Neretva (Bosnian: Neretva, Italian: Narenta, in Cyrillic: Неретва, pronounced [nɛ̌rɛtʋa]) is the largest river of the eastern part of the Adriatic basin. It has been harnessed and controlled to a large extent by four HE power-plants with large dams (higher than 15 meters) and their storage lakes, but it is still recognized for its natural beauty and diversity of its landscape.

Freshwater ecosystems have suffered a lot 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 richness contained by an abundant wellspring and clear rivers, indeed, a natural treasure of great importance yet to be evaluated, acknowledge and appreciated. 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 portion of fresh drinking water.