This new phase of the Nature Returns project is about actively looking for business projects that can be promoted in our pilot sites. The Lonjsko Polje Nature Park was the first site to announce a Call for Submission of Business Proposals to Enhance Sustainability in the area, which is coming to an end next week. March 30th is the last day to apply with business proposals that can improve the management of the Nature Park.

If you are an entrepreneur, or do you aspire to become one, submit a proposal as part of the “Nature Returns” project. The Lonjsko Polje Nature Park will encourage innovative business proposals that contribute for:

1) PROMOTING THE PROTECTION OF PROTECTED AND WILD SPECIES IN THE NATURE PARK

• Reducing the impact of invasive alien species and foreign species, such as false indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa)
• Utilization of biomass from invasive alien species and foreign species, with a focus on the false indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa)
• Wood Industry and other industries, pellets, bioplastics, sawdust, etc.

2) PROMOTION AND PRESERVATION OF THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF LONJSKO POLJE

• Sustainability of using traditional architecture (e.g., ethnographic collection, establishment of agritourism…)
• Restoration, preservation, and promotion of traditional homesteads and other elements contributing to the characteristic cultural landscape of the Nature Park
• Restoration, preservation, and promotion of customs, crafts, and handmade items (e.g., ethnographic collections)
• Visitor and local community education about cultural values

3) PRESERVATION OF TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURE

• Restoration and maintenance of pastures
• Breeding programs for native breeds of the region (e.g., Croatian Posavac, Croatian Coldblooded horse, Turopolje pig, Podolian cattle, Posavina goose, Posavina hound)
• Visitor and local community education on the importance of Indigenous breeds and traditional agriculture in general

Each proposal must be submitted separately via the application form available at the following link: APPLICATION FORM HERE. The selection process will proceed in two phases, during which a committee will evaluate and select the most suitable business proposals. All applicants will be contacted via the email address provided in the application form by 9.4.2025, with information on whether they have progressed to the next round. There are no application fees, and all applicants are exempt from financial costs.

Applicants selected to participate in the Project will have an additional opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs and get the chance to promote their business in the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park. Additionally, they will establish long-term collaboration with key stakeholders in the protected area. Furthermore, applicants with selected proposals will have the opportunity to participate in Connectology’s Entrepreneur Academy, led by entrepreneurship experts.

For more information, feel free to contact us at: sumar@pp-lonjsko-polje.hr or visit the official website of Lonjsko polje Nature Park: https://pp-lonjsko-polje.hr/