The Miljacka River, a silent witness to life along its banks for centuries, is now bringing people together around a shared vision of a city in harmony with nature.
Sarajevo has once again demonstrated that the true strength of a city lies in the unity of its people. As part of the international URWAN – Urban Regenerative Water Avant-Garde(N) project, the City of Sarajevo hosted its first workshop on October 9, 2025, titled “Community Gathering and Design Workshop.”
The event focused on the Miljacka riverfront – from the dam to the Šeher Ćehaja Bridge – and brought together citizens of all ages, urban planners, institutional representatives, professors, students, and young creatives. Their shared mission: to reimagine the city’s relationship with the river and revive the Miljacka’s banks with sustainability and inclusivity in mind.
during the 1st URWAN Co-design in Sarajevo
A CITY THAT LIVES WITH ITS RIVER
Through a site walk, open discussions, and the interactive Start Park game, participants shared innovative ideas on how nature can once again play a central role in Sarajevo’s urban life. The atmosphere was lively and inspiring, with each group offering fresh perspectives on the future of the riverfront.
Proposals ranged from planting native vegetation and creating new green spaces to installing benches, shaded walkways, and cultural event areas. Special attention was given to improving pedestrian and cycling paths, enhancing river access, and designing inviting spaces where people can meet, relax, and enjoy the city – right in its heart.
During 1st Co-design workshpo in Sarajevo (URWAN project)
Walking alongside the Miljacka River (during 1st Co-Design workshop in Sarajevo)
Walking alongside the Miljacka River (during 1st Co-Design workshop in Sarajevo)
Walking alongside the Miljacka River (during 1st Co-Design workshop in Sarajevo)
FROM IDEAS TO A SHARED MASTER PLAN
Each idea generated during the workshop represents a small but meaningful step toward a larger vision: a collaboratively designed Master Plan for the Miljacka riverfront, stretching from the dam to the Šeher Ćehaja Bridge. Upcoming co-creation workshops will further develop these concepts into actionable strategies for turning the riverbanks into a model of green, resilient, and inclusive urban development.
THE POWER OF UNITY AND KNOWLEDGE
Implemented by the City of Sarajevo through the Interreg Euro-MED program, the URWAN project promotes nature-based solutions and active community participation in urban planning.
“This process shows how important it is to listen to citizens and involve them in decisions that shape their everyday lives. Through shared ideas, we are creating a Sarajevo that lives with nature, not against it,” said Dženisa Abdulai, from the City of Sarajevo’s Department for Sustainable Development.
URWAN injects new energy into urban development – a process where everyone has a voice, and every idea contributes to a collective vision for Sarajevo’s sustainable future.
During the 1st URWAN Co-design in Sarajevo
