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Bosnia and Herzegovina can proudly boast a new recognition: the Vjetrenica Cave has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is a historic moment for Bosnia and Herzegovina and a culmination of the long-standing efforts of all those who recognized the universal value of this gem.

The decision to inscribe Vjetrenica in the World Heritage List was made at the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held from 21 to 31 July 2024, in New Delhi, India. With this decision, Vjetrenica has become the first standalone natural phenomenon from Bosnia and Herzegovina to be included in the world list of protected monuments.

The inscription of Vjetrenica on the UNESCO World Heritage List marks the conclusion of a long and extensive process, which involved expert teams and specialists working in collaboration with the relevant institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On the occasion of Vjetrenica's inscription in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubravka Bošnjak, extended her congratulations and expressed gratitude to all those who contribute to the protection and preservation of Vjetrenica, and to those who made a significant contribution to the World Heritage Committee's recognition of Vjetrenica's unique value and protection at a global level.

"With great pleasure and pride, I inform you that Vjetrenica, our national treasure, has been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is a historic moment for our country and recognition of the exceptional value and uniqueness of our natural heritage. The inclusion of Vjetrenica on this prestigious list confirms its exceptional significance, not only for us but for the entire world. Vjetrenica is the largest and most famous cave in Bosnia and Herzegovina, rich in speleological, archaeological, and biological significance. Its unique underground ecosystems, incredible geological formations, and abundance of endemic species make it an invaluable natural habitat and an inspiration for many scientists and researchers. This recognition brings with it responsibility. Our duty is to continue working on the preservation and protection of Vjetrenica, and to ensure the sustainable development and promotion of this unique natural monument. Vjetrenica, as part of the world heritage, will now have even greater international visibility and recognition, which will contribute to the development of tourism and the local community. I want to thank everyone who contributed to this success—experts, researchers, volunteers, and all those who promoted the importance of protecting our natural heritage. This award is the result of our effort, dedication, and love for Vjetrenica and our country. On behalf of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, I promise that we will continue our efforts to protect and promote our cultural and natural heritage, because preserving our treasures means ensuring a better future for all of us," stated Bošnjak.

The protection of the Vjetrenica cave has a long history, dating back to 1952 when it was first declared a natural monument. Vjetrenica is managed by the Public Enterprise Vjetrenica Ravno, established by the Municipality of Ravno in 2005.

It is worth noting that the nomination for Vjetrenica Cave was submitted to UNESCO in March 2023, and it has been on the UNESCO Tentative List for Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2004. The field evaluation of Vjetrenica by the Advisory Body for the World Heritage Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was completed in August last year.

The Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism funded the preparation of the Nomination File for the proposal of Vjetrenica Cave with Popovo Polje for inclusion in the World Heritage List of cultural and natural heritage.

An important part of the Nomination File is the Management Plan for the Protected Landscape Vjetrenica-Popovo Polje. Given that the existing Management Plan was adopted for the period 2011-2021, urgent action was needed to adopt a new Plan for the period 2021-2031. The Herzegovina-Neretva Canton also adopted the Law on the Proclamation of Vjetrenica and part of Popovo Polje as a Protected Landscape.

Since 1972, when the Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage was adopted, a total of 936 properties (725 cultural, 183 natural, and 28 mixed) have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's entries on the UNESCO World Heritage List inscribe the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad and the Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar.

Since 2016, the list also inscribes the sites of medieval tombstones (stećci), a project jointly undertaken by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbia.

Three years ago, the Primeval Forest Janj near Šipovo was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the extension of the "Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe."

The "Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe" is currently the largest serial World Heritage site with 94 locations in 18 European countries.

Additionally, there are eight more properties from Bosnia and Herzegovina on the tentative list of goods that the country can nominate in the future.

Vjetrenica, the largest and most famous cave in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been a protected natural monument since 1950.

It derives its name from the strong air currents at its entrance, and it features seven kilometres of passages, 135 lakes, and a constant temperature of 11 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

As one of the longest caves in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its unique underground streams and lakes, Vjetrenica represents a valuable habitat for a large number of species, including 14 stenoendemic species.

Vjetrenica Cave is part of a karst system, which is the most ecologically endangered type of habitat in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Vjetrenica locality, along with its surroundings and part of Popovo Polje, is situated in the heart of a typical Herzegovinian karst region.

It is also important to note that the collaboration between Bosnia and Herzegovina and UNESCO has lasted for over three decades, evidenced by the implementation of various projects and activities and cooperation with numerous institutions, civil society representatives, cultural workers, teachers, students, artists, and individuals from across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Nearly 30 cities and municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have direct links with UNESCO through various projects.

As an intergovernmental organization, UNESCO mainly implements projects related to the priorities of its member states.

The key role is played by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the State Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina for Cooperation with UNESCO. Without the coordination provided by the Ministry and the Commission, it would be challenging to ensure effective cooperation with all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The current members of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee are Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, India, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Turkey, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Zambia.

The Committee's role is to encourage member states to protect natural and cultural heritage, consider nominated properties for the World Heritage List, discuss the development of management plans and reporting programs for World Heritage sites.

The Committee also makes final decisions on the inscription of properties on the UNESCO World Heritage List, reviews reports on the condition of listed properties, and decides on the removal of properties from the list.