Neretva (Cyrillic: Неретва, Italian: Narenta, pronounced [nɛ̌rɛtʋa]) is the largest river of the eastern part of the Adriatic basin. Four HE power-plants with large dams (higher than 15 metres) provide flood protection, power and water storage. It is still recognized for its natural beauty and diversity of its landscape.Freshwater ecosystems have suffered from an increasing population and the associated development pressures.