On May 22nd 2025 – International Day for Biological Diversity, Office of the Primeminister of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton organized a project event at Hutovo blato Nature Park.
Hutovo Blato is a unique sub-Mediterranean swamp. It is located about fifteen kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, so it is greatly influenced by the Mediterranean climate. Hutovo Blato is known as one of the largest bird reserve and is the most significant of its kind in the region. According to the latest research, more than 600 plant species have been identified in the Nature Park. The special wealth of Hutovo Blato are the birds, where 163 species of birds from 39 families have been recorded, while the waters of Hutovo Blato have 22 species of fish from 12 families. Such a diverse and rich flora and fauna represents an inexhaustible beauty for researchers and tourists.
The event was opportunity to increase and promote public understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues and to emphasizes that biological diversity as a global asset of tremendous value to future generations.
The first part of the event included a visit to the Natura Park Education Center, introduction to the rich biodiversity and natural values of the Park, followed by a boat ride through the wetland ecosystem with an expert guide.
Second part of the event was dedicated to the final meeting of the local working group. Stakeholders from different sectors such as local and regional authorities, NGOs and sectoral agencies were brought together with the aim of developing strategies for biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources in the Neretva Delta and Adriatic Coast (Neum). A review was made of the results of the previous workshops and LAG meetings. Lecturer reminded participants about the results of survey conducted among stakeholders related to identifying key natural values, threats to natural values, initiative objectives, legal relevance and scientific and expert evidence that highlights the need for intervention and cooperation. Also, the main aspects of SWOT analysis of the capacities for joint management of the target area were emphasized. After introduction part, participant discussed elements of action plan: definition of the general objective, priorities, activities, indicators, implementers and collaborators, time frame and indicative financial framework.
During the meeting, draft elements of action plan were define and it will be distributed to participants/stakeholders, so they can give comments and suggestions in order to develop final action plan.
