After supporting initiatives in Duvanjsko polje, Center for Environment has also supported two initiatives for the protection of natural resources and sustainable development in Kupreško polje. The initiatives of Dario Batinić, aimed at resource independence for a mobile home through the acquisition of solar panels and water pumps, and the initiative of the Ecological Society Mosor, which plans to tackle the problem of illegal dumping sites and organised waste collection, have been supported.
“The call was open to individuals, organisations, and initiatives. We received five applications, which is not a large number, but the proposed project proposals were of high quality, and it was not easy to make a decision. We are particularly pleased that we have been able to support two quite different projects, one dealing with waste issues and raising elementary awareness of nature, and the other being futuristic and innovative for our environment,” said Nataša Crnković from Center for Environment.
Dario Batinić, the project leader for the acquisition of solar panels and water pumps, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work on strengthening the tourist offer of Kupres.
“With this grant, I will enhance the offer in a sustainable way through modern forms of tourism. The goal is to make my idea of a ‘mobile glamping concept’ more energy self-sufficient and environmentally friendly. I believe this will be a pioneering endeavour for Kupres, which will serve as an example to other communities and be a place for education and promotion of sustainable tourism.”
The initiative of the Ecological Society Mosor comes from Kupres RS, one of the smallest municipalities in Republic of Srpska. The mayor of the municipality, Gojko Šebez, was present at the signing of the contract and emphasised that the municipality is very grateful for these activities.
“From Center for Environment, we have received support for the acquisition of containers for disposing of municipal waste, which will be placed in the area of the municipality of Kupres RS. This municipality does not have a waste management solution, which is one of the pressing issues leading to the emergence of more so-called illegal dumpsites. By acquiring and placing containers, the issue of waste will be somewhat resolved at least in one part of this municipality,” emphasised Risto Milišić, the president of the Ecological Society Mosor.
Support for these initiatives is an integral part of the project “Sustainable Future of the Freshwater Ecosystem Livansko Polje in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” which Center is implementing in collaboration with the Ornithological Society Our Birds and EuroNatur, with the support of the DIMFE foundation. The two winning initiatives were selected following the voting of all three partners.
Through work on the protection of Livansko polje and the recognition of karst fields as a natural phenomenon, Center for Environment has recognised the potential of over 50 karst fields in Bosnia and Herzegovina. One of the largest fields is Kupreško polje, which represents a vast karst plateau, where a rare karst phenomenon, known as “japage,” is present.