Two kilometers from downtown Novi Sad, an oasis of nature known as “Šodroš” lies along the banks of the Danube.

This place is home to indigenous trees and endangered bird species; it is a haven in a city whose authorities are planning to develop the area into “Novi Sad Waterfront,” following in the footsteps of Belgrade Waterfront. Reportedly, there are plans to build a new bridge on the Danube, which brought about forest clearing activities.

It was a red alert for the citizens of Novi Sad — they stood in protest by setting up a camp in the area, defending the local forest with their bodies and the banks of the Danube from demolition and construction operations.