ZAGREB, February 12, 2019 – Twenty projects relating to environment and nature protection and climate action were presented at a conference in Zagreb on Tuesday. The environment projects are worth over 14 million euro, of which nine million is provided by the European Union.
The LIFE conference is organised by the Environment and Energy Ministry as a national contact point for the EU’s LIFE Programme, State Secretary Mario Šiljeg said.
The purpose of the conference is to show that LIFE-funded projects are among the best ways to improve the implementation of environment and climate policies and a mechanism to achieve European and national goals.
The EU launched the LIFE Programme in 1992 to address challenges to the environment, nature and climate, and Croatia recognised its value even before it joined the EU. “This is not surprising given that the programme encourages an innovative approach and the application of new measures and methods,” Šiljeg said.
As part of the LIFE Programme in Croatia, efforts are being made to protect the Drava river and its backwaters, improve biodiversity in wetlands, protect large wild animals such as lynx and bear, and take action against bird poaching.
“I am confident that all projects that are being implemented under the LIFE Programme will contribute to economic growth and sustainable development,” Šiljeg said. “I am sure that already in April we will see progress in the participation of Croatian business entities in LIFE projects.”
This year’s tender for the LIFE Programme is expected to be opened in April and all those interested were invited to contact the Environment and Energy Ministry.
More news on the environmental protection in Croatia can be found in the Lifestyle section.
