The Nature Returns project enters a new and exciting phase of calling entrepreneurs to establish businesses that can help revert threats in protected areas. After developing their management plan and analyzing the existing threats and their impact on the natural values of the Nature Park, the Public Institution Lonjsko Polje Nature Park is announcing a Call for Submission of Business Proposals to Enhance Sustainability in the area.

This call is directed to all entrepreneurs or those who aspire to become entrepreneurs. We invite all entrepreneurs (both current and future) with a business proposal that contributes to the sustainable development of the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park to submit their proposals by March 30th. Each proposal must be submitted separately via the application form available at https://opud2qg9.forms.app/prijavi-poduzetnicku-ideju-obrazac-pplp.

By favoring businesses that have a positive impact on the biodiversity and traditional values of the Lonjsko Polje marshes, we encourage innovative business proposals that contribute to:

• Promoting the protection of protected and wild species in the Nature Park, e.g. by 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; wood Industry and other industries, pellets, bioplastics, sawdust, etc.
• Promotion and preservation of the cultural heritage of Lonjsko Polje, e.g. through 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; visitor and local community education about cultural values.
• Preservation of traditional agriculture, e.g. through 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.

All applicants will be contacted by April 9th, with information on whether they have progressed to the first round of selection. As a benefit, the selected applicants will have the chance to promote their business in the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, plus the opportunity to participate in the Entrepreneur Academy led by entrepreneurship experts and apply for an incubation grant.

For more information, feel free to contact: sumar@pp-lonjsko-polje.hr or check out the Nature Returns website: https://nature-returns.eu/the-project or the official website of Lonjsko polje Nature Park: https://pp-lonjsko-polje.hr/.