RiS

 We are the Rangers of Eastern Serbia-RIS (abbreviation for Rangers of Eastern Serbia, RIS
meaning lynx in Serbian), dedicated to protecting life in all forms from extractive industries and
practices, especially the rampant illegal deforestation and gold mining extraction pursued by the
Canadian mining company Dundee Precious Metals in Homolje Mountains, near the springs of
the river Mlava and Jagnjilo.

With the intensification of illegal logging in Serbia, our forests are disappearing at an alarming
rate, endangering vital ecosystems, imperilling species, and eroding the livelihoods of local
communities. Yet, the logging of forests is only the tip of the iceberg; the extractive forces in the
region are many, from existing quarry mining to the exploratory gold mining works and
profit-driven corporate windpower 'parks'. The opening of new large-scale open pit mines would
critically endanger the biodiversity, water, soil, air and livelihoods of local people.
This is contributing to an exodus of people from the region, further opening the door for
financial gains of the few.

We have been applying pressure at all levels to prevent the destruction of the Mlava River and
the surrounding mountainous forests, blocking roads and otherwise preventing the destruction
from continuing as well as building coalitions with communities across the region and further
afield. The main focus of our activities, apart from direct action to halt this devastation, is to
make a list and record of species protected under national law** and their original habitats
populating these parts, raise the consciousness of local and national communities about the
natural values of the region and other activities that would have as a result permanent
protection.