Hutovo Blato, a Nature Park and internationally recognised Ramsar site, represents a valuable natural asset not only for Bosnia and Herzegovina, but for the whole of Europe.
By drawing on the expertise and experience of European Union partners and accessing EU funding, the long-term sustainability of this and other protected areas is being safeguarded.
Under contemporary projects implemented in the area, new knowledge is being gained, cooperation is being strengthened, and the path is being paved towards the long-term protection of this unique sub-Mediterranean wetland, which relies entirely on the volume, quality, and dynamics of its water supply.
Through the SMART-Water and MoWaClim projects, the focus has been placed on improving the understanding and management of water resources - both crucial for the survival of the ecosystem and the development of the local community.
Director Irena Rozić highlights that these projects are of critical importance because they bridge the gap between science and practical application, which is essential for resource conservation today.
"Projects such as SMART-Water and MoWaClim are driven by bringing together scientists and protected area managers. These initiatives help us build better networks with local stakeholders, institutions, and the scientific sector. As part of the SMART-Water project, we are working alongside the University of Zadar and colleagues from the Ruđer Bošković Institute. By collecting samples and monitoring water conditions together, we are obtaining concrete results that assist us with future planning. It is precisely this interaction between science and practical measures that helps preserve not only natural resources, but also safeguards those resources to benefit the local community and our region," she explained.
The MoWaClim project focuses on monitoring the interaction between surface water and groundwater.
As Rozić explained, this is particularly vital for the region given that Herzegovina is a karst landscape. In such environments, surface waters do not reveal the full picture, making subterranean flows extremely important - especially in light of growing human-induced pressure on water resources.
"We are increasingly encountering saltwater intrusion, which is also linked to agricultural practices. Understanding the volume and composition of water, both above and below ground, provides us with essential indicators for sustainable farming and enables earlier interventions in water usage," she added.
These initiatives foster close cooperation between protected area managers, local stakeholders, and scientific institutions, enabling knowledge sharing and the implementation of practical solutions.
This approach not only helps conserve natural resources but also contributes to the sustainable development of local communities by linking science and everyday management of protected areas.
"Every protected area is established to protect, preserve, and promote a specific natural asset. Today, nature conservation requires active measures and concrete action. This is certainly the case with Hutovo Blato, where projects involve colleagues from Croatia, Montenegro, and other countries across the region, with progress being made thanks to European projects and shared objectives," notes Director Irena Rozić.
(EUpravo zato)