📷IPMA Hrvatska - Croatian Association for Project Management

DRAVA LIFE Recognised at the Project Management Awards 2025

/in /by

DRAVA LIFE – Integrated River Management has achieved outstanding recognition at the Project Management Awards 2025 in Croatia, one of the country’s most prestigious national competitions aligned with the standards of the International Project Management Association (IPMA).

The project was awarded 1st place in the category “Best Medium-Sized Project”, while the project manager received 1st place in the category “Best Young Project Manager”.

Implemented under the EU LIFE Programme (LIFE14 NAT/HR/000115), DRAVA LIFE is the largest river restoration project ever implemented in Croatia. The Evaluation Committee recognised the project for its excellence in governance, long-term impact, effective stakeholder engagement, and the delivery of measurable and lasting results.

In addition, DRAVA LIFE was selected among the top three finalists in the newly established category “Best Project for Contribution to Sustainability”, introduced in 2025. This recognition further confirms the project’s long-term relevance and its significant added value at the European Union level.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the entire project team, partners, and local communities along the Drava River for their dedication and collaboration. Project activities continue through After-LIFE actions and new EU-level initiatives, in close cooperation with CINEA – the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency.

Our thanks also go to IPMA Hrvatska – Croatian Association for Project Management, IPMA Young Crew Croatia, and the Evaluation Committee for this valuable recognition.

Svi ovogodišnji laureati na zajedničkom slikanju s premijerom Plenkovićem

DRAVA LIFE Wins 3rd Place in the Competition for the Best EU Project in Croatia

/in /by

The DRAVA LIFE project – Integrated River Management – won 3rd place in this year’s competition for the Best County EU Project in Croatia, in the category Contribution to Cross-Border Cooperation.

The award was presented at the official ceremony for Best City and Best EU Project, organised in cooperation with Jutarnji list and the Croatian County Association. Koprivnica-Križevci County was recognised for its outstanding contribution to cross-border cooperation through the implementation of the DRAVA LIFE project.

The ceremony took place on 3 December 2025 in Šibenik, attended by the Prime Minister, representatives of ministries, members of Parliament, counties, cities, municipalities, institutions, and other distinguished guests.

This recognition confirms years of dedicated work on the restoration of the Drava River, the strengthening of cross-border cooperation, and the connection of institutions across the three counties covered by the project: Varaždin County, Koprivnica-Križevci County, and Virovitica-Podravina County.

Foto Hrvatske vode

On behalf of the DRAVA LIFE team, the award was received by representatives of Croatian Waters – Water Management Department for the Mura and Upper Drava in Varaždin, the project’s lead partner and coordinating institution.

Other project partners include the Association for Nature and Environmental Protection Zeleni Osijek, public institutions managing protected natural areas in Koprivnica-Križevci, Virovitica-Podravina and Varaždin counties, and WWF Austria.