24.09.2021.
A contract for co-financing was signed for the project and technical documentation for the interpretation, education, and research centre for protected natural values in the Neretva delta. The contract worth 900 thousand kunas was signed by Siniša Kukić, the director of the Fund and Marijana Milas, the manager of the Public Institution for the management of protected parts of nature in Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Present at the event were the mayor of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Nikola Dobroslavić, and Nikola Krstičević, the head of Municipality Kula Norinska, where a derelict old school buildings will be completely reconstructed and equipped for its new purpose.“The Neretva delta is one of Croatian regions which can boast many distinctive features that have to be preserved, but at the same time presented to the public. I’m glad there are more locations like this one in Croatia, aiming to protect plants and animals that are specific in certain regions. I see added value in research activities, and I’m confident that with joint efforts we will make sure that the future generations can enjoy the famous Neretva produce, as well as an abundance of flora and fauna,” said director Kukić.
Mrs Milas, the manager, explained that the plan was to ogranise the interpretation museum exhibition of protected natural values, and in the area surrounding the building there will be a temporary sanctuary for the strictly protected species of terrestrial and freshwater animals and invasive species. “We want the Centre to become the place for education of pupils, students, locals, and visitors, as well as the place where scholars, researchers and life scientists will meet,” she said, adding that one of the goals was the development of agrotechnical measures for ecological and sustainable agriculture in the Neretva delta. The Neretva delta covers the area of Ston and Mali Ston bay, where an important joint project is being implemented aimed at conservation of the noble pen shell (Pinna Nobilis), and they can boast to have identified nine colonies.
Mayor Dobroslavić expressed thanks for cooperation, pointing out that their institution was making significant efforts. “This will be a new point of nature protection in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, that will ensure the valorisation of numerous natural values in this region. Even though 67% of the county is under some form of protection, we are managing to reconcile the requirements for the development and preservation,” said Dobroslavić, adding that he saw agriculture as strategic sector in the Neretva region.
Nikola Krstičević, the head of Municipality Kula Norinska, said that the school building in Nova Sela would be completely reconstructed, and apart from the reconstruction project, the funds will be used to finance the Project for the permanent and multimedia exhibition. Apart from this project, the Municipality was also granted the resources for the smart city project, and they are planning to apply dumpsites’ remediation projects for co-financing.
