As part of the project Improve River LIFE – Improving degree of conservation of Natura 2000 target species and habitat types through improvement of river connectivity, two focus groups (group interviews) were held on November 12, 2024, with stakeholders from the public, private, and civil sectors related to the Vrljika and Jadro rivers.
The focus group for the Vrljika River was held at the Zdilar Hotel and Restaurant in Glavina Donja, gathering 14 participants. The focus group for the Jadro River took place at the Jadro Visitor Centre in Solin, with 15 participants attending.
The purpose of conducting group interviews within the focus groups is to identify the socio-economic impacts that project activities on the Vrljika and Jadro Rivers could have on the local community, as well as to understand the community’s relationship with these rivers and their perception as both environmental and economic resources.
The focus groups were moderated by Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Lukić from the Department of Geography at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. An introductory presentation outlining the project’s foundations and objectives for local stakeholders was delivered by Jura Sabolek, M.Sc., a research associate at the same institution. In addition to local stakeholders, the focus groups included representatives from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, the leading institution on the project, as well as representatives from partner institutions: The public institution “Sea and Karst” and the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb.
Local stakeholders participating in both focus groups recognized the importance of activities aimed at conserving and improving the population status of the soft-mouthed trout, an endemic species unique in the world. They are aware of the need to enhance river management as a water resource. Stakeholders noted that various challenges currently exist, such as river sedimentation, poaching, changes in water levels due to climate change, and communication issues among stakeholders. They particularly emphasized the need to improve communication between project partners and stakeholders and to continuously work on educating the local community.