Consortium meeting of LIFE for Mauremys project partners

For the first time after the Kick-off meeting in Dubrovnik, all project partners gathered for a Consortium meeting in Zagreb, hosted by the project coordinator, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb. Partners evaluated the activities carried out so far and made detailed plans for publications, workshops, events, and future Balkan Terrapin conservation activities to be carried out in Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

Life for Mauremys team used this opportunity to get to know each other better and exchange experiences. The conversation continued on a short walk to the Zoological Garden, where animal keeper Matej Tolić demonstrated a sunbathing platform prototype, and team also had the opportunity to check the locations where ‘turtle-friendly’ fyke net prototype will be tested.

The field visit to the Zoo ended at the future location of the new greenhouse for assisted breeding of Balkan terrapins, which will contain two separate outdoor water bodies, partially enclosed so that the animals can always retreat to indoor sunbathing and nesting areas. The facility will also include eight aquariums inside the greenhouse (accessible only to Zoo staff), which will be used for quarantine, veterinary treatment, and incubation of the hatchlings.

Outdoor water bodies will be visible to the public and will also be used for education. Therefore, the educational corner will be set up to provide public information about Balkan Terrapin and LIFE for Mauremys project to all Zoo visitors.

The project partners will meet again soon at workshops with the local stakeholders in Dubrovnik-Neretva County.