The AI-NURECC Plus High-Level Conferences
- “EUSAIR towards the Green and Circular Economy – Territorial Challenges and Regional Development“,
- “Circular economy and aquatic resources: how to manage inland and coastal waters in a smart and circular way”
took place in Sarajevo, on May 24th, in the framework of the 8th Annual EUSAIR Forum.
The 8th EUSAIR Forum, held from 23 to 25 May in Sarajevo, has brought the Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Presidency to a successful end and has welcomed the Croatian Chairmanship, which started officially on June the 1st.
Several events have been organised by youth organisations, on sustainable agriculture and green rural development, on introduction of social pillar in the EUSAIR, as well as other gatherings around innovation and circular economy explored the possibilities for improving the situation in the EUSAIR region.
In this framework, the AI-NURECC Plus Project brought the thematic of Circular Economy, with the two events held on May 24.
***
“Circular economy and aquatic resources: how to manage inland and coastal waters in a smart and circular way”
The optimal management of water resources is an essential goal in light of the impacts that climate change has on the environment. The Covid-19 pandemic has also become an element of further pressure on water resource management, emphasizing the need for a more sustainable and resilient economic, social and environmental system.
New EU rules on water reuse and initiatives provide excellent conditions for instilling more sustainability and circularity into the water management sector in the near future. The protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater transcends national boundaries but Cities and Regions can play a decisive role in guaranteeing full compliance with relevant EU water legislation and for preserving water resources in the long term.
The High-Level Conference was an exchange on the latest information in the field of water management and circular economy and aimed to map the biggest challenges that EUSAIR countries are currently facing to preserve water resources and to present solutions and projects that can serve as good practices.
Presentations are available here:
- Ms. Eleni HATZIYANNI – DG MARE-Unit A3 – Sea-basin Strategies, Maritime Regional Cooperation & Maritime Security – European Commission: “Implementation of the new approach for a sustainable Blue Economy – focus on maritime regional cooperation“.
- Mr. Fokion ZAIMIS – Deputy Governor of Entrepreneurship, Research and Innovation, Region of Western Greece, CPMR Member: “Circular economy and aquatic resources: Western Greece’s example”.
- Ms. Jelena STJEPČEVIĆ – Municipality of Kotor (Montenegro): Head of office for international cooperation, Phd in Maritime Management: “Aquatic resources of Kotor: challenges and opportunities“.
- Ms. Stefania LEONI – Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) – Coordination of European policies/ART-ER Attractiveness Research Territory: “Blue and green growth in Interreg Programs in coherence with Eusair European strategy objectives“.
- Mr. Vedad SULJIĆ – Managing Director of CETEOR (BiH): Center for Economic, Technological and Environmental Development: “CETEORs experience in regard to circular economy and environmental protection, with a focus on water ecosystems“.