A transnational meeting within the REBIOFORESTS – New Forest Restoration Methods for Enhanced Biodiversity in the Spačva–Bosut Basin project was held today at the Forestry Museum in Bošnjaci, bringing together project partners and stakeholders from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia.
The participants were welcomed by Marinko Beljo, State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Danijela Slipčević, Advisor to the Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds and Director of the Vukovar-Srijem County Development Agency, Darijan Zeko, Member of the Management Board of Croatian Forests Ltd. (Hrvatske šume), and Ivan Ambroš, Director of CEKOM. In their opening remarks, they highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation, investment in forest ecosystem restoration, and a coordinated response to the challenges posed by climate change.
Following the opening addresses, the Project Manager, Danijel Cestarić, M.Sc., presented the project's objectives, activities, and achievements to date. During the programme, project partners introduced their institutions and showcased the activities they are implementing within the project, with a particular focus on knowledge exchange and the application of innovative forest restoration methods.
The second part of the meeting included a field visit to the project area near Otočki Virovi, where participants had the opportunity to see practical examples of activities contributing to forest restoration and enhanced biodiversity in the Spačva–Bosut Basin.
Once again, the transnational meeting confirmed the importance of cross-border cooperation in preserving natural values and fostering the exchange of knowledge, experience, and best practices among project partners. Through joint action, the partners are laying the foundations for more effective forest habitat restoration and the long-term conservation of biodiversity—one of the key objectives of the REBIOFORESTS project.
Together with the RETFOR project, the €102 million investment programme implemented in cooperation with the European Investment Bank, and the partnership with The Nature Conservancy, one of the world's leading environmental conservation and water management organizations, REBIOFORESTS is creating the foundation for the implementation of the national strategic initiative INAT (Integrated Nature-based Adaptation Territories – PRKOS). This initiative focuses on the hydrological restoration and water regime management of the Spačva Basin, aiming to increase the resilience of lowland forests to climate change, protect people and property, and preserve biodiversity and ecological connectivity through enhanced water retention and the controlled diversion of water from the Sava River and other watercourses. By implementing this strategic initiative, the former Military Frontier—once Europe's primary line of defence—has the potential to become Europe's frontline in the fight against climate change.
We would like to thank all project partners, distinguished guests, and participants for their active engagement and valuable contribution to the successful implementation of this important event.
