JemsFICHO
Priority Axis 2: Green investments in environmental protection and efficient risk management
Operation start date: 1 June 2026
Operation completion date: 31 May 2028
Budget: EUR 1.675.432,20
Number of partners: 6
Operation purpose and expected achievements:
The FICHO project aims to improve sustainable waste management and promote the circular economy in UNESCO historic urban areas across Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro by developing innovative, heritage-sensitive solutions for resource efficiency and waste prevention. The project addresses common cross-border challenges related to increasing tourism pressure, inefficient municipal waste management, low recycling rates, and the preservation of cultural heritage through the development of joint circular economy methodologies, digital planning tools, and pilot investments. Planned activities include the implementation of smart waste collection and separation systems, the establishment of Living Labs, the development of Zero Waste Roadmaps and Green Labels for local businesses, the creation of digital decision-support tools, and pilot actions tailored to UNESCO urban environments. Through pilot investments, stakeholder engagement, capacity-building activities, and cross-border knowledge exchange, the project will strengthen the capacity of public authorities, utility companies, research organisations, and local communities to implement circular economy practices, improve resource efficiency, reduce waste generation, and support the long-term preservation of UNESCO historic cities across the Programme area.
Beneficiaries:
The Lead Partner (LP), Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar (HR), is responsible for the overall coordination and management of the project, including sound project and financial management and coordination of project activities. Within the project, EIHP contributes its expertise in sustainable development, circular economy, waste management, and environmental protection. It coordinates activities related to data collection and mapping of waste streams, develops a waste valorisation model for a UNESCO urban site, and coordinates the implementation of the Mobile Reuse & Repair Point. EIHP also coordinates WP2, engages with decision makers, and contributes to educational schemes, trainings, and awareness-raising activities.
THE ASSOCIATION EKO ZH (BA) contributes to the project through its experience in environmental sustainability, waste management, public awareness, community engagement, and youth mobilisation. It supports the implementation of pilot activities related to sustainable waste management and circular economy practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while leading project communication, visibility, awareness-raising, and dissemination activities. EKO ZH also supports stakeholder engagement and the uptake of project results, building on its previous experience in environmental campaigns, advocacy, and community action.
City of Šibenik (HR) is responsible for implementing pilot activities aimed at establishing a sustainable waste management system at the UNESCO World Heritage site. It will introduce pilot actions focused on waste collection, reuse, and responsible consumption, contributing to the preservation of the site’s cultural and historical value while promoting environmentally conscious practices among residents and visitors.
