Croatia: Stories From the Field

In the early 1990’s, the disintegration of former Yugoslavia ushered in an era of political instability and ethnic violence throughout the region.  The first free election in Croatia in 1990 exposed the ethnic divisions that were beginning to intensify.  The victorious Croatian nationalist movement tried to increase independence for Croatia, causing friction with the Serbian minority who wanted to remain a part of Yugoslavia.  The Serbians near the Bosnian border rebelled, resulting in the creation of the Serbian autonomous region.  The Croatian Serbians rallied support from the other Serbians in the region, intensifying the conflict.  Landmines were used by the Serbians to block roads to major tourist destinations, industries, and other sources of income throughout the country.

One community within Dalmatia, located in Southern Croatia on the Adriatic coast, that has been affected since this conflict is located just north of the town of Bila Vlaka.  The mines in this area were located near a playground and on the path to nearby pastures. The proximity of these mines to the vital economic and social activities of the community was preventing the community from feeling secure despite the peace agreement that was in place.  Without access to pastures, the locals were unable to return to cattle breeding and agriculture, even after the war ended.  The hazardous areas surrounding the playground prevented the children playing safely.  The community has had to live with these daily reminders of the conflict.

This minefield was adopted by the Croatian American Fund.   The International Trust Fund, Adopt-A-Minefield’s coordinating partner in this region, selected a demining organization to carry out clearance after a competitive bidding process.   Clearance began on May 21, 2004 and was completed by the end of June.  After a quality assurance check, the land was returned to the people of Bila Vlaka.  Local residents are now able to access their pastures, and their children are able to play without worry.  With the locals returning to work, the community will be able to look forward to a better future.