Priority and thematic area:

Climate and environmental protection

Objectives

The programme contributes to the environmental protection of the groundwater and surface water as well as to sustainable economic development by

  • improving the municipal drinking water supply and waste-water infrastructure including increasing its energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources; and
  • improving professional skills in the water and waste-water sector.

Strategic focus

In accordance with the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2030, which prioritizes the development of public infrastructure in hilly and mountainous regions, the program invests in the (re)construction of the sewage and water supply system in Gorski Kotar with the aim of reducing water losses as well as pollution of underground and surface waters in the region. It contributes to the improvement of living conditions and sustainable economic development by ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality water.

When designing investments, climate risks and mitigation and adaptation measures are systematically taken into account. By focusing on the use of renewable energy sources such as small hydropower and solar energy, the sustainability of said investments is improved.

Practice-oriented training, as well as conceptual exchanges and dialogue between Croatian and Swiss drainage and water supply experts, complement the aforementioned infrastructure investments.