The representatives of the University of Ljubljana Prof Primož Banovec – the WACOM Project Leader and Ms Andreja Žerjav – the WACOM Project Coordinator, the International Sava River Basin Commission, Mr Samo Grošelj, Deputy Secretary for Protection of Waters and Aquatic Eco-system and Mr Robert Mikac, the University of Zagreb, visited RACVIAC on 17 February 2021.
The purpose of this visit was to inform RACVIAC on the activities of the International Sava River Basin Commission (Sava Commission) and the implementation of the Water Contingency Management in the Sava River Basin (WACOM) Project, to identify areas of common interests and explore opportunities for establishing mutually beneficial cooperation. The RACVIAC Director, MG (ret.) Jeronim Bazo welcomed the guests and expressed RACVIAC’s readiness to contribute to regional efforts for diminishing risks of natural and man-made disasters and building national civil protection capacities.
Mr Samo Grošelj presented the history, mission, and activities of the Sava Commission, the implementing body of the Framework Agreement on the Sava River Basin (FASRB) ratified by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. He pointed out at the regional cooperation process related to water management and prevention of hazards, i.e. floods and accidental pollution, as some of the FASRB’s specific goals supporting sustainable development of the region.
Prof Primož Banovec explained the main characteristics, planning and implementation of the WACOM Project, emphasizing the importance of coordinated response to emergencies in case of accidental pollution and floods on transboundary watercourses. This common response can be successfully achieved by developing models and protocols for emergencies.
All parties expressed great interest in the continuation of consultations with the aim to establish permanent cooperation in the area of water management, especially related to security and safety.
