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Zadar, 15 May 2013
UNDP and the Zadar County launch a farmers' market
The ceremony included the award ceremony for the beekeepers from the Zadar County
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Zadar County today signed an agreement on the establishing of farmers' market in the Zadar County. The goal is to promote food products made by local farmers. The HRK 210.500,00 worth agreement was signed by County Prefect Stipe Zrilić and, and UNDP Resident Representative in Croatia Louisa Vinton. During the last four years of the partnership between the Zadar County and UNDP, 155 trainees - farmers on the territory of this county - received certificates within six vocational trainings.
The area of the Zadar County has a long tradition of fruit and vegetable production, which has intensified in the last twenty years, while customers' habits have become more similar to those of European customers. Therefore, establishing the farmers' market, which would offer fresh products, especially fruit and vegetable, is recognized as a much needed investment. more »
Vukovar, 8 May 2013
Vukovar workshops showcase opportunities in tourism and cultural restoration
Community activities linked to Workers' Hall reconstruction project
The first of two public workshops designed to make local residents aware of funding opportunities for cultural restoration and tourism development projects was organized in Vukovar on 8 May 2013 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The workshops are part of a broader €1.64 million project to reconstruct the facades of the Workers' Hall (Radnički dom) and in the process help restore the community's economic potential. Funding comes from the European Parliament and the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, through the Fund for the Reconstruction and Development of Vukovar.
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Glina, 30 April 2013
Glina residents learn about community fund-raising
UNDP workshops support revival of village boards
The first of three public workshops designed to promote community activism at the lowest level of self-government took place in Glina on 30 April 2013 as part of a €65,000 project organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Town of Glina, with support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The aim of the project, called "Rebuilding bridges and communities in Glina," is to reconstruct two damaged and nearly impassable bridges, in the villages of Milakare and Dangube, while also helping local residents join forces to raise their own funds for similar projects.
Work on the Dangube bridge was completed in April 2013, while preparatory surveys and the collection of construction permits have been completed for the Milakare bridge. more »
VUKOVAR, 8 April 2013
Symbol of Vukovar regains its former beauty after 22 years
Facades of historic Workers' Hall restored under €1.64 million project
The best-known architectural monument in central Vukovar, Radnički dom, which was demolished in 1991 during the three-month siege of the city, regained its former splendor under a €1.64 million project. The project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) over two years, completely restored the exterior facades of the building and conducted community-wide consultations on the future uses of the interior. Guests of honor at the celebration, hosted by Vukovar Mayor Željko Sabo and Head of the EU Delegation to Croatia Paul Vandoren, included President Ivo Josipović, European Parliament Vice President Miguel Angel Martínez, Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Josip Leko, Minister of Veterans' Affairs Predrag Matić, UNDP Resident Representative Louisa Vinton and Vukovar-Srijem County Prefect Božo Galić.
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Mexico City, 14 March 2013
Croatia ranks 47th among 187 countries in "human development"
UNDP report highlights the growing economic muscle of developing countries
Croatia ranks 47th of 187 countries and places in the "very high human development" category, according to the 2013 Human Development Report that was launched globally today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This ranking puts Croatia behind most current European Union (EU) member states, including Slovenia (ranked at 21), the Czech Republic (28), Estonia (33), Slovakia (35), Hungary (37), Poland (39), Lithuania (41), and Latvia (44). But Croatia ranks ahead of Romania (56) and Bulgaria (57), as well as neighbors Montenegro (52), Serbia (64), the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (78), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (81), all of which fall in the category of "high human development".
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Plitvice Lakes, 9 March 2013
Rural women in business: the quest for markets
President Josipović calls for strengthening women's position in rural areas
Women entrepreneurs from rural areas in Croatia, whose businesses produce goods of high quality, shared their frustrations and successes in reaching markets at the round table organized to mark International Women's Day by the United Nations in Croatia and embassies of Canada and Australia at the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many of these women, who have started small businesses, from producing souvenirs to products like cheese, cabbage, jams and cakes, have met numerous obstacles when attempting to launch their products on the market. The discussion was initiated as a chance to celebrate the achievements of rural women, but also to identify what needs to change in terms of both supply and demand, for rural businesses to fulfill their potential.
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PETRINJA, 1 March 2013
UNDP supports legalisation of farm buildings in Petrinja area
Documentation will help local farmers access EU funds and markets
A first group of 17 family farms in the Petrinja area have received the technical documentation they need to legalize agricultural buildings on their property, under a program co-financed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Petrinja municipality. Under the program, which started in October 2012, UNDP and Petrinja created a joint fund worth HRK 200,000 to pay for necessary documentation, which most often includes blueprints of buildings originally constructed without proper permits. Agreements signed with the town oblige the recipients to complete the process of legalization, which is a prerequisite to receive funding from the European Union (EU). 19 more farm families in the Petrinja area are expected to benefit from the program.
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Šibenik, 29 January 2013
Šibenik-Knin County promotes rural development on coast and in hinterland
UNDP supports the establishment of two new Local Action Groups
Under agreements signed today in Šibenik, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will support the establishment of two new Local Action Groups in Šibenik-Knin County, one for hinterland areas and one for the coast and islands. Local Action Groups (LAGs) are the framework used by European Union (EU) member states to formulate, finance and implement local development strategies for rural communities. The agreements provide a total of HRK 310,500 to help establish the two new LAGs, with the county providing HRK 160,500 and UNDP contributing HRK 150,000. UNDP has already supported the establishment of a dozen LAGs in Šibenik-Knin, Zadar, Split-Dalmatia, Dubrovnik, Karlovac and Sisak-Moslavina Counties.
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GLINA, 19 December 2012
City of Glina and UNDP Assisting in Legalization of Agricultural Facilities
Agricultural producers provided with grants in the maximum amount of 15.000 kn per beneficiary
Mayor of Glina, Milan Bakšić, signed the contract on co-financing of technical documentation required for the consolidation of farmers' establishments and their property with 37 farmers from the territory of Glina, on behalf of the City of Glina today. The farmers received the complete technical documentation for the facilities on their property – geodesic and architectural analysis of the situation, and they undertook the obligation to complete the legalization procedure within the timeframe required by the law.
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VUKOVAR, 17 November 2012
Vukovar's historic Grand Hotel reopens for a day
EU-funded project restores facades of town's best-known building after wartime destruction
As part of this year's commemorations of the fall of Vukovar in 1991, city residents were invited to a Community Open House at the Grand Hotel/Workers' Hall in the city center, where they were joined by President Ivo Josipović, Minister of War Veterans Predrag Matić Fred and Vukovar Mayor Željko Sabo. The Open House was organized by the European Union (EU) Delegation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to show the progress that has been made in the €1.6 million restoration of the exterior of this monumental "city palace" and to launch fund-raising for the future reconstruction of the interior. The scaffolding that has surrounded the building since construction began in November 2011 was partially removed for the occasion.
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Benkovac, 13 November 2012
Zadar County fruit growers prepare for the EU market
Zadar County and UNDP co-finance vocational trainings of agriculture producers
A training for 25 professional fruit growers from Zadar County started today in high school „Knez Branimir" in Benkovac. The purpose of this vocational training is to prepare fruit growers to achieve European Union standards in order to improve their market competitiveness. This is fifth vocational training of agriculture producers from Zadar County in the past three years, implemented by the Zadar County and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). So far trainings were held for wine producers/wine growers, cheese makers, goat and sheep breeders and vegetable growers.
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Zadar, 11 October 2012
New round of adult trainings for assemblers of solar systems in Zadar county
Education for Assemblers of solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems starts for the third time
Following the summer break, the fall in the Zadar County Solar Education Center starts off with a new round of adult training. Two courses, one for Assemblers of photovoltaic systems, and the other for Assemblers of solar thermal systems will each train 16 new participants in the Vice Vlatković Vocational School. With this training, Vice Vlatković School, together with the Zadar County Development Agency – ZADRA and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) concluded the first phase of the project implemented during last two years by UNDP and the Zadar County. The project included founding and equipping of Zadar County Solar Education Centre, education for 69 assemblers, design of new elective courses that are now offered in the School curricula and more communication with more than 150 citizens who used SEC advisory services free of charge. After this phase, Zadar County Development Agency's personnel will take over the Solar Education Centre activities.
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Vukovar, 9 September 2012
The Grand Hotel's new clothes
UNDP to restore famous monument in Vukovar by the end of the year
The works on a very demanding restoration of the former Grand Hotel, today known as Radnički dom, an 1897 building in the baroque centre of Vukovar, should be finished by the end of 2012. UNDP Resident Representative Louisa Vinton and the Vukovar Mayor Željko Sabo visited the site to see how the works, worth some HRK ten million, are progressing, and to discuss further steps.
"Radnički dom is one of the greatest projects that UNDP works on in Croatia, and we are satisfied with the progress of restoration, particularly as we are talking about specific restoration works needed to make the building look as it once did," said Vinton, emphasizing that this project aims at returning life into this building, not only as architectural treasure, but also as a culture heart of the city and successful centre of community life. more »
Glina, 6 August 2012
Glina commends UNDP for support to reconstruction, civil society
General Petar Stipetić named town's first honorary citizen
At ceremonies held to mark the annual Day of the City of Glina on 6 August, town authorities recognized the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its contribution to the development of civil society and its work in supporting the city's post-war reconstruction. In presenting the award, City Mayor Milan Bakšić noted UNDP's work in Glina over many years in numerous projects, including the reconstruction of the town marketplace; the creation of a technical documentation fund for projects seeking to qualify for European Union (EU) funding; and the planned reconstruction of two bridges that connect largely ethnic Serbian villages with the main road providing access to the town center.
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JOSIPDOL, 1 May 2012
Croatia inaugurates its first "cheese road"
Karlovac County looks to promote tourism around distinctive "squeaky" cheeses
As part of a broader effort to attract tourists to local cheese specialties, Croatia inaugurated its first "cheese road" on 1 May 2012 in Karlovac County, at the family farm of Milan and Radmila Miscevic in Josipdol.
The project was launched in 2008 by "Korni," the Karlovac County Association of small cheese makers. Worth HRK 120.000, the project was co-financed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Karlovac County, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Croatia, and several municipalities.
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ŠIBENIK, 25 April 2012
Olive and prosciutto producers prepare to compete on European markets
Šibenik-Knin County partners with UNDP to provide certified training to farmers
Diplomas were issued today in Šibenik to 22 olive growers who completed a training course designed to improve their competitiveness on European Union (EU) markets. The course for olive producers was organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with Šibenik-Knin County, with financial support from the Netherlands. The Libar Open University in Šibenik conducted the training. A training course for sheep breeders from Šibenik-Knin County will be held later in the year. The total cost of the programme is HRK 100,000. UNDP has previously organized courses elsewhere in Croatia for sheep and goat breeders, fruit and vegetable growers, and winemakers, in an effort to provide farmers with the knowledge and certification they will need to compete successfully within the EU.
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ZADAR, 8 March 2012
Third course for solar technicians concludes in Zadar County
Assemblers of solar photovoltaic power systems receive diplomas
Seventeen certified assemblers of solar photovoltaic electricity production systems graduated today at the Solar Education Centre in Zadar, in a course organized jointly by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Zadar County. The course was held at the Vice Vlatković Vocational School. Graduates received their diplomas from Zadar County Prefect Stipe Zrilić, Vice Vlatković Vocational School Principal Tihomir Tomčić, and a representative of the UNDP field office in Zadar, Leonarda Lukin. The Solar Education Centre was created last year to encourage wider use of renewable energy and to provide training in environmentally friendly "green jobs." It is co-funded by Zadar County and UNDP, with support from Dutch funds. The overall cost is HRK 360,000.
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Glina, 28 February 2012
UNDP to rebuild damaged bridges near Glina
Dutch funding helps villages regain road access to outside world
Two damaged and nearly impassable bridges in the villages of Milakare and Dangube, near Glina, will be reconstructed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Agreements worth a total of HRK 280,000 were signed on 28 February 2012 in Glina by Dutch Ambassador Stella Ronner-Grubačić, UNDP Resident Representative Louisa Vinton and Glina Mayor Milan Bakšić. Rebuilding the bridges will provide village residents with reliable road access to services available in the Glina town center, and will also support agricultural production by restoring road connections to the villages for milk-collection trucks and other heavy vehicles. The Netherlands is providing 150,000 towards the project, while the Town of Glina is contributing HRK 100,000. The additional 30,000 the Town of Glina will provide through local stakeholders, public and private sector.
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HRVACE-SPLIT, 17 February 2012
First Local Action Group launched in Split hinterland
UNDP supports Split-Dalmatia County in rural development partnership
The first Local Action Group in the Split hinterland was launched today in Hrvace municipality, in an initiative organized by Split-Dalmatia County with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This local partnership, designed to prepare rural development strategies, includes three cities – Sinj, Trilj and Vrlika – and three municipalities – Hrvace, Otok and Dicmo. Because these communities face similar development challenges and opportunities, the LAG offers a European Union-standard vehicle to join forces to improve economic prospects.
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Zadar, 18 January 2012
Solar power restores electricity to remote Croatian village
UNDP demonstration project wins support from private-sector solar producer
Under two agreements signed at the Solar Education Center in Zadar today, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will install a small solar power plant in the remote village of Ajderovac, near Srb in Croatia's mountainous Gračac municipality. The solar plant will restore the electricity supply to the village, which was cut off from the energy grid during the 1991-95 war. The total value of the project is HRK 188,000, with EnergyPLUS, a private producer of solar technology from Ludbreg, providing an in-kind donation worth HRK 138,000, and UNDP supplying the remaining HRK 50,000. With Zadar Deputy County Prefect Rajka Rađenović looking on, the agreements were signed by UNDP Resident Representative Louisa Vinton, EnergyPLUS owner Zvonko Magić and Una Association President Tanja Rastović.
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ZADAR, 17 January 2012
Training launched in Zadar for assemblers of solar photovoltaic power systems
Zadar County Solar Education Center offers third course for solar technicians
A third course for assemblers of solar systems – this one focused on solar photovoltaic systems used to generate electricity – opened today at the Vice Vlatković Vocational School in Zadar, as part of a vocational training program offered by the Zadar County Solar Education Center. Two previous courses trained assemblers of solar hot water heating systems. The Zadar County Solar Education Centre is a HRK 360,000 venture funded by Zadar County and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Dutch Government. The Centre encourages the use of renewable energy while promoting "green jobs" targeted at unemployed residents of Zadar County.
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Zadar, 13 December 2011
UNDP and Zadar County sign new agreements worth HRK 390,000
Goat and sheep breeders, vegetable growers and solar technicians receive diplomas
Under a programme organized by Zadar County and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 68 graduates of vocational training courses for goat and sheep breeders, vegetable growers and assemblers of solar thermal systems received their diplomas at the Zadar County Great Hall today. Zadar County Prefect Stipe Zrilić and UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Croatia Louisa Vinton signed two agreements worth HRK 390,000 to organize new vocational courses in 2012 for 50 fruit growers and wine makers, and also to provide training for 100 members of civil society associations active in the areas of agriculture, social welfare and health, environmental protection and culture. Both sets of activities are designed with European Union (EU) membership in mind, to help local farmers compete on EU markets and to assist associations in tapping EU funds.
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Benkovac, 2 November 2011
Zadar County farmers receive EU-standard training in vegetable cultivation
Benkovac-based course aims to improve competitiveness
A group of 25 Zadar County farmers began receiving specialized training in vegetable cultivation today at Knez Branimir High School in Benkovac, under a programme designed to help prepare local farmers for the demands of European Union (EU) membership. The programme is organized and financed jointly by Zadar County and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Training is provided by the Apis Vocational School from Velika Gorica. The program consists of 120 hours of theoretical instruction and practical work and includes a study visit to a family farm near Benkovac. The programme's total cost is HRK 180,000, with Zadar County contributing HRK 75,000 and UNDP providing HRK 75,000 in funding from the Netherlands. The remainder is covered by modest fees charged to participants.
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25 October 2011
Zadar center expands vocational training for solar technicians
Professional certification available for assemblers of solar hot-water heaters
A second round of training for assemblers of solar hot-water heaters was launched today at the Vice Vlatković Vocational School in Zadar under a joint HRK 360,000 programme run by the Zadar County Solar Education Center, which is co-financed by Zadar County and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial support from the Netherlands. A first course held in July 2011 graduated 19 certified assemblers of solar thermal systems. With a curriculum approved by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, the course is the first in Croatia to offer certified training for solar technicians. Future courses are planned for assemblers of solar photovoltaic systems.
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OTOČAC, 21 October 2011
Trout center in Otočac to breed indigenous crawfish
UNDP-backed program aims to restore native crawfish varieties in Croatia's Lika region
With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), an innovative center in Otočac that has already worked to restore native varieties of trout to the Gacka River will expand into breeding and restocking the region's karstic rivers with indigenous varieties of crawfish. An agreement worth HRK 158,000 was signed today in Otočac by Denis Lončar, Director of the Croatian Centre for Indigenous Species of Fish and Crawfish in Karstic Waters in Otočac, and Louisa Vinton, UNDP Resident Representative in Croatia. UNDP is providing HRK 100,000 towards the program, funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while the Center is contributing HRK 58,000.
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Obrovac, 18 October 2011
Zadar County organizes first certified training in goat and sheep breeding
Obrovac-based course aims to improve competitiveness ahead of EU membership
A group of 25 Zadar County goat and sheep breeders began receiving specialized training in Obrovac under a programme jointly organized and financed by Zadar County and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to help Croatian farmers prepare for European Union (EU) membership. The training is conducted by the Apis Adult Education Center from Velika Gorica. The program consists of 120 hours of theoretical instruction and practical training, together with a study visit to a family farm near Obrovac. The programme's total cost is HRK 180,000, with Zadar County providing HRK 75,000 and UNDP providing HRK 75,000 in funding contributed by the Netherlands. The remainder is covered by modest fees charged to participants.
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ZADAR, 5 July 2011
First assemblers of solar thermal systems in Croatia awarded certificates
Solar Center in Zadar provides training and public information on solar energy
Zadar County and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today awarded diplomas to the first 19 certified assemblers of solar thermal systems in Croatia. The new graduates completed a two-month vocational training programme at the Vice Vlatković Vocational School in Zadar. This is the first vocational training of its kind in Croatia. Approved by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, the training is one of the activities of the Solar Education Center of Zadar County, created with HRK 360,000 in funding from Zadar County and UNDP, with the support of the Dutch government. The Croatian Employment Service (HZZ) partnered with the program, as most participants are unemployed residents of Zadar County.
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GOSPIĆ, 10 June 2011
Lika-Senj entrepreneurs receive grants to improve production
County and UNDP award two rounds of grants to 21 small businesses
Eleven small business owners were awarded grants to help improve and expand processing under contracts signed with Lika-Senj County today in Gospić. The grants come from the HRK 125,000 Joint Fund for Technical Documentation for Small Processing Capacities, and Diversification of Production and Services, which was created jointly by the County, which contributed HRK 50,000, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which provided HRK 75,000. A first group of ten entrepreneurs won grants in February under a first call for proposals, so a total of 21 small businesses have benefited.
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Zadar, 9 June 2011
UNDP training aims to ease access to European Union funding
Officials from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia learn about project management
A two-part training course on project cycle management for funds provided by the European Union (EU) was launched today in Zadar at the IMPACT European Center for Cross-sector Cooperation with 24 participants from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The course, organized jointly by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) offices in the two countries, aims to help participants apply for and implement EU funding, particularly for projects funded under the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA) programme for cross-border cooperation between Croatia and BiH.
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Zagreb, 3 June 2011
UNDP to help rural areas prepare for EU membership
Framework agreement on shared areas of cooperation signed with Ministry of Agriculture
In a Memorandum of Understanding signed today in Zagreb, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development agreed to cooperate in a range of areas with the shared aim of "ensuring that all Croatians are able to access the potential benefits and opportunities that the forthcoming accession to the European Union will bring." The MoU was signed by Minister of Agriculture Petar Čobankovič and UNDP Resident Representative Louisa Vinton.
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Zadar, 2 June 2011
Rural women share small-business experiences
UNDP-sponsored conference looks at opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Adriatic region
Women make a major contribution to the welfare and stability of rural communities in Croatia, but they face significant obstacles in setting up small businesses. This was the consensus among 60 women entrepreneurs from rural communities in the Adriatic region of Croatia who attended a two-day regional conference that opened today in Zadar. The conference was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial support from the Netherlands. The aim of the conference is to share advice from successful entrepreneurs in four key areas – traditional crafts and handmade products; food processing; rural tourism; and social services – and to explore the opportunities for networking and mutual support.
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VUKOVAR, 30 May 2011
EU to fund the reconstruction of Radnički dom in Vukovar
Reconciliation through architecture receives €1.34 million in support
The best-known architectural monument in central Vukovar, Radnički dom, which was demolished during the 1990s war, is to regain its former splendor under a €1.34 million project funded by the European Union (EU) and the Vukovar Reconstruction and Development Fund. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will implement the project over two years. The European Parliament is providing €1 million under a regional program aimed at promoting reconciliation through architectural reconstruction, while the Vukovar Reconstruction and Development Fund is contributing €340,000.
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Zadar, 22 May 2011
Otočac High School students join in the promotion of biodiversity
International Biodiversity Day in Maksimir
Every year, 22nd May is observed as the International Day of Biodiversity. The Republic of Croatia celebrates its Nature Protection Day on the same day with the aim to join the world in the efforts to preserve the biodiversity and enhance nature protection. In the Zagreb Maksimir Park, visitors could learn more about amphibians, reptiles, spiders, ticks and ants during the traditional Action Day organized by the magazine Geo in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, State Institute for Nature Protection, Public Institution "Maksimir" and "Profesor Baltazar" Association. Among numerous promoters of the biodiversity of Croatia, students of the Otočac High School led by professor Robert Šimunaci also gave their contribution.
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ZAGREB, 16 May 2011
Regional Competitiveness Research – Northwestern Croatia Still the Most Competitive Croatian Region
The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) presented the «Regional Competitiveness Index of Croatia 2010», which ranks the economic competitiveness of the country's 21 counties and three major regions. This research, a continuation of a competitiveness analysis began in 2007, aims to give policy makers and business executives a comparative framework to assess challenges and opportunities at the regional and county level. The Regional Competitiveness Index (RCI) provides a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of each county and region, and it provides recommendations for improving economic competitiveness at the local level. The research shows that regional differences are still large, and that very little progress has been achieved over the past four years in bridging the gap between the less developed regions and those better off.
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ZADAR, 9 May 2011
First certified assemblers of solar systems in Croatia
Training for assemblers of solar thermal systems commenced in Zadar
Adult education program for assemblers of solar thermal systems began at the Vocational School 'Vice Vlatkovića' in the city of Zadar. This is the first vocational training of its kind in Croatia. The training is undertaken within the project Solar Education Center of Zadarska County, which is jointly financed by the Zadarska County and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), with the financial assistance of the Dutch government. The total value of the project is 360,000 kuna. Four adult training courses are planned for this year – three courses for assemblers of solar thermal systems, and one course for assemblers of solar photovoltaic systems – with the total of 80 participants.
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GOSPIĆ, 13 April 2011
First professional fruit-growers in Lika-Senj County
Vocational training for future fruit-growers began in Gospić
Training for the professional profile of fruit-growers began at the High School in Gospić, for the total of 25 participants coming from the area of Ličko-senjska County. The education has been organized and co-financed by Ličko-senjska County and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), based on the donation of the Dutch Government. The training is being implemented by the Adult Education Center Apis from Velika Gorica. This program includes 120 hours of theoretical and practical training, together with a study trip to the family-owned agricultural establishment of Dragan Šop in the settlement of Lički Osik.
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ZADAR, 4 April 2011
New facilities for children and equipped utility vehicle in Lišane Ostrovičke municipality
Two new playgrounds are opened today in village Lišane Ostrovičke and settlement Ostrovica and new additional sport equipment is placed on the playground of the elementary school "Ivan Goran Kovačić" while municipality Lišane Ostrovičke got a hydraulic mulcher for utility vehicle. These projects are jointly implemented and financed by the municipality Lišane Ostrovičke and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Croatia and their value rises above 155,000 HRK.
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KARLOVAC, 30 March 2011
City of Karlovac to draft five-year strategy for rural development
UNDP-supported effort aims to reverse labor migration of young people
Marina Kolaković, the Deputy Mayor of Karlovac, and Louisa Vinton, UN Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Croatia, signed an agreement today in Karlovac on co-financing the drafting of a "Strategy for development of rural areas in Karlovac" worth HRK 100,000. UNDP will contribute one-half of the total, while the City of Karlovac will provide the other.
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SLUNJ, 25 March 2011
'Through sports to a better life' in Slunj
The Town of Slunj and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Croatia, in cooperation with the Police station Slunj, presented today in Slunj High School a joint project 'Through sports to a better life'. Investment in sports is a direct investment in the better and healthier life of our youth, as well as in the life of an entire community. The aim is to introduce and motivate young people to practice sports in order for them to have a better and higher quality of life, and in doing so, prevent the negative behaviours such as vandalism, isolation, alcohol and drug abuse. Slunj's Union of Sports Associations and three sports clubs: Kickboxing Club 'Tiger', Table Tennis Club Slunj and Female Handball Team 'Drenak' organised also a demonstration of martial arts for children and youth in the High School sporting hall.
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PLAŠKI, 22 March 2011
World Water Day: UNDP presents studies regarding water supply in Municipality of Plaški
In order to optimize the water supply system in Municipality of Plaški in Karlovac County, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Croatia and Municipality of Plaški jointly financed two studies aiming to solve the problems of drinking water supplies for the local population. The final goal of this pilot project is to reduce the total losses for at least 30% and the costs of current maintenance for at least 20% on yearly bases.
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DVOR, 17 March 2011
Dvor municipality receives new children's playground
Official opening of children's playground in the Dvor municipality in Sisak-Moslavina county marked the successful completion of the 'Safe playing and learning in Dvor' project. The project, initiated by the Crime prevention Council of the Dvor Municipality, was implemented as part of the 'Community policing' strategy. The aim of the project was to increase safety of children and ensure one more space for playing and learning in Dvor. With the financial support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Municipality of Dvor, the existing public space in front of the residential building in the municipality centre was redone, several outdoor playing equipment for children's playground (see saws and climbing toys), benches and trash cans, as well as fence around the playground were purchased and set up.
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ZAGREB, 22 December 2010
Reuse of Abandoned District Schools in Karlovac County for Economic and Public Purposes
Karlovac County Prefect Ivan Vučić and UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Louisa Vinton today signed in Karlovac a 400,000 HRK cooperation agreement to help resolve the ownership of abandoned district schools in the Karlovac County in order to make them available for economic and public use.
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30 November 2010
Zadar County signs four development agreements worth 1 million kuna
UNDP supports solar energy, access to EU funds, rural development, and mountain rescue service
Four agreements worth a total of 1.1 million kuna were signed today in Zadar by Stipe Zrilić, the County Prefect, and Louisa Vinton, the United Nations Resident Coordinator and UN Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Croatia. Under the agreements, UNDP will assist the county in creating a training center for the installation of solar energy systems; work with a large number of small islands to prepare for European Union (EU) accession; support the county in drafting a long-term rural development strategy; and purchase equipment for the county's volunteer mountain rescue service.
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17 November 2010
First international symposium on the "Status and Role of Women in Rural Areas" held in Zagreb
World Rural Women's Day (15 October) is marked in Zagreb today and tomorrow by a conference on the "Status and Role of Women in Rural Areas" which reviews the role of women in promoting economic development in rural areas, health care, social services, education, employment creation and self employment.
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27 October 2010
New grant facility to assist small businesses in Lika-Senj County
Technical documentation often a missing link in securing financing
The first of three workshops on the possibilities of obtaining grants from the Joint Fund for Technical Documentation for Small Processing Plants, Products and Diversification of Services in Lika-Senj County took place on 27 October 2010 in the premises of the Open University in Otočac. The workshop was organized by Lika-Senj County and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Grants from the Fund are designed to enable entrepreneurs to prepare the technical documentation that is often needed to secure financing, and thus help their businesses compete in an increasingly demanding marketplace. The workshop was attended by twenty participants mainly from the cheese and dairy industry from the cities of Otocac and Senj and the municipalities of Brinje and Vrhovine.
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Otočac, 13 October 2010
New sport-recreational facilities on the river Gacka
Opening ceremony of the recreational park along the river Gacka
Since March 2007 United Nations Development Programme in Croatia (UNDP), The Coca Cola Company and the City of Otočac were implementing project "Every Drop Matters - Gacka River" boosting the capacities for sustainable development of the Gacka valley and developing potentials for an all-encompassing tourist offer as well as raising awareness of the local population on the importance of conservation and sustainable management of water. The inauguration of a modern recreational park along Gacka River marked its completion.
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Drniš, 14 July 2010
LEADER-'s approach to rural development
First Local Action Group in Šibenik-Knin County presented in Drniš
In the in the Small Hall of City of Drniš, representatives of Šibenik-Knin County and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held a meeting with the initiators of the first Local Action Group in Sibenik-Knin County and representatives of local governments, NGOs and private sector from the municipalities of Promina, Unešić, Ružić, Bilica and cities of Skradin, Drniš and parts of the city of Šibenik - settlements Brnjica, Goriš, Konjevrate, Radonić, Lozovac and Dubrava near Šibenik.
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2 July 2010
LEADER programme presentation held in Dvor Municipality
The United Nations Development Programme, in collaboration with Dvor Municipality and with the financial support of Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized a presentation on the LEADER programme and local action groups (LAGs).
The presentation, held in the Municipality offices, gathered local authorities' representatives of Dvor Municipality and neighbouring municipalities and towns, situated on the Una River. This assembly was initiated by Dvor Municipality and their officials, who wanted to learn more on LAGs establishment on their territory as well as on opportunities and benefits they bring.
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29 June 2010
European Union LEADER programme presented in the City of Novska
On the initiative of the City of Novska and with the Dutch Government financial support, the United Nations Development Programme has given a presentation on the EU LEADER programme and local action groups (LAGs) in the city offices.
The presentation gathered representatives of city and municipal governments, local associations, cooperatives, entrepreneurs and other institutions from the Sisak-Moslavina County, the Požega-Slavonia County and the Brod-Posavina County, which all support economical and entrepreneurial development and promote environmental protection as well as sustainable development.
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Podgorica, 16 June 2010
Presentation of City of Rijeka's models of financing local development projects
Seminar on public private partnerships and models of financing development projects
Organized by UNDP's Knowledge Hub, a regional seminar for representatives of local and national public administrations with a topic of public-private partnership and financing of local development projects, with a focus on successful cases City of Rijeka, will take place on 17th of June in Podgorica.
One-day seminar in the field of financing of local government will take place Hotel Crna Gora and is intended for representatives of cities and municipalities in Montenegro as well as other cities and municipalities from Southeast Europe. The aim of the seminar is to facilitate sharing of experiences and examples of good practices in the area of financing local government.
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Zagreb, 1 June 2010
More support to underdeveloped areas in Croatia
The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNDP signed an agreement
Mr. Ian de Jong, the Director General for European Affairs of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Alessandro Fracassetti, Resident Representative a.i. of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed today an agreement for the implementation of the project "Support to Underdeveloped Areas in Croatia to Prepare for the EU CAP and Rural Development Policy while Reducing their Vulnerability to Climate Change".
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Otočac, 31 May 2010
Recreational park to revitalize forgotten armband of river Gacka
A 65.000 USD worth joint initiative of UNDP and City of Otočac
A 65.000 USD (325.000,00 HRK) worth joint initiative of UNDP and City of Otočac is going to bring a new life to forgotten and arid northern armband of River Gacka by introducing new recreational facilities and construction of promenade.
In 1960s, the southern and northern armband of the lower flow of the Gacka River was irretrievably changed by the construction of a complex hydropower system of the hydroelectric power plant in Senj, when the ground-waters of the Lika River were directed to the part of the old south flow of the Gacka River, and then the joined water of the rivers Gacka and Lika were collected and channelled to the Gusić field, where an artificial accumulation of water of two rivers gushes through an underground tunnel in Velebit towards the turbines of hydro power plant Senj. This, at the time, innovative hydropower solution led to the draining of the southern armband and to partial draining of the northern armband of the river Gacka.
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OTOČAC, 22 April 2010
High School Students Call for the Preservation of Gacka River
Works of high school students on the preservation of water have been presented on the event GackoKaz
On the occasion of the Earth Day, the so-called GackoKaz event was held as the final part of the 'Water Triptych' project, which is aimed at supporting the cooperation of high schools from local self-administration units using the Lika-Gacka river system as the source of potable water. The students from High School Otočac, Vocational and Secondary School from Gospić, High School Pavao Ritter Vitezović from the town of Senj, and High School Markantun de Dominis from the town of Rab presented their works marking March 22, the World Water Day, as part of their 'green' programs and activities. The Water Triptych is part of a number of activities within the project "Every Drop Matters – Gacka River", which was started by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Coca-Cola in Croatia, in collaboration with the local community.
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ZADAR, 14 April 2010
International workshop on tourism and rural development held in Zadar
In the framework of the Regional Knowledge Hub project, UNDP and Network of Associations of Local Authorities of Southeast Europe (NALAS) gathered some 40 representatives of cities, municipalities and development institutions from almost all countries of South-eastern Europe on an international workshop held in Zadar on 8th -9th of April. Through lectures and interactive discussions focused on developmental aspects of tourism and rural development this two-day international workshop, titled "Managing Projects in the Area of Tourism and Rural development", has brought the topics of project cycle management and preparation of proposals for development funds closer to the participants. A large number of representatives and decision makers from cities and municipalities of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Moldova and Turkey provided stimulating discussions and valuable exchange of experience at the regional level.
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ZAGREB, 2 April 2010
Revitalization of agricultural production on the demined land in Sisak-Moslavina County
4th April: International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
Mines and explosive devices are a long-term legacy of war which continues to take its toll long after conflicts cease. In Croatia, according to the Croatian Mine Action Centre (CROMAC), in 2009 there were 7 people injured, out of which 4 lethally. This figure was much higher only few years ago. In 2004, 16 persons were injured, out of which 14 lethally. Not only do the mines endanger lives, but they also prevent the use of mined areas for various purposes. For instance, agricultural land contaminated with mines reduces the opportunities for its use and investment and thus directly affects the level of economic productivity.
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Otočac, 24 March 2010
Gacka river gets multimedia venue
The Center was opened within the project "Every Drop Matters – Gacka River"
A major new venue has been presented today, on the occasion of the World Water Day (March 22), set up within the project "Every Drop Matters – Gacka River", started by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Coca-Cola in Croatia, in collaboration with the local community. The programs and attractions provided by the Croatian Center for Indigenous Species of Fish and Crawfish in Karstic Waters – Otočac got a major new boost in the form of the newly opened multimedia center. This center is envisaged as a future point of reference for various educational and expert gatherings, and as a source of information for scientific and educational institutions, tourists and the local community.
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PETRINJA, 23 March 2010
It is important to learn how to produce food
First generation of graduates in vocational training for cattle breeders from Sisak-Moslavina County
At today's graduation ceremony for students of training for cattle breeders from Sisak Moslavina County, held at the Plum and Chesnut Centre in Donja Bačuga near Petrinja, the certificates for the vocation of a 'cattle breeder' were handed to 27 participants of this vocational training from Sisak-Moslavina county, mainly from Petrinja and Sunja, but also from Hrvatska Kostajnica, Donji Kukuruzari, Majur and Sisak. The training was conducted from March till June last year by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Open Public College Duga Resa, in cooperation with the Plum and Chesnut Centre from Donja Bačuga.
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Zadar, 15 March 2010
Development of rural areas in the Zadar County
Zadar County and UNDP signed an agreement on development of the LEADER programme
Mr. Stipe Zrilić, Prefect of the Zadar County, signed the Agreement on joint financing of the project "Development of the LEADER programme in the Zadar County" to be implemented by the County, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Croatia. The agreement provides support to the establishment and registration of a local action group (LAG) by the end of the year 2010, which will include municipalities of Starigrad, Jasenice, Posedarje, Poličnik, Novigrad, Ražanac and the City of Obrovac. The Municipality of Karlobag in Lika-Senj County will also be invited to participate in the work of the LAG. The implementation of the project, worth EUR 200,000.00, will also ensure the preparation of local strategies as basis for the use of rural development funds, available after the Croatian accession to the European Union and will help develop cooperation with the LAG "Laura" in Biograd as well as with other LAGs in Croatia.
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Sarajevo, 3 December 2009
UNDP launches Regional Knowledge Hub project for regional towns and municipalities
The two-day seminar on "Financing of local development - case study of the City of Rijeka" which took place on December 3-4 in Sarajevo, was attended by twenty representatives from the Western Balkan region, town and municipality governments, international organizations, NGOs and local governance experts. The seminar was an excellent opportunity for direct exchange of experiences in the financing of local development projects with a focus on the experience and achievements of the City of Rijeka, Croatia. This event marks an end of the regional project "Capacity Building for Public Service Delivery - Pathway to EU integration" which was in though the course of 2009 implemented by Western Balkan countries (Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, the area under the UN-administered Kosovo, Macedonia and Albania).
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Zadar, 18 November 2009
Rural development through partnerships
A workshop on the EU LEADER program for development of rural areas began in Zadar
A two-day workshop, "LEADER Approach to Rural Development", organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) began today in Zadar. The workshop is attended by 25 representatives of public, private, and social sectors from the Lika-Senj, Zadar, and Šibenik-Knin Counties.
The programme intends to help individual citizens, groups, companies, and other development stakeholders in local communities, to examine the potential of their region, and promote the application of sustainable development policies at the local, regional and national levels.
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OTOČAC, 10 September 2009
New Facilities at the Authenic Fish and Crab Centre on the River Gacka
Expansion of the Croatian Centre for Authenic Fish and Crab Varieties in Karst Waters
Representatives of the town Otočac and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed today an Agreement for joint financing of the expansion of the Croatian Centre for Authentic Fish and Crab Varieties in Karst Waters located at the source of Kostelke in Ličko Lešće. Although the primary activity of the Croatian Centre for Authentic Fish and Crab Varieties in Karst Waters is scientific research and breeding of authentic varieties, within less than a year it has been discovered as an extremely attractive tourist destination. Since its opening it has had more than 1500 visitors, especially school groups.
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Benkovac, 3 September 2009
Croatian Army Home Becomes a Cultural Centre
Culture centre project documentation agreement signed
At the site of the former Croatian Army Home in Benkovac, Representatives of the town Benkovac and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have today signed a joint financing agreement for the preparation of project documentation for the Culture centre project.
The building was used by the Croatian Army up until 2007, and was returned to the town of Benkovac by Government decree. The project to refurbish and repair the building into a future Culture centre has already been outlined as one of the priorities for the Adriatic region by the Ministry of Regional Development, Forestry, and Waters. Once Croatia becomes an EU member state the project will apply for EU Structural Funds. The agreement between the town of Benkovac and UNDP gives a green light to the financing of project documentation amounting to 280,000 Kuna, which is one of the preconditions for the use of EU funds.
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Benkovac, 13 July 2009
Zadar County cheese makers are ready for the EU
Acknowledgments for cheese and milk maker training attendants
Acknowledgments for successful completion of vocational training for milk and cheese makers were issued by the county prefect Stipe Zrilic at a ceremony in the Benkovac Town library.
The training was jointly organised by the Zadar County and UNDP, and was carried out by the Karlovac Naturalist School. The program was composed of 120 hours of theory and practice, and an educational visit to cheese producers on the island Pag. The course had 26 attendants from the Zadar County, who will have the course included in their "workers booklet". The overall value of the project is 75.000 Kuna, out of which the Zadar County donated 21.000 Kuna, and the rest was co-financed by attendants and the UNDP as a part of a UN Fund MDG-F for attaining Millennium Development Goals.
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Benkovac, 16 June 2009
Cheesemakers of Zadar County Prepare for EU
Training for dairyman-cheesemakers begins in Benkovac town
First in a range of lectures in the course of the training process for the occupational profile dairyman-cheesemaker was held at the City Library of Benkovac, organized within the project supported by the United Nations MDG Achievement Fund (MDG-F). The training is jointly organized and financed by the Zadar County and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the implementer is the School of Natural Sciences in Karlovac. The program, which is officially recognized in the Employment Bureau's classification of occupations, will have 26 participants from the area of the Zadar County, and it consists of 120 hours of theory and practical training, with study trips to cheese dairies on the island of Pag. The total value of the project is 75,000.00 HRK, with the Zadar County contributing 21,000.00 HRK, while the remainder of the total amount is financed by the UNDP (through the UN MDG-F fund), and the participants themselves.
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8 June 2009
Inhabitants of Cities and Counties in the Region Just as Happy With Their Location as EU Citizens
UNDP and SNV international conference in the city of Rijeka
Rijeka, 08 June 2009 – A two-day conference on the impact of European integration on the provision of public services in cities and counties of Southeast Europe, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) gathered a range of participants in Rijeka today. They include a number of mayors and heads of municipalities from countries of the region; local development experts from the European Union, the Council of Europe, UNDP and the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), all gathered to discuss the trends and growing developmental challenges that the cities and municipalities are facing in the process of EU accession.
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GOSPIĆ, 22 May 2009
High-quality cooperation leads to a range of development programs in Lika region
UNDP receives public acknowledgment of Ličko-senjska county
The regional office of UNDP in Zadar received the special acknowledgment of Ličko-senjska County, for very successful cooperation between the UNDP and that county. The Zadar Office of UNDP actively cooperated with the County and with units of local self-government in Ličko-senjska County's area in the scope of the implementation of the project of Socio-Economic Recovery of Areas of Special State Concern, in the course of 2007 and 2008. This joint activity led to the implementation of 31 projects in the area of agriculture, water supply, social care, health care, care for children, and adult education, all with the purpose of raising the economic and social standard in the County. The total value of projects implemented in the Lika region amounts to 7,069,000.00 kuna, with 40 percent of that sum contributed by the UNDP. The total UNDP's investment in the area of Ličko-senjska County, in the period since 2007 till today, has approached the value of 3.2 million kuna.
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GOSPIĆ, 28 April 2009
Cheesemakers of Lika Region Ready for EU
Participants of training for dairymen-cheesemakers received their certificates in Gospić
Participants of the training program for the occupational profile dairyman-cheesemaker received their certificates for the successful completion of the program at a ceremony organized by Ličko-senjska county and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), at the Cultural and Information Center in the city of Gospić.
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Ilok, 4 April 2009
The city of Ilok - new tourist potentials
The city of Ilok in cooperation with UNDP Croatia presented and opened to public several renovated and built objects at the ceremony in Ilok at the Nikola Ilocki Square on Saturday, April 4th. The finished objects include: Cultural centre's facade, walking pavement along the Franjo Tudjman street, walking pavement and parking lot for tourist buses in the city centre, renovated Square of Victims of Homeland War, walkway and street lights connecting old city centre with river Danube. The objects have been renovated as part of Tourism development in Eastern Slavonia and Danube Basin area project conducted by UNDP with the financial support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the city of Vukovar and the city of Ilok.
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OTOČAC, 20 March 2009
Gacka - The Example of Deep Connection Between Man and Water
The Guide to Good Water Management presented on occasion of the World Water Day, March 22
Today, on the occasion of World Water Day in Gacka River Museum/Open University, The Guide to Good Water Management was presented. The Guide was published as part of "Every Drop Matters" project conducted in the Gacka valley by the UNDP with the financial support from Coca-Cola Croatia. Through the example of beauties and preservation of Gacka River and the related cultural heritage, The Guide to Good Water Management aims to tell a story of water and raise awareness of the importance of clean/drinkable water for the survival of the mankind. In doing so, a special emphasis has been put on the conditional renewability of water as a resource, thereby sending a message that the human engagement through responsible management is essential in ensuring long-term and sustainable availability of water.
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12 December 2008
LIFE goes on
Financing of new UNDP LIFE projects accepted
Representatives of UNDP and Licko-senjska, Zadarska and Sibensko-kninska counties agreed on financing of the second round of projects in the area of these three counties to be implemented in 2009. The projects fall under the UNDP Local Development – LIFE programme which also includes areas of Vukovar, Ilok, Banovina and Kordun.
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DRNIŠ, 29 October 2008
New Premises of the Football Club DOŠK for the Youth of Drniš
New football club premises of Drniš Youth Sports Club – DOŠK were inaugurated today in Drniš. They were renewed by the City of Drniš and UNDP, in collaboration with the Club. Ruinous premises of FC DOŠK, that presented a threat to security of its members and children, are now renewed and therefore appropriate for everyday exercise and recreation of its 300 members, children and youth from the Drniš area. This investment is worth 1,5 million HRK. Two thirds of funding were provided by City of Drniš and local entrepreneurs, while the UNDP contributed with half a million HRK, ensured trough donations of Dutch and Norwegian governments.
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ZAGREB, 15 October 2008
Powers currently bestowed upon local governments are insufficient for significant community development
Concluding remarks at the conference on decentralization and public services provision
A conference on decentralizing and providing public services took place in Zagreb today. The conference was organized by the Coalition of Cities of the Republic of Croatia and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Several issues were covered during the panel: the various systems of financing local self-governmening units, decentralization of public roads and the school system, the different ways to procure public services, and finally, the efficiency of the water supply system. Research carried out by UNDP and the local authorities in the cities of Varaždin and Delnice yielded interesting results that were also presented at the conference. Two widely discussed issues focused on finding ways to strengthen the decentralization process and improve public services offered to citizens.
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ZAGREB, 23 September 2008
Northwestern Croatia is the Most Competitive Region in the Country - The Least Developed Counties are Also the Least Competitive
In collaboration with the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK), today in Zagreb the National Council on Competitiveness (NVK) and the United Nations Development Programme presented research on "The Croatian Regional Competitiveness Index of 2007". This is the first time that research on Croatia produced a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of its three regions, and 21 counties, and the reasons behind the differences between these regions. It also provided suggestions on how to strengthen economic competitiveness on the local level. The research methodologies were based on those used by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Institute of management development (IMD).
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GORNJE VRHOVINE, 28 June 2008
Municipality of Vrhovine Opened a Daily Care Center for the Elderly
The Vrhovine municipality is the smallest local government in the continental part in Ličko-senjska county, where the majority of the population is comprised of elders. Today's opening of the program "Daily Care Center and home assistance for the elderly" in Gornje Vrhovine will assure day to day assistance and care for 215 inhabitants older than 65. The daily maximum capacity is 70 people, and the program will be executed by 12 employees. By implementing daily assistance and visits for those people who are off residential premises, the quality of life will significantly improve for many households inhabited by the elderly in the county of Lika.
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LOVINAC, 20 June 2008
Lika's traditional food products taste store „Pola-pola" opened in Lovinac
At this year's 6th edition of LIKA IN FOCUS event, agricultural cooperative "Lovinac" opened its brand new taste store of Lika's traditional food products, "Pola-pola" (Half-half) – named after a traditional local potato specialty dish. The project was implemented thanks to financial support of the Ministry of Tourism, Municipality of Lovinac and UNDP support from by Dutch government's funds.
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20 June 2008
The city of Benkovac awards UNDP Zadar with acknowledgement plaques
At a ceremonial conference that took place on June 13th, the City of Benkovac Day, public acknowledgements were awarded to individuals and organizations who with their hard work improved the Benkovac region during this past year. During the conference the speakers stressed the fact that the city of Benkovac has been promoting an affirmative social policy that strives to improve the living conditions of its constituents. The past year was significant for this once war infested area, seeing that some 640 square metres of land were cleared of mines, 2,65 millions HRK were invested in planting seeds, and significant changes and additions were added to the urban and space plannning agenda of the City as well as a detailed urban plan for a commercial zone in Benkovac. The Benkovac region has in this way procured all the preconditions necessary for greater development in the city's traditionally important livestock, agricultural and entrepreneurial industries.
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GRAČAC, 25 April 2008
Female Entrepreneurship Centre in Gračac – Answer to Unemployment and Low Living Standard of Women in Lika
As an answer to local community problems, above all unemployment and poor economic status of women, a group of women from Gračac, assembled in Prospero association, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), opened the Female Entrepreneurship Centre in Gračac. The Gračac municipality in Zadar County, like most towns and municipalities in the areas of special state concern, has had a high unemployment rate ever since the Homeland War, which particularly affects middle-aged and elderly women. The new Centre's intention is to help women who are interested in entrepreneurship to start their own businesses. To that end the Prospero association has already established cooperation with the Zadar Craftsmen Association that will provide the necessary qualified assistance and access to relevant information, as well as courses on craftsmanship and entrepreneurship.
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STARIGRAD-PAKLENICA, 19 April 2008
First Cycling Parade at the Foot of the Velebit Mountain Opened the Jasenice-Starigrad Bike Trail
Zadar region wants to become a recognizable cycling destination on the tourism market
A few dozen recreationists, cycling enthusiasts from Starigrad-Paklenica, Vodice, Zadar, Otočac, Zagreb, Rijeka and Gospić took part in the first cycling parade at the foot of the Velebit mountain celebrating opening of new, forty-kilometre bike trail Jasenice – Starigrad. The new trail was formally opened in Jasenice by Marjana Marasović, director of the Starigrad-Paklenica Tourist Board and Martin Baričević, mayor of Jasenice municipality. Nevenka Marinović, member of the Croatian Parliament and the Tourism Committee, and H. E. Nienke Trooster, Ambassador of the Kingdom of The Netherlands to Croatia, who rode part of the trail herself, honoured the opening ceremony. The Kingdom of The Netherlands is the main donor of the Local Development Programme implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which co-financed this project.
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PETRINJA, 19 March 2008
New Local Development Guidelines 2008-2010 for Banovina-Kordun Region Adopted
Local government officials from Sisak and Karlovac Counties visited new UNDP office in Petrinja
In Sisak-Moslavina and Karlovac counties in year 2007, a number of 53 local development projects has been successfully implemented, with 17 more to be implemented in first half of 2008. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has invested over 7 million HRK in local development in Areas of Special State Concern in Banovina and Kordun, additionally accumulating over 31 million HRK from local and state resources. Due to relocation of UNDP's Local Development field office from Sisak to a new address in Petrinja (Trg Stjepana Radića, 14/1, 44259 Petrinja), a meeting took place, gathering mayors of towns and municipalities with which UNDP has successfully cooperated on a project "Socio-economic recovery of Areas of Special State Concern: Banovina-Kordun", during 2006 and 2007.
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Zagreb, 13 July 2007
Seminar "Public Private Partnerships – A Practical Guide"
UNDP in partnership with the Croatian Institute for Bridges and Structural Engineering (HIMK) and European Institute for Public Administration (EIPA) organized the seminar "Public Private Partnerships (PPP) - a Practical Guide" in Zagreb, 6-7 July 2007.
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DRNIS, 27 June 2007
New Projects for Local Development in Lika and Dalmatian Hinterland Approved
Dutch and Norwegian governments stimulate entrepreneurship in Lika, Zadar and Šibenik hinterland
At the meeting held on 26 June 2007, a Committee of UNDP's local development project, consisting of representatives of donors, local and regional governments, NGOs and the UNDP, approved the financing of the second round of projects. The total value of more than 30 approved projects, coming from all three Counties covered by the project (Lika, and Zadar and Šibenik hinterland) is over 19 million USD, thereof more than a million are donated by the Governments of The Kingdom of the Netherlands and The Kingdom of Norway. The projects motivate employment and entrepreneurship, reconstruction of infrastructure, providing high-quality social welfare, and capacity-building for county development institutions, in order to improve their skills in project preparation and utilization of available funds from domestic and foreign resources.
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17 May 2007
Gredar Bridge Opening Ceremony in Krnjak
Newly built Gredar bridge in Karlovac County was officially opened on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 14.00 hrs at the opening ceremony held by Municipality of Krnjak in cooperation with UNDP and Government of the Kingdom of Norway. Karlovac County Mayor, Ivica Horvat, Head of Municipality of Krnjak Rade Kosanović, Norwegian Ambassador to Croatia, Elisabeth Walaas, Serbian Ambassador to Croatia Radvoje Cvjetičanin, and Resident Representative of United Nations Development Programme, Yuri Afanasiev attended the opening ceremony.
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Glavicani, 13 April 2007
BRIDGE IN GLAVICANI SETTLEMENT RECONSTRUCTED
The reconstruction of the 22 meters long, wooden bridge in the settlement of Glavicani started at the beginning of year 2007, and the bridge was finished at the beginning of April 2007 with contributions of UNDP, Municipality Dvor and County department for Roads. The implementation of this project ensured the conditions for normal communication and inhabitants' lives, and conditions for agricultural development and increasing of number of population in cut-off settlements.
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Zagreb, 4 April 2007
Seminar on Venture Philanthropy
Hotel Donat, Zadar, 18 - 20 April 2007
IMPACT – European Centre for Cross-Sector Partnership, organises the seminar VENTURE PHILANTHROPY, presented by NESsT Consulting, under the auspices of UNDP Croatia and the National Foundation for Civil Society Development.
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Zagreb, 9 March 2007
Vojnic Municipality Opened the New Water Supply Pipeline
Municipality of Vojnic in Karlovacka County, in cooperation with UNDP Croatia and the Norwegian Government officially opened today the new water supply pipeline Bukovica in Vojnic. Mayor of the Municipality of Vojnic, Nebojsa Andric, UNDP Croatia Deputy Resident Representative, Alessandro Fracassetti and the Norwegian Ambassador to Croatia, Elisabeth Waalas attended the opening ceremony.
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Zagreb, 8 March 2007
SEMINAR ON PRACTICE AND ETHICS OF LOBBYING
Hotel Regent Esplanade, Zagreb, 24 - 25 March 2007
Presented by one of the leading EU lobbyists, Mr. Russell Patten, Grayling Brussels, under the auspices of UNDP and the National Foundation for Civil Society Development in partnership with the Academy for Political Development.
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ZAGREB, 28 February 2007
NATIONAL FOUNDATION PERCIEVED IN PUBLIC AS AN ESTABLISHED ACTOR OF CIVIL SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT
Within the framework of a wider UNDP institutional building project - a public perception audit was conducted in cooperation with SPEM Communications Group in December 2006 and January 2007 with the main purpose to investigate the reputation and visibility of the National Foundation for Civil Society Development among CSO-s, the media, general audience and representatives of the influential audience.
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ZADAR, 26 February 2007
SEMINAR ON "BUILDING AND MANAGING EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP"
Within the project IMPACT – European Centre for Cross-sector Partnership, UNDP in cooperation with the National Foundation for Civil Society Development and Welcomeurope, the leading European organization for training on EU Funding organized a seminar on " BUILDING AND MANAGING EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP" in Zadar, 26th and 27th February 2007.
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TUHELJSKE TOPLICE, 21 February 2007
Towards EU funds through linking developmental agencies
The first conference of developmental institutions in Croatia has shown that Croatia needs a stronger regional development in order to successfully use foreign funds and adjust to EU standards. The two-day conference gathered more than 100 national and foreign participants, who analyzed the current situation of the developmental institutions in Croatia, support they could get for their activities as well as options of establishing long-term cooperation between all developmental institutions in the country.
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Zadar, 9 February 2007
FINANCING OF THE FIRST ROUND OF UNDP LIFE PROJECTS IN THREE NEW COUNTIES - ACCEPTED
Representatives of UNDP and Licko-senjska, Zadarska and Sibensko-kninska counties agreed on financing of the first round of projects in the area of these three counties. The projects fall under the UNDP Local Development – LIFE programme which already includes areas of Vukovar, Ilok, Banovina and Kordun.
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Zagreb, 6 February 2007
Seminar: "Building and Managing European Partnership"
Zadar, 26th and 27th February 2007
Step by step towards successful European partnership/consortium within the EU funding programs/projects, in Zadar, Croatia 26th and 27th February 2007.
The organizations from public, private, and non-profit sector from Croatia as well as from other countries in the region are facing an increasing number of opportunities to participate in the EU funding programmes, which often require specific knowledge and skills related to building and managing big European partnership projects where number of organizations from different European countries take part in the project consortium.
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Zagreb, 24 October 2006
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ISO certificate for the National Foundation
The National Foundation is the first public institution in Croatia awarded the certificate ISO 9001:2000. The implementation and certification of the Quality Management System (QMS) according to international standard ISO 9001:2000 has been initiated through a wider UNDP institutional development project.
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Sisak, 18 September 2006
Presentation of UNDP's LIFE project
UNDP presented its project for development of two Croatian counties, Sisacko-moslavacka and Karlovacka County in Sisak, 18th September. The main goal of the project is to encourage development of some parts of those counties, particularly in the areas of special state concern.
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