DERVENTA PROMOTES ITS NATURAL PHENOMENON IN A UNIQUE WAY

The town of Derventa has taken an imaginative step in promoting both its cultural identity and a rare natural wonder through the development of the "9th January" Park — a space that not only commemorates the foundation of the Republic of Srpska but also visually echoes the shape of its borders.

PHOTO: Glas Srpske

Recently, the park was enriched with flagpoles displaying the flags of all municipalities and cities in Republika Srpska. The vision doesn’t stop there — each of these communities will also be represented by a tree, creating a living symbol of unity and partnership along the banks of the Ukrina River.

The Ukrina is the only major river that flows entirely through Republika Srpska, and Derventa is one of the towns situated directly along its course. The new "9th January" Park, built with support from the Government of Srpska and the local community, complements the town’s older riverside park and forms part of a broader vision to turn this area into a symbolic "miniature Srpska."

“The name of the park clearly states who it is dedicated to — the Republic of Srpska. In addition to standard park features, we developed a concept that includes flagpoles bearing the coats of arms of all cities and municipalities, along with a central pole for the Republic’s flag,” said Derventa Mayor Igor Žunić in a statement to Glas Srpske.

“We also plan to install panels with information and photos showcasing the uniqueness of each local community. This way, visitors to the park will get to know every corner of the Republic,” he added.

Žunić also emphasized that an earlier idea to plant one tree for each municipality is still very much alive. “We have the space, and we’re planning an event to invite representatives from across Srpska to plant these trees together — perhaps all in one day.”

Looking forward, Derventa aims to develop a riverside park complex with three distinct sections.

The tender has already been launched for a new park near the city’s pools, on the opposite bank of the Ukrina from the existing "9th January" Park.

Plans for this expansion include a trim trail, children’s playground, open-air gym, and a section dedicated to the area’s most unique natural occurrence — the phenomenon of the "water flower."

This phenomenon, a rare event seen in only a few places worldwide, occurs annually in July or August. During warm summer nights and early mornings, swarms of aquatic insects known as "water flowers" emerge on the Ukrina. After mating and laying eggs, they fall to the river’s surface, drifting like petals across the water.

“We also intend to create an open-air museum that will tell the story of the Ukrina River and its ‘water flower’ through interactive exhibits and digital applications,” Žunić said. “Even the layout of the park itself, when viewed from above, hints at the silhouette of the river flower — a butterfly.”

Eventually, the two parks will be linked by a pedestrian bridge, creating a unified green oasis along the river and establishing Derventa as a unique blend of culture, nature, and symbolism.