11.05.2026.
The conference "Sustainability in the midst of Velebit 2.0" was held in Krasno today, attended by the representative of the Fund, Aleksandar Halvanja, as part of a panel discussion dedicated to renewable energy sources.The conference gathered representatives of institutions, the economy, the scientific community, and local entrepreneurs with the aim of discussing sustainable development, energy transition, renewable energy sources, and the role of family businesses and local communities in creating a sustainable future.
In addition to Aleksandar Halavanja, the participants of the conference were addressed by the head of the Administrative Department for Agriculture and Tourism of Lika-Senj County, Marijana Lulić, and the director of the Public Institution of the Northern Velebit National Park, Davor Krmpotić.
The introductory lecture was held by Vedran Kirinčić, PhD, head of the Department of Electric Power Systems at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Rijeka, who emphasised the importance of raising public awareness of the necessity of green transition and the transition of the economy to renewable energy sources, as well as the challenges we’d be facing in the future.
The opening panel focused on renewable energy sources and green projects financing. Participants discussed solar and wind energy, the adjustment of companies to new energy standards, and regional cooperation in the field of energy. It was especially highlighted that sustainable investments were becoming one of key prerequisites for the competitiveness of the economy. Apart from Aleksandar Halavanja, other panellists included Draženka Draženović Kostelac from HBOR, Robert Katalinić from Selan d.o.o., Senad Šepić from the Sarajevo Energy Forum and the Association of Renewable Energy Sources of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and lecturer Vedran Kirinčić from the University of Rijeka.
At the second panel, representatives of family businesses talked about the challenges of doing business in rural areas, the importance of local production, connecting tourism and agriculture, and involving younger generations in business operations. Igor Tomaić from the family farm Runolist Creamery, Maja Božinović from the Butina Family Farm, and Sandra Bojić from the company Hadria d.o.o. shared their experiences.
