NIRAS IC in partnership with Orbicon (Denmark) and Croatian partner Oikon recently completed the EU-funded project “Identification and setting-up of the marine part of the NATURA 2000 network in Croatia – Marine NATURA 2000”. The main purpose of the project was to provide assistance to Croatia on marine issues, aiming at facilitating the country’s undertaking to meet EU requirements within conservation of marine habitat types and species.
The 13 months long project included preparation of a research and monitoring programme, and establishment of systematic cooperation and data exchange between all stakeholders engaged in collecting relevant data on marine biodiversity. The project also developed a programme that sets the agenda for future activities within marine environmental protection. On a more practical note, one of the project activities was to deliver courses for divers on inventory of marine biodiversity which were held at marine pilot sites identified by the project.
The project represents a significant step forward in Croatia’s efforts towards establishing a marine NATURA 2000 network in Croatia. “Within a relatively short period the project achieved a lot, thanks to an excellent cooperation with project counterparts in Croatia. Apart from its successful completion, the project allowed NIRAS to rebuild its position in Croatia. Hopefully the project will be a foundation for our future work in the country”, says Adam Iwaszko, NIRAS’ Project Director.