First Mediterranean Wetland Week

From May 23 to 25, the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County organized the first Mediterranean Wetland Week. The program, designed for both children and adults, included a visit to Smokovljani Elementary School and the presentation of the "Mauremys Visitor-Interpretation Center of the Dubrovnik Littoral". During the Mediterranean Wetland Week, participants could also join in a Bioblitz -collecting data on invasive alien plants, animals, and fungi in a specific area over a set period using the " Invazivne vrste u Hrvatskoj " mobile app.

 Concluding event was held at the Majkovi Volunteer Fire Department.

At this final event, local community and visitors had the opportunity to learn in detail about the LIFE for Mauremys project, take guided tours of Croatia’s first herpetological reserve “Majkovi ponds” and learn about the connection between Balkan Terrapin and agriculture in the area. Experts from the Hyla Association demonstrated the capturing of Balkan Terrapins using research fyke nets and provided a closer look at the appearance, behaviour, and threats to this species.

Visitors sampled traditional local products from “Kuća meda” (the House of Honey), produced in accordance with ecological and sustainable agricultural practices. These practices significantly contribute to the conservation of the Balkan Terrapin’s habitat.

For the youngest visitors, there were various educational games, offering a fun way to learn about the biology of native turtles, how to recognize them, and the ecology and importance of preserving the Balkan Terrapin and its freshwater habitats. To everyone’s delight, cheerful project mascot Mara also made an appearance!

The event was further enriched by a play performed by students of Slano Elementary School titled "Ecologists or Garbage Collectors." Through an engaging and educational performance, the students depicted the "fight" for the conservation of nature and the environment, highlighting the importance of recycling. The play inspired many to think about their own contributions to preserving our planet.

The comprehensive program of the Mediterranean Wetland Week emphasized the importance of joint action by experts and residents in preserving the Balkan Terrapin and the freshwater habitats it inhabits.