Montenegro has long been known for its pristine environment. Some of its national parks, lakes and rivers draw hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. But away from the popular destinations, the picture isn't so idyllic.

Montenegro, along with neighboring Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, is now facing an unprecedented pollution problem along the banks of the River Drina and River Lim. These rivers are being burdened with thousands of tons of non-biodegradable waste, which is polluting hundreds of kilometers of river banks.

Most of this waste originates from illegal landfills in Montenegro itself, carried downstream by the River Lim. Its banks are an endless sea of waste – a once beautiful river destroyed. Discarded plastic bags are everywhere, along with other consumer by-products – such as a baby stroller, and much discarded clothing. The Lim carries some of this waste into the Drina, and on into other countries.

The landfills are in the north of the country, next to the River Lim. Almir Mekić is the Executive Director of the NGO Euromost. He says the town of Bijelo Polje is the biggest polluter.

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"We recorded over 5,000 sewage outlets that flowed into that river. We also recorded 54 unsanctioned landfills at the river banks, and on top of it, floating garbage is thrown into the river and flows into Serbia, causing problems for them," he said.

Proof of this can be seen on the outskirts of Bijelo Polje. A burning fire, a discarded mattress, and large amounts of plastic waste. A dystopian landscape caused by human activity. Officials in the town say they are doing their best to improve the situation. Bijelo Polje's Secretary for Rural and Sustainable Development, Jasmin Ćorović, says it's a problem of people's attitudes, and that new landfills are constantly emerging.

"In future, we'll have to work on both fixing the landfill issue and raising people's awareness. If that fails, the only thing left will be to issue punishments," he added.

Local NGOs have confirmed that dozens of landfills in the area have been cleared. But the long-term problem persists – and saving the rivers depends solely on whether people here can change their behaviour and attitudes.

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