[Tanja Softić]

Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the Municipality of Bilje, Croatia, we would like to express our interest in establishing new transnational partnerships under the 8th Call for Proposals of the Interreg Euro-MED Programme, particularly within the Natural Heritage Mission (Specific Objective 2.7).
The Municipality of Bilje is located in eastern Croatia, in the Baranja region, an area known for its exceptional natural and cultural heritage, preserved rural landscapes and the internationally recognised Kopački rit Nature Park. Over the years, our municipality has placed particular emphasis on environmental protection, sustainable territorial development, biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage and community involvement.
We have gained valuable experience through several EU-funded cross-border cooperation projects, including Hidden Landscapes, Green Baranja and Wild Danube Tour. We are currently implementing Be(e)Good, focusing on sustainable and climate-resilient beekeeping and pollinator protection, as well as UNITRAD, promoting shared cultural heritage, local traditions and cross-border cooperation. Our local Cultural and Development Centre has also participated in the WatchOut project, focusing on biodiversity monitoring and innovative technologies in the Kopački rit Nature Park.
These initiatives have provided a strong foundation for further international cooperation, particularly in projects that combine environmental protection, practical local solutions and the long-term sustainable management of valuable natural areas.
Building on our previous experience and the strategic priorities identified in the Municipality’s Destination Management Plan 2025–2029, we are currently considering two potential project directions:
1. Biodiversity-Smart Landscapes – Biodiversity Resilience and Sustainable Landscape Management
This concept would focus on developing and testing joint approaches to biodiversity monitoring and management in environmentally sensitive natural landscapes. Potential activities could include monitoring habitats and species, identifying and addressing environmental pressures, testing targeted conservation measures, improving management practices and involving local communities in biodiversity protection.
The aim would be to develop practical, transferable solutions that strengthen ecosystem resilience and support evidence-based territorial and environmental management.
2. Living Landscapes – Ecosystem Restoration and Ecological Connectivity
This concept would focus on developing and testing practical approaches to the restoration of degraded and vulnerable ecosystems, including valuable grassland, wetland and other natural habitats.
Potential activities could include pilot restoration measures, improvements in habitat connectivity, protection of native vegetation and pollinators, ecological monitoring and the development of joint methodologies for long-term ecosystem management.
Both concepts are preliminary and open for further development in cooperation with interested partners. We would particularly welcome the opportunity to explore how our experience and local resources could complement project ideas already being developed by other organisations.
The Municipality of Bilje can contribute practical experience in EU-funded project implementation, cooperation with public institutions and civil society, stakeholder engagement and the development of locally grounded activities. We also see considerable added value in partnerships involving municipalities, protected-area management authorities, universities, research institutions and environmental organisations.
We are interested both in joining an existing consortium and in exploring the possibility of jointly developing a new project partnership with organisations from other eligible Interreg Euro-MED countries.
If your organisation is currently preparing a project proposal or is interested in cooperation within the Natural Heritage Mission, we would be pleased to exchange ideas and discuss potential opportunities for collaboration.
We would welcome your feedback and the opportunity to arrange a short online meeting to explore possible synergies and partnership arrangements.
Thank you for considering our expression of interest. We look forward to the possibility of working together.
Bilje Municipality, Croatia
Contact person: Ivana Plaščak, mag. iur.
Position: Project coordination
E-mail: krc@bilje.hr

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