PROTECTION OF THE LARGEST UNDERGROUND ICE CAVE IN THE REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

The Government of Republika Srpska has adopted the Management Plan for the Natural Monument “Jama Ledana” for the period 2025–2035. The plan was submitted by the Municipality of Ribnik, which manages this protected area, through the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology. The ministry carried out a public consultation process and obtained the required opinions from relevant institutions.

PHOTO: TO Ribnik / Maciej Fryń

According to the announcement, the management plan defines the methods of protection, use, and management of the protected area, as well as guidelines and priorities for the preservation of its natural values. It also includes development directions that take into account the needs of the local population.

Jama Ledana is a speleological site located on the southern slopes of Mount Bobija, within the municipality of Ribnik. It is officially recognized as the largest underground ice formation in the Republic of Srpska.

Situated about 15 kilometers from Ribnik, in the village of Vučija Poljana, the cave is considered a hidden natural treasure with significant yet underdeveloped tourism potential.

The cave lies at an altitude of over 1,200 meters and is surrounded by dense coniferous forests. Its interior, descending to a depth of around 180 meters, remains insufficiently explored and represents a remarkable speleological phenomenon.

The name “Jama Ledana” (Ice Cave) comes from the large quantities of precipitation that accumulate inside the cave during the winter months and freeze due to low temperatures. The resulting layers of ice and snow often remain well into the summer.

The cave is under the protection of the Institute for the Protection of Cultural, Historical, and Natural Heritage of Republika Srpska and is classified as a natural monument, belonging to the third category of natural assets.