NONA travelling academy: study visit to the pilot area in the City of Virovitica

On-Site Visit: Virovitica, Croatia 11-12 February

The NONA travelling academy conducted a study visit to the pilot area in the City of Virovitica on 11-12 February. The visit aimed to review the status, needs, and challenges related to the pilot implementation and to provide on-site support by the project team. This initiative is part of a broader effort involving site visits and travelling academies in other pilot areas, starting with Virovitica, Croatia and the next one planned in Cazin, Bosnia and Herzegovina testing distinct formats for engagement and capacity building.

As part of the study visits, the NONA Academy will test various engagement formats, including a study visit for mayors, a civil society boot camp for youth, and capacity-building events for decision-makers and experts. The overarching goal is to build a community of practitioners and investors committed to sustainable urban and regional development.

The NONA project, through a study visit on the 11th and 12th of February in the City of Virovitica, brought together project partners from the Geological Institute of Slovenia, the Institute for the Development of Local Potentials Iskriva, and the International Development Agency MARA.

The two-day visit began with a bilateral meeting and an on-site visit to the pilot area, where discussions centered on the sustainable development of Virovitica through green investments, governance models, and enhancing stakeholder capacities to drive and implement sustainable land-use practices.

On the second day, the team focused on identifying steps to prevent environmental degradation and mapping opportunities for the valorization of the designated pilot area in line with the principles of the New European Bauhaus. Additionally, discussions explored the concept of a green investment forum, envisioned as a platform for attracting and financing green initiatives. Such a forum could catalyze essential investments, innovation, and skill development, aligning with the key components of the European Green Deal.

This visit also continued the dialogue on achieving a green transition in the Danube region, building on discussions initiated at the DANUBE FUTURE WORKS conference in Ulm last year. By fostering cooperation among local and regional stakeholders, the NONA travelling academy aims to facilitate sustainable development and drive systemic change across pilot areas.

photos: Karla Luić-Kmezić