Ada Ciganlija Loses Young Trees for EXPO Balloon Attraction Amidst Unanswered Questions

Belgrade is taking a path contrary to cities like Medellin, Colombia, which has focused on increasing greenery to improve air quality and reduce temperatures. Instead, at Ada Ciganlija, existing trees and young saplings have been cut down, with city authorities offering no explanation.

Residents of Čukarica reported that low-growing vegetation and young trees were recently cleared from a green area at the entrance to Ada Ciganlija. A construction sign indicates the site is for a panoramic balloon, intended as a temporary tourist attraction reaching 150 meters high until the end of the international EXPO 2027 exhibition. Work is expected to be completed by autumn.

However, citizens are questioning why young saplings and vegetation were removed, especially since JP Ada Ciganlija's statement asserted the project would support and expand greenery, not diminish it. The statement also mentioned considerations for bird protection, noting the balloon would not operate during winter when cormorant flocks migrate to the area.

N1 reached out to JP Ada Ciganlija, the City of Belgrade, and the EXPO company for details on the felled saplings but received no response. JP Ada Ciganlija previously stated the project would be funded by Belgrade Waterfront, not taxpayer money, and that all ticket revenue would be donated to sports development at Ada Ciganlija. When asked if the saplings would be replanted or if the green space would be expanded, workers briefly responded, "It will be."