During October, new results were recorded in Serbia in respect of several projects implemented under the Interreg IPA Cooperation Programme Croatia–Serbia 2021–2027. They encompass environmental protection, adaptation to climate change, health literacy among citizens, and the promotion of shared tourism heritage.
“INTERCLIM” – An Open Day was held in Novi Sad for the project “Interactive climate-service system: Use of green infrastructures and online toolkit for better adaptation and resilience to the hazards of climate change in the Croatia–Serbia cross border region”. The “Green Room” concept, an outdoor public space featuring shade, greenery, and amenities for relaxation and socializing, was presented to citizens and interested stakeholders. The first Green Room is located at Štrand, and two more are planned for urban hotspots in the city centre. Each unit occupies approximately 10 m² and features green walls with around 35 m² of greenery, a solar panel for lighting, benches and tables, as well as a shelf containing literature on ecology and sustainable development. The goal is to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands and raise awareness about nature-based solutions.
“RETFOR” – On 8 October, a technical meeting was held at the Morović Forest Administration, which is a part of the Forest Holding “Sremska Mitrovica” within the PE “Vojvodinašume”, to mark the completion of activities related to the establishment of a groundwater monitoring system. The meeting was held within the framework of the project “Strengthening climate resilience measures for protection and revitalisation of ecosystems in the Spačva–Bosut Basin”. The results of the performed infrastructure works were presented, and theoretical and practical training was held for working with equipment for automatic measurement of groundwater levels in forests. In the field, participants were introduced to the operation of DIVER devices which are used for the automatic, continuous measurement and recording of groundwater levels in observation wells (piezometers), as well as the procedures for collecting and transferring the recorded data. The collected data will serve as the basis for the next project activity, which is the development of software for the dynamic modelling of groundwater. The established system is an important step toward a better understanding of the hydrological regime of the catchment and provides a scientific basis for planning measures for the conservation and revitalisation of forest ecosystems.
“SIGA2KAZUK” – The Croatian Civil Aviation Agency has issued six drone pilot certificates to employees of the enterprises “Hrvatske šume” and “Vojvodinašume”. The drones were acquired under the project “The model of an endangered riparian forest restoration with remote sensing support in the Danube cross-border area”, with the aim of strengthening capacities for remote forest monitoring and aerial imaging. The certificates enable more advanced operations in the vicinity of people and buildings, in accordance with the safety requirements of the “open category”. Following the procurement of the aircraft, all participants shall undergo additional training in respect of operational flight and aerial imaging. The goal of the project is to develop a joint model based on nature-based solutions, conserve biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience, as well as to enhance cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two organizations.
“INNOBEE” – A new summer procedure for protecting honey bee colonies against Varroa destructor, a parasitic mite that weakens the colonies, has been implemented across 15 apiaries in Croatia and Serbia. Five apiaries are located in Serbia, five in Croatia, and five are managed by project partners. For each apiary, 12 honey bee colonies of approximately equal strength were selected. A new procedure was applied in respect of six honey bee colonies, while the remaining six served for the purpose of comparing results. The procedure commenced on 30 June 2026, when the queen bees were temporarily confined in special cages for 25 days. During this period, there is no brood in the hive, so the mites are found only on adult bees; consequently, they are easier to control by using organic acids, with less reliance on chemical agents. Digital scales with sensors and traps for monitoring the Asian hornet have been set up at the apiaries. The collected samples are being stored for further laboratory analysis, while preparations for the winter treatment are in progress.
“MAJESTIC ZOOs” – The closing film of the “MAJESTIC ZOOs” project showcased the project’s joint cross-border activities, such as: training in the interpretation of natural and cultural heritage, joint promotion at tourism trade fairs in Belgrade and Zagreb, and training for tourism stakeholders to improve their services for families. Open Days for children were also organized, as well as a study visit that brought together tourism experts and media representatives from Serbia and Croatia, along with exhibitions in the town squares of Subotica and Osijek. The tourist organization of the city of Subotica points out that the project shall always be a fond memory of the period of joint work and a testimony that tourism connects people, cities and countries.
“S.O.O.S.” – An educational video on how to respond when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest has been presented to the citizens of Sombor. Practical training sessions were also held in several settlements within the city’s territory, during which physicians from the Emergency Medical Service demonstrated how to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest, initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and safely use a defibrillator. The project raises awareness about the importance of a timely response in the first few minutes, until the arrival of emergency medical teams.
The projects are co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg IPA Cross-border Cooperation Programme Croatia–Serbia 2021–2027.
