Jems
As part of the EU-funded project Waterlink, the Municipality of Konavle organized a promotional and educational event at Konavoski dvori aimed at raising awareness about the importance of water protection and the preservation of natural resources. Approximately 90 students participated in the programme, including three sixth-grade classes from Primary School Cavtat and one fifth-grade class from Primary School Gruda.
The event began with a visit to the traditional Đivanović family watermill, where students had the opportunity to learn about the operation of historic mills and their connection to the Ljuta River, one of the most important natural resources of the Konavle region.
The significance of the Ljuta River and the need for its preservation were presented by Marin Gospić from Protect&Eco, who introduced students to the river’s natural characteristics, ecosystem, and the importance of responsible water and environmental stewardship.
The work of the Institute of Public Health of Dubrovnik-Neretva County was presented by Marija Jadrušić, Head of the Water Department, in cooperation with the “Be Like Cvijeto” initiative. Students were shown how water turbidity and electrical conductivity are measured using water samples from the Ljuta spring, alongside an explanation of the importance of continuous drinking water quality monitoring. Jadrušić emphasized that tap water is the healthiest choice and highlighted that as many as 97 percent of the population of Konavle has access to the public water supply system.
The educational programme continued with a presentation by Martin Bećir from Konavle Utility Company on the water supply system in Konavle and the importance of responsible water resource management. The event concluded with a water-themed knowledge quiz and a pleasant social gathering in the natural surroundings of Konavoski dvori.
Activities such as these once again confirmed the importance of educating younger generations about water protection and environmental preservation.
The project is being implemented in partnership with the City of Trebinje and Water Supply and Sewerage Herceg Novi. The project’s primary objective is to establish enhanced water quality control mechanisms and further reduce technical water losses across the interconnected cross-border water supply area.
The project “Waterlink”, officially titled “Smart and Innovative Management Practices for Preservation of Regional Water Quality and Supply”, is financed under the Interreg VI-A IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027.
The total value of the project amounts to EUR 1,639,945.20, of which 85% is financed through EU grant funding. The Municipality of Konavle’s project budget amounts to EUR 535,752.00, while the implementation period is 24 months.
