Mark Thomas, our conference host, started the Dubrovnik meeting with the words above. Now when the meeting has come to an end, it is obvious that Mark’s words was a good summary of the project. The atmosphere is always good and we are all eager to develop our own towns as well as help other partners with their challenges.
After an interesting lecture by professor Petar Popović about local political opportunities connected to the EU we concluded the Dubrovnik meeting and thanked the Dubrovnik Devolopment Agency for a very good conference. We are looking forward to hear more about the plans for the old town of Dubrovnik and how the dialogue between stake holders in the town will evolve.
Looking forward to the next meeting for continued discussions!
Whose city is it anyway?
A dynamic panel of people who in different ways all can be seen as representatives for the town of Dubrovnik have joined up in a panel to discuss their different views on the old town.
Participating in the panel are the following:
Ana Prohaska, demographer at the University of Dubrovnik
Zeljko Raguz, Deputy Mayor of Dubrovnik
Ivanka Jemo, Director of Institute for the Restoration of Dubrovnik
Davorka Cecic Premuzak, senior adviser for the Department of Urban Planning, Spatial planning and the Environment
Marina Kristicevic, Dubrovnik Tourist Guides’ Association
Nikolina Farcic, resident in The old town and entrepreneur
The participants of the panel give their different views on development and problems in the old town. It is safe to say that they do not agree and that the people of Dubrovnik feel strongly about their town. The discussions about the future of Dubrovnik deepens.
Split and Šibenik cases…..
Besides Dubrovnik, Croatian cost is rich with equally beautiful and ancient cities, such as Split and Šibenik. Eventhough the mentioned cities are not so known in the world like Dubrovnik, they too struggle with the same issues and face the same problems as all the historical city centers in the world-lack of management plan, limited sustainability, legal and preservation issues, as well as low level of vibrancy.
The meeting continues…..to dress or undress in the historical cities?
After the excellent and needed coffee break, our meeting continued with the presentation held by Mrs. Davorka Premuzak -on behalf of City of Dubrovnik. Mrs Davorka presented the issues that Dubrovnik encounters when it comes to legal and environmental issues. Furthermore, we could hear about rich urban and architectual heritage, importance of cultural values and tradition, and management plan which will make all the above listed aspects possible.
Interesting discussion followed Mrs Davorka’s presentation, and partners were debating about the possible implementation of the dress codes for tourist, while they’re walking down the ancient streets..
Partners presenting their City management plans
Partners of the project took the stage! Each of them presented their City management plan within the short period of time, pointing at the crucial matters and characteristics for the area they live in and drawing parallels with other locations in their country.
Serious questions have been raised, and the discussion spiced this meeting to the high working temperature!
It is now time for the deserved coffee break!
We've started!
This morning our meeting started with lots of enthusiasm and good spirit,introduced by Mark Thomas, our conference host. After the welcome speeches held by City of Dubrovnik deputy major Mr. Raguz, and Director of DURA Mrs. Novakovic, urban planner Ivana Katurić started her presentation about ’Multilevel urban governance and revitalization of the historic centers. The presentation contained many useful and motivating information and pointed at the important role of Urban Center.
Now it is time again. Meeting in Dubrovnik
Familiar faces and new ones have now met up in Dubrovnik for the next EUPLETT meeting. The project participants were welcomed by Jelka Tepšić, Head of Communication department At Dubrovnik tourist board, who told us about tourism in Dubrovnik. The historic town, which is on the UNESCO World heritage list, is the most popular tourist destination in Croatia.
Over the next three days, we will learn more about experiences from Dubrovnik and Croatia concerning town planning, citizen dialogue and EU policies on a local level.
