IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

First boats sail to Barcelona

24 September 2008 | News story

The Jadran has left its port of departure, and is now sailing to the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Barcelona.          

The beautiful three-master’s journey is a joint project of the Dinaric Arc Initiative to raise awareness for marine and coastal protection in South-Eastern Europe. The partnership works towards the long-term conservation of nature in the south-eastern Europe region, which boasts over 6000 km of coastline, and hosts some of the most threatened European ecosystems. The initiative is a ‘flag ship’ of ‘green diplomacy’, working across borders and uniting nations in their endevour to conserve their natural heritage.

The Montenegrin Ministers Mr Predrag Nenezic (Ministry of Tourism and Environment) and Mr. Boro Vucinic (Ministry of Defense) presided over the farewell celebrations at the occasion of the Jadran’s departure. This included a high level roundtable on “Nature Conservation in South-Eastern Europe and the Adriatic”, and a parade of local boats and yachts in the splendid surroundings of the World Heritage Site of Kotor Bay.

Apart from bringing a number of dedicated scientists and nature conservation experts to IUCN World Conservation Congress in Barcelona, the Jadran is conveying a strong message on improved regional cooperation in South-Eastern Europe.

Before arriving at the IUCN World Conservation Congress on 3 October, the 60m navy school boat will stop in Sardinia to support a seminar on “Integrated Coastal Management”. The ship will celebrate its 75th anniversary in Barcelona.