INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “WATER UNITES – CONNECTING COMMUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABILITY” HELD IN BANJA LUKA
On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the international conference titled “Water Unites – Connecting Communities for Sustainability” was held in Banja Luka. The conference was organized within the framework of the European project BRIDGEWAT (BRIDGing Communities for SustainablE WATers), implemented as part of the iMERMAID initiative (Innovative solutions for Mediterranean Ecosystem Remediation via Monitoring and decontamination from Chemical Pollution).
The Director of the Institute, Professor Dr. Predrag Ilić, welcomed participants from more than ten countries and emphasized the importance of cooperation, the application of scientific knowledge, and raising awareness about water protection. In his address, he highlighted that the BRIDGEWAT project aims to build bridges between science, the public, and relevant community actors, and to promote innovative technologies for the protection of water resources.
The conference was officially opened by the Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, Dr. Željko Budimir, who emphasized the importance of preserving water resources in the context of developing the chemical industry:
“The Republic of Srpska is rich in rivers and hydropower potential, which must be protected, especially since we are in the process of developing certain chemical industries. That is why it is important to have an institution like the Institute for Protection and Ecology, which provides accurate data upon which we can base adequate requirements for investors. This conference is also important for the exchange of experiences with international experts.”
The conference featured thematic sessions, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, presenting new technologies for monitoring chemical pollution and examples of good practices from participating countries. The event gathered representatives from academia, public institutions, NGOs, and iMERMAID project partners from both domestic and international institutions.
This event represents an important step forward in strengthening collaboration, exchanging knowledge, and applying modern solutions in the field of water protection. The Institute for Protection and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska will continue its activities within the BRIDGEWAT project, with the goal of building a more responsible society and preserving water resources for future generations.
The Institute expresses its sincere gratitude to the iMERMAID team for their continued support, trust, and excellent cooperation. Their expertise, openness to dialogue, and willingness to share innovative solutions have significantly contributed to the successful implementation of the BRIDGEWAT project. The support of the iMERMAID consortium represents a strong incentive for improving water monitoring and protection in our region.