The Regional Board of the LIFE SUPport project, established at the end of 2024 with the aim of exchanging experience and best practices in griffon vulture conservation and disseminating project results among key stakeholders, held its second meeting in November 2025.
The meeting brought together previously appointed members from relevant ministries, public institutions responsible for managing protected areas, scientific and professional institutions, non-governmental organizations from Croatia and Slovenia, as well as representatives of the project partners.
The meeting was attended by Miloš Martinović (Institute for Environment and Nature Protection, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition), Andrijana Kasić (Directorate for Nature Protection, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition), Irena Glavičić Sertić (Public Institution “Northern Velebit National Park”), Ljiljana Tonković (Public Institution “Northern Velebit National Park”), Ira Maslovar (Public Institution “Northern Velebit National Park”), Marija Petry (Public Institution “Velebit Nature Park”), Vesna Ahel (Public Institution “Učka Nature Park”), Tomaž Mihelič (DOPPS – BirdLife Slovenia), Debora Đermadi (Rewilding Velebit Foundation), Marko Modrić (Public Institution “Priroda”), Uroš Pantović (Vulture Conservation Foundation), Marin Valković (Baška Ltd.), and Dubravko Dender and Ivana Ribić (Association Biom).
Project progress overview and plans for 2026
The meeting was opened by Project Manager Dubravko Dender, who presented the progress of the LIFE SUPport project and the planned activities for the coming year. Particular emphasis was placed on changes in the project partnership: following the cessation of operations of the Agricultural Cooperative Otok Krk in 2025, the Municipality of Baška and its affiliated partner, Baška Ltd., were successfully integrated into the project. The new partners have taken over activities related to the establishment of a feeding site on Krk Island, as well as testing preventive measures to protect sheep from jackals and wild boar.
It was highlighted that the midterm report was successfully submitted in 2025, receiving a positive evaluation and confirming that the project is achieving its planned objectives.
Status of the griffon vulture population
The results of population monitoring over the past two years were assessed as highly positive. A total of 156 griffon vulture pairs were recorded in 2025, with a high breeding success rate (around 80%). The establishment of a feeding site on Velebit by the Rewilding Velebit Foundation was particularly welcomed as an important contribution to the long-term conservation of the species in Croatia.
At the halfway point of the project, the planned results have already been achieved, and in some segments even exceeded, including the quantity of food provided and the number of rescued birds. Project activities also include education of the general public, tourists, hunters, and schoolchildren, with a particular focus on the harmful effects of lead ammunition and the need to transition to non-lead alternatives.
Feeding sites and future activities in the Kvarner region
Participants discussed the establishment of new feeding sites, particularly on the island of Krk, as well as the importance of enabling the leaving of carcasses in the environment on the Kvarner islands (Cres, Lošinj, and Rab). The goal is to ensure a long-term sustainable food supply system for vultures, in cooperation with local communities, livestock breeders, and relevant institutions.
Electrocution, collisions, and energy infrastructure
One of the key topics of the meeting was the issue of bird electrocution and collisions with energy infrastructure and wind farms. Positive developments achieved in the Kvarner region are planned to be expanded across Croatia through workshops to be held in 2026.
Participants exchanged experiences related to wind farm planning in Croatia and Slovenia and emphasized the importance of cross-border information exchange, given that these areas represent key movement corridors for griffon vultures.
Possibility of reintroduction of the cinereous vulture
The meeting also opened a discussion on the possibility of reintroducing the cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) in Croatia. A feasibility study has been announced, which will assess the justification and possibilities for reintroduction of this species, taking into account available habitats, existing infrastructure, and long-term population sustainability. Participants shared experiences from other European countries and expressed interest in further developing this initiative.
Conclusions and priorities
The following were identified as key priorities for the coming period:
- continuing efforts to establish a feeding site on Krk and enabling the leaving of carcasses in the environment on the Kvarner islands
- preparing a feasibility study and potentially submitting a LIFE project proposal for the reintroduction of the cinereous vulture
- strengthening cooperation with the police, the Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, the hunting sector, and electricity distribution companies
- continuing activities related to the implementation of electrocution mitigation measures
- exchanging data on griffon vulture movements between Croatia and Slovenia, which could positively influence planned wind farm locations in Slovenia, given that Kvarner vultures regularly fly across Slovenian territory
It was agreed that the Regional Board meeting will also be held next year, while a joint field visit to the project area is planned for the final year of the project.
