon nestled in the heart of Montenegro.

On this expedition, you will work with local and international explorers and conservationists. With the biodiversity data that you will gather, local activists will document to what extent the flora and fauna of this canyon are unique and irreplaceable.

Our objective: To mobilize a passionate team of local and international naturalists and community scientists to meticulously document the canyon’s biodiversity. As a team member, you will focus on identifying the endangered endemic species that are at risk of extinction should the hydropower project proceed. In collaboration with the local NGO Spasimo Komarnicu (Save Komarnica), we unite in this critical conservation effort. Join us in this journey to safeguard a natural treasure and make a lasting impact on our planet’s delicate ecosystem.

Background: The Komarnica Canyon is one of the natural beauties of Montenegro. Its northern branch includes that thrill-seekers’ paradise, the famous Nevidio Canyon – so narrow and tight that the river adopts a torrential character. Over millions of years, these clefts carved into an ancient karst landscape have grown an ecosystem of their own, with isolated ravines, underground passages, and caves that are likely to harbour species that have evolved there and nowhere else. Flooding this system for a hydropower lake and dam will irrevocably annihilate a large part of this unique biota. But the Komarnica system is so poorly explored that we really do not know what actually lives there. This expedition is part of an effort to document the Komanica’s flora and fauna before it is too late.

On this unique trip you will:

• Help scientists document the unknown biodiversity of Komarnica river.

• Descend into the steep ravine and use entomological sampling techniques to find species that may occur only there and nowhere else on Earth.

• Work in our mobile DNA laboratory to extract DNA and do PCR tests to unlock new genetic resources.

• Locate and explore new caves in the walls of the ravine and around Donja Brezna.

• Work with our entomologists and learn from the best to mount and identify insects.

• Enjoy evening lectures by the expedition experts on the ecology and biodiversity of the Balkans.

• Work with the local NGO to develop videos and other media to publicize the natural beauty and value of the Canyon.

The Expedition fee:

€ 2,500 per person for a room in a shared bungalow

Included in the price:

• accommodation in Eco Village in Donja Brezna
• domestic travel by bus (from Podgorica to Donja Brezna)
• delicious local meals
• hands-on field research & lab work, including equipment and research materials
• lectures and study materials, including a book

Please keep in mind that international travel is not included.