Jems
During the current implementation phase of the RETFOR project, project partners are actively strengthening the resilience of forest ecosystems and establishing a climate change monitoring system in the Spačva–Bosut Basin. Following initial preparatory activities and coordination meetings, the project has moved into an intensive analytical phase, laying the groundwork for upcoming infrastructure investments and research activities.
A key achievement of this phase is the creation of a comprehensive database bringing together historical, scientific, and technical data on forests, water systems, and climate trends across the cross-border region of Croatia and Serbia. This database will serve as a central reference for upcoming activities, including the development of a pre-feasibility study on the climate resilience of the Spačva forests, plans for a future Climate Change Monitoring Center, a biodiversity study of the Bosut forests, and a Climate Resilience Action Plan. To further improve transparency, technical data from pilot sites have also been published on the websites of all project partners.
Concrete progress has also been made at the operational level. The first steps toward establishing a joint cross-border groundwater monitoring system are already underway. Croatian Waters has completed four public procurement procedures for the drilling, equipping, and monitoring of two deep piezometers, while hydrogeological investigations have begun in the Spačva Basin. Geophysical surveys using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) were carried out, covering 13 profiles with a total length of 6,430 meters. In late October, two exploratory piezometric boreholes were drilled, and automatic monitoring equipment was installed to continuously measure groundwater levels, temperature, and electrical conductivity over a 20-month period. These data will support a better understanding of water dynamics and the development of a hydrogeological model. On the Serbian side, JP Vojvodinašume has completed the automation of piezometers.
In parallel, Vode Vojvodine and Croatian Waters have advanced preparations for the reconstruction of the Bosut dam and have launched a public tender. At the same time, Hrvatske šume has completed the procurement process for the renovation and equipping of the Climate Change Monitoring Center, with renovation works currently in progress.
The achievements of this phase ensure a smooth transition into the next stage of the RETFOR project, which will focus on field activities, equipment installation, and the collection of new monitoring data. Overall, the project continues to progress steadily, confirming strong cross-border cooperation and a shared commitment to strengthening the climate resilience of forest ecosystems in the Spačva–Bosut Basin.
