Neretva
| Neretva | |
|---|---|
| Etymology | of Illyrian origin, from Indo-European base *ner-, *nor- "to dive, dip, immerse" |
| Location | |
| Countries | |
| Towns | |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • location | Lebršnik and Zelengora Mountains, Dinaric Alps, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| • coordinates | 43°16′17″N 18°33′27″E / 43.27139°N 18.55750°E |
| • elevation | 1,227 m (4,026 ft) |
| Mouth | Adriatic Sea |
• location | Ploče, Croatia |
• coordinates | 43°01′11″N 17°26′42″E / 43.01972°N 17.44500°E |
• elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Length | 225 km (140 mi) |
| Basin size | 11,798 km2 (4,555 sq mi) |
| Discharge | |
| • average | 341 m3/s (12,000 cu ft/s) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Neretva→ Adriatic Sea |
| River system | Adriatic |
| Tributaries | |
| • left | Mostarska Bijela, Buna, Bregava, Krupa |
| • right | Rakitnica, Rama, Trebižat |
| Waterbodies | Uloško Lake, Boračko jezero, Blatačko Lake, Jablaničko Lake, Ramsko Lake, Salakovačko Lake, Grabovičko Lake, Mostarsko Lake, Hutovo Blato, Vrutak, Neretva Delta |
| Bridges | Stara Ćuprija, Stari Most |
| Inland ports | Metković |
The Neretva (pronounced [něreːtʋa], Serbian Cyrillic: Неретва), also known as Narenta, is one of the largest rivers of the eastern part of the Adriatic basin. Four hydroelectric power plants with large dams (higher than 15 metres) provide flood protection, electricity and water storage. The Neretva is recognized for its natural environment and diverse landscapes.
Freshwater ecosystems have suffered from an increasing population and the associated development pressures. One of the most valuable natural resources of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia is its freshwater resource, contained by an abundant wellspring and clear rivers. Situated between the major regional rivers (Drina river on the east, Una river on the west and the Sava river) the Neretva basin contains the most significant source of drinking water.
The Neretva is notable among rivers of the Dinaric Alps region, especially regarding its diverse ecosystems and habitats, flora and fauna, cultural and historic heritage.
Its name has been suggested to come from the Indo-European root *ner, meaning "to dive". The same root is seen in the Serbo-Croatian root "roniti".