On 29 and 30 June 2026, the Croatian project partner, Zagorska razvojna agencija, hosted the transnational partner meeting of the RUREVIVE project in Zabok and Hrašćina, Croatia.
The two-day meeting brought together project partners from Croatia, Slovenia and Poland to review the progress achieved so far and jointly plan the next phase of project implementation.
The working sessions focused on the results of the regional needs assessments, surveys and stakeholder workshops carried out in all partner regions. Based on these findings, partners discussed the preparation of the Consolidated Transnational Needs Assessment Report, which will serve as the foundation for the project’s future activities. Furthermore, significant progress was made in developing the Pilot Training Guide, including the definition of training topics, methodologies, delivery approaches and educational materials that will be implemented consistently across all partner regions. The meeting also marked the beginning of the development of the project’s Dynamic Handbook, which will compile methodologies, practical experiences and good practices identified throughout the project.
Besides the working sessions, project partners visited several inspiring examples of good practice in the Krapina-Zagorje County, demonstrating how sustainable development principles can be successfully implemented at the local level.
The meeting started in Secondary School Zabok, where participants learned about the school’s educational programmes and its activities related to sustainability and zero waste principles. The programme also included a presentation by the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Areas of Krapina-Zagorje County, highlighting sustainable nature management practices and biodiversity conservation.
Thanks to the support of LAG Zagorje–Sutla, partners had the opportunity to meet local stakeholders and learn about community-based initiatives that contribute to sustainable rural development.
An important part of the programme was the presentation of Kupilek, where Mr Igor Jambrešić introduced participants to the company’s environmentally friendly blackberry production, value-added products and sustainable resource management practices.
On the second day, partners visited Bolfan Vinski Vrh, where Mr Tomislav Bolfan presented the winery’s organic wine production, sustainable vineyard management and environmentally responsible production methods.
The study visits provided valuable practical insights into circular economy principles, sustainable agriculture, local entrepreneurship and the efficient use of natural resources, perfectly reflecting the objectives of the RUREVIVE project.
The meeting once again confirmed that cooperation, exchange of good practices and learning from local success stories are essential for developing resilient, sustainable and attractive rural communities across Central Europe.