28 November 2025 – The third partner meeting of the international 4PETHABECO project was held from 25 to 27 November 2025 in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Oikon hosted the three-day event, during which partners from eight Adriatic-Ionian countries exchanged experiences, aligned ongoing tasks, and worked together on next steps to improve habitat connectivity and support coexistence between people and large carnivores.
During the meeting, partners discussed strategic direction, development of the action plan, and upcoming technical activities. Joint workshops and group sessions focused on digital tools, spatial planning, and improving ecological connectivity. The programme also included a field visit to the Plitvice Lakes and to two green bridges on the A1 motorway, Varošina and Medina Gora, which serve as examples of green infrastructure that enable safe wildlife crossings and reduce habitat fragmentation.
The full project name is “Strengthening cooperation in addressing socio-environmental challenges of the leading EUSAIR initiative – PET HAB ECO”, with the acronym 4PETHABECO. It is supported under the INTERREG IPA Adrion programme within the INTERREG funds (European Regional Development Fund and IPA).
Within the project, Oikon leads key analyses related to habitat connectivity, fragmentation, threats, and spatial use. Based on data and field research, suitability and connectivity maps are being developed, critical points identified, and guidelines created for better corridor management and long-term coexistence between people and large carnivores.
The third 4PETHABECO project meeting concluded successfully with clearly defined next steps. We thank all partners for their cooperation, knowledge exchange, and three productive days at Plitvice Lakes. We look forward to continuing our work together and to the next meeting.
Project website: https://4pethabeco.interreg-ipa-adrion.eu/
More information about the project: https://oikon.hr/launch-of-the-4pethabeco-project/
