EVENTS: CRADLES Stakeholders Meeting

Date: 25th February 2025
Venue: Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
Organized by: CRADLES Project
Participants: Representatives from higher education and research organizations, national public authorities, SMEs, and local government bodies.

On the 25th of February 2025, the CRADLES project team organized a stakeholders working meeting at the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (IOF) in Split, Croatia. The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from national public authorities, higher education institutions, SMEs, and local government bodies, to discuss the ongoing implementation of CRADLES activities focused on nursery area conservation.

Key Highlights:

  • Setting the Stage for Collaboration: The meeting was opened by Dr. Sanja Matić-Skoko (IOR), who introduced the CRADLES project, its purpose, and the key objectives. She emphasized the importance of stakeholder involvement in achieving the project’s goals, highlighting the need for collaboration to gather valuable insights and data related to nursery habitats.

  • Focus on the Pantan Reserve: A central topic of the meeting was the Special Ichthyological and Ornithological Reserve Pantan, managed by the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Values in the Split-Dalmatia County (JU MORE I KRŠ). Gvido Piasevoli (JU MORE I KRŠ) provided an overview of the management plans, ongoing conservation efforts, and challenges facing this critical habitat.

  • Planning for Pilot Activities: The meeting included discussions on pilot activities planned for the Pantan area, emphasizing the need for active stakeholder participation to ensure the successful implementation of conservation measures. These activities are designed to monitor the current status of nursery areas, identify knowledge gaps, and develop effective restoration strategies.

  • Networking and Knowledge Sharing: The event fostered an open dialogue among participants, allowing for the exchange of ideas and the identification of potential synergies. This collaborative approach is essential for building a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing nursery habitats and developing innovative solutions.

  • Promotional Outreach: To raise awareness about the project, the CRADLES team distributed project leaflets and promotional gadgets to participants, reinforcing the importance of their ongoing support in the conservation of coastal ecosystems.

The CRADLES project remains dedicated to fostering collaboration among stakeholders, promoting sustainable nursery habitat management, and supporting the long-term health of the Adriatic Sea.

For more information about the CRADLES project and its ongoing efforts, stay tuned for future updates.