The representatives of the University of Ljubljana Prof. Primož Banovec - the WACOM Project Leader and Ms. Andreja Žerjav – the WACOM Project Coordinator, the University of Zagreb Mr. Robert Mikac, and the International Sava River Basin Commission (Sava Commission), Mr. Samo Grošelj, visited RACVIAC- - on 17 February 2021.

The purpose of this visit was to inform RACVIAC on the activities of the Sava Commission and the implementation of the Water Contingency Management in the Sava River Basin (WACOM) Project, to identify areas of common interests and explore opportunities for establishing mutually beneficial cooperation.

Director of RACVIAC, MG (ret.) Jeronim Bazo, welcomed the guests and expressed readiness of RACVIAC to contribute to regional efforts for diminishing risks of natural and man-made disasters and building national civil protection capacities. RACVIAC is an international, independent, regionally owned organization, with the mission to foster dialogue and cooperation on security matters in South Eastern Europe through a partnership between the countries of the region and their international partners.

Mr Samo Grošelj presented the history, mission, and activities of the Sava Commission which is implementing body of the Framework Agreement on the Sava River Basin (FASRB) ratified by the Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. He pointed out the regional cooperation process related to water management and prevention of hazards, i.e. floods and accident pollution, as some of the FASRB’s specific goals which supports sustainable development of the region.

Prof. Primož Banovec explained main characteristics, planning and implementation of the WACOM Project, emphasizing importance of coordinated response to emergencies in case of accidental pollution and floods on transboundary watercourses. This common response can be successfully achieved by developing models and protocols for emergencies.

All parties expressed great interest in the continuation of consultations with the aim to establish permanent cooperation in the area of water management, especially related to security and safety.