The Regional School for Political Development (RSPD) group conducted a study visit to the city of Rijeka and the island of Krk from October 3 to 6. As a follow-up to the three seminars held in the participating countries, our participants learned from decision-makers and stakeholders in Krk and Rijeka, a region renowned for its sustainability, energy efficiency, and eco-tourism.
The RSPD group stayed at the Corinthia Sunny Hotel in Baška, Krk, a hotel that takes pride in its strides towards energy efficiency and sustainable tourism. Participants had the opportunity to engage with the hotel management in a discussion about the role of the business sector in the sustainable development of local communities.
During a one-day visit to the city of Rijeka, participants were welcomed at Rijeka City Hall and given a presentation by the Mayor of Rijeka, Marko Filipović, who spoke about the city’s achievements in environmental protection, specifically in energy efficiency, waste disposal and recycling, wastewater management, and other ecological projects. After a conversation with the mayor, the group visited Riperaj, an initiative by UC Čistoća of the City of Rijeka. Riperaj is a space where citizens can repair small household appliances, broken furniture, clothes, toys, and more with the help of repairmen and repairwomen, promoting the reuse of materials instead of buying new ones. This visit was followed by a tour of the Science and Technology Park of the University of Rijeka (STeP Ri), where the group was introduced to the institution, its ideas, and its goals. While at STeP Ri, the group attended a lecture on the sustainable development of tourist destinations by Maša Trinajstić, an important topic for Croatia, as tourism is a key driver of the country’s economy.
On the island of Krk, Croatia’s most sustainable island, the group met with Emil Vlaisavljević, the Head of the Waste Removal Collection and Removal Service Department at Ponikve. After some free time in the city of Krk, officially recognized as the best Croatian city to live in, the group attended a panel discussion with Maja Jurišić, a renowned activist and President of The Island Movement, on the topic “Civic Energy – The Future of Sustainable Development of Islands.” The group then visited the beautiful town of Vrbnik, where they learned about wine tourism as a driver of sustainable rural development.
On the last day, the RSPD group visited EcoCamping Glavotok on Krk island, another example of sustainable tourism. The camp management introduced various green practices implemented at the campsite. Finally, the group had the pleasure of visiting the sustainable private house of Vjeran Piršić, President of the Eko Kvarner Association and a well-known ecological activist, who shared his extensive experience with the visitors.
The RSPD group now looks forward to another study visit, this time to Brussels, from November 19 to 22.
The project is implemented by the Academy for Political Development from Croatia, the Center for Research and Policy Making from North Macedonia, and the Foundation BFPE for a Responsible Society.
This post is also available in SRP.
