Organized by the Public Institution for Nature Protection of Osijek-Baranja County, the two-day ClimEmpower Conference titled “Empowering Regions Facing Climate Challenges” was held on February 6-7, 2025, at Hotel Osijek in Osijek (Croatia). This conference is part of the EU Horizon ClimEmpower project, with Croatian partners including the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, Osijek-Baranja County, and the Public Institution for Nature Protection of Osijek-Baranja County.
The conference’s opening was attended by numerous prominent guests, including the Deputy Prefect of Osijek-Baranja County, Josip Miletić, Member of Parliament Nataša Tramišak, and State Secretary at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, Željko Vuković.
Key Messages from the Conference
Deputy Prefect Josip Miletić emphasized the importance of individual responsibility in environmental preservation and expressed Osijek-Baranja County’s support for projects promoting green and digital transitions. Member of Parliament Nataša Tramišak highlighted the European Green Deal and the need to strengthen climate change adaptation. State Secretary Željko Vuković introduced the upcoming Climate Change and Ozone Layer Protection Act.
Presented Projects and Research
The conference featured numerous projects and studies focused on climate resilience, environmental protection, and adaptation in agriculture:
- Birds and Climate Change – Presentation of winter waterbird counting results in Osijek-Baranja County and Kopački Rit Nature Park.
- REBIOFORESTS and RETFOR – Strengthening forest ecosystem resilience and restoration measures in the Spačva-Bosut Basin (Danijel Cestarić, Hrvatske šume d.o.o.).
- Research on River Environments for Climate Change Resilience – Study on the POR Podpanj case near Donji Miholjac (Doc. Dr. Sc. Ivica Pavičić, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mining, Geology, and Petroleum Engineering).
- Invasive Plant Species and Climate Change – Assoc. Prof. Tanja Žuna Pfeiffer, Department of Biology, University of J.J. Strossmayer in Osijek.
- Spread and Mass Development of Cyanobacteria – Assoc. Prof. Dubravka Špoljarić Maronić, Department of Biology, University of J.J. Strossmayer in Osijek.
- Air Quality in Cities – Assoc. Prof. Brunislav Matasović, Department of Chemistry, University of J.J. Strossmayer in Osijek.
- Climate Change and Agriculture – Prof. Dr. Sc. Danijel Jug, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences, Osijek.
- Impact of Climate Change on Animal-Based Food Production – Dr. Sc. Drago Solić, HAPIH.
- Beekeeping Technology Adaptations to Climate Change – Prof. Dr. Sc. Zlatko Puškadija, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences, Osijek.
- Technology and Knowledge Transfer for Climate-Resilient Agriculture – Prof. Dr. Sc. Ivan Plaščak, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences, Osijek.
- Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices – Climate Farm Demo – Dr. Sc. Tomislav Koturić, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
- Seed Preservation for Resilient Agriculture – Dunja Zbiljski, ZMAG.
- Permaculture in Education for Climate Change Adaptation – Ospera Association (Osijek Permaculture).
- Environmental Impact on Reproductive Potential and Health – Dr. Kristina Abičić Žuljević, KBC Osijek.
The ClimEmpower Conference 2025 successfully gathered scientists, experts, policymakers, business representatives, and local communities to discuss concrete measures for climate change adaptation. The exchange of knowledge and presentation of innovative solutions for environmental protection will contribute to future activities within the ClimEmpower project and strengthen regional resilience to climate challenges.
