JemsInterreg Cooperation Day was marked in Cavtat on Wednesday, 16 September, in an event organised by the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds. The event gave students and local residents an opportunity to learn about the results of six projects implemented under the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro Programme, focusing on the protection of the sea, drinking water and the coastline, as well as adaptation to climate change.
The event was attended by Kristina Bilić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, and Perica Pušić, Head of the Department for Rural Development, Economy and EU Funds.
“We are particularly pleased to see so many children here today. We hope they will learn why EU projects are valuable and important. What makes us especially happy is the fact that €19.6 million worth of projects have been contracted in Dubrovnik-Neretva County under just one cross-border Interreg programme,” State Secretary Bilić said.
The importance of the Interreg programme for the local community was also highlighted by Perica Pušić.
“For many years, the Municipality of Konavle has been a successful beneficiary of EU funds aimed at environmental protection. The funding available through the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro Programme has been a great support in this regard. I would particularly highlight the Waterlink project, which is important for the protection of water resources and adaptation to climate change,” Pušić said.
This year’s Interreg Cooperation Day is being held under the slogan “Stronger Together”. Around one hundred students from the “Cavtat” and “Gruda” primary schools, along with local residents, gathered on the Cavtat waterfront. Through an interactive presentation of six Interreg projects, participants had the opportunity to learn how European funding and cross-border cooperation contribute to the preservation of natural resources and the quality of life in local communities.
Particular emphasis was placed on the protection of the sea, drinking water and the coastline, responsible environmental management, raising awareness of the sustainable use of natural resources, and addressing the challenges that climate change poses to local communities.
Scientists involved in the implementation of the Blueconnect, Climbeach, Marrobo, Mowaclim, Smartwater and Waterlink projects presented the results of their research, as well as equipment purchased with the support of European funding. The students learned, for example, how drones are used to collect data important for the protection of lakes, how an underwater robot helps detect marine pollution, and how drinking water sources are protected.
The event concluded with a creative workshop, where the children used drawings to show what they had learned about the projects and the ways in which they contribute to environmental protection.
Croatia participates in several Interreg programmes promoting cross-border cooperation between EU Member States and partner countries that are not yet EU members. One of them is the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro Programme, which has €118 million available for the 2021–2027 programming period.
So far, four strategic projects and 58 regular projects have been contracted under the programme. Numerous projects are being implemented in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, further demonstrating the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing shared challenges and creating a more sustainable future.
