Sustainable Use of Natural and Cultural Resources in the Cross-Border

Region Slovenia – Croatia

MALGORZATA WANIEK1, MARA FRANCO2, 3,a, RICARDO CORREIA2, 3,

JOSÉ MANUEL NARANJO GÓMEZ2,4, b, ANA VULEVIC2,5,c,

RUI ALEXANDRE CASTANHO2,6,7,d

1Catholic University of Ávila,

C. de los Canteros, S/N, 05005 Ávila,

SPAIN

2CiTUR, Centre for Tourism Research, Development and Innovation,

Madeira,

PORTUGAL

3University of Madeira,

Funchal,

PORTUGAL

4University of Extremadura,

SPAIN

5CIP, Belgrade,

SERBIA

6Faculty of Applied Sciences,

WSB University, 41-300 Dabrowa Górnicza,

POLAND

7College of Business and Economics,

University of Johannesburg PO Box 524, Auckland Park,

SOUTH AFRICA

aORCiD: https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-6999-9583

bORCiD: https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7998-9154

cORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5150-4477

dORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1882-4801

Abstract: - One example of cross-border cooperation is between the two neighboring Balkan countries of

Slovenia and Croatia. Recently, the quality and intensity of this cooperation have been significantly affected by

the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic. In this context, this article examines the quality of balanced cross-

border cooperation between Croatia and Slovenia, the exploitation of hitherto unexploited potential for

increasing the utilization of the region's natural and cultural resources, and the possibility of rebuilding and

developing the tourism sector; in fact, it was in decline as a consequence of the pandemic. Besides, improving

the quality of the environment and raising the standard of living and quality of life for the people living in the

border areas was another objective. Slovenia and Croatia are promoting a sustainable, safe, and vibrant border

area by supporting smart approaches to the protection, mobilization, and management of natural and cultural

resources. People living, working, or visiting the area have seen many benefits from this. To provide

innovative, smart, and practical solutions that help preserve and enhance the quality of the environment and its

diverse identity as well as activate its socioeconomic potential, the main focus has been on harnessing the

natural and cultural values of the area. It has been achieved by increasing opportunities for institutional

cooperation at all levels to ensure a safe and vibrant environment.

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DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.226

Malgorzata Waniek, Mara Franco,

Ricardo Correia, José Manuel Naranjo Gómez,

Ana Vulevic, Rui Alexandre Castanho

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Key-Words: - Climate changes, Natural Resources, Cross-Border Cooperation, Funding, Risk

Management, Turism

Received: April 11, 2023. Revised: November 4, 2023. Accepted: November 16, 2023. Published: December 1, 2023.

1 Introduction

Since 2003, cross-border cooperation between

Slovenia and Croatia has been supported by several

EU instruments. Management and implementation

arrangements introduced in each planning cycle

progressively improve the conditions for

cooperation, for example through joint calls for

proposals, joint projects, and the lead partnership

principle. They've helped remove some major

barriers. With Croatia joining the EU on July 1,

2013, a new cooperation period from 2014 to 2020

has opened up new opportunities and challenges,

[1].

Cross-border cooperation aims to solve common

challenges in border areas and tap the untapped

growth potential in border areas while strengthening

the cooperation process and promoting the overall

harmonious development of the alliance, [2]. The

Interreg V-A Slovenia-Croatia Cooperation Program

aims to contribute to the development of

sustainable, safe, and dynamic border regions by

supporting innovative approaches to the protection,

mobilization, and management of natural and

cultural resources for the benefit of people living

and working in the local region, [3]. The mission

statement emphasizes an overall focus on

sustainability. The main focus is to develop the

natural and cultural values of the area and to provide

innovative, smart, and practical solutions that, on

the one hand, contribute to the protection and

improvement of the quality of the environment and

its diverse characteristics, and, on the other hand,

activate its value for others. Socioeconomic

potential. Ensuring a safe and vibrant area is vital

for residents. This will be achieved by increasing

opportunities for collaboration between authorities

at all levels.Contextually, the article will introduce

the border region of Croatia and Slovenia. It will

show how the region's natural resources have been

used to date and what opportunities there are for

development, thus making it possible to answer the

research question: "Whether in the Croatia-Slovenia

border region, the natural and cultural resources

are used in a balanced way?".

2 Methodology

The study had to use a variety of research methods,

including indirect and direct research methods and

tools.

The authors invested considerable time and

effort in developing the methodological framework.

The approach is divided into four main phases,

culminating in smart management and governance

planning processes to achieve territorial success in

selected border areas. These stages include data

collection, case study selection criteria, case study

analysis, and identification of processes and

factors. Therefore, the data for the study were

obtained through prior analysis of the selected sites,

through analysis of the planning and design process

of each case study, and even through interviews

with technicians, experts, key players, and

stakeholders across fields and Collected from

informal conversations. Border sector cooperation

process.

Informal interviews and conversations were

conducted to identify the most relevant questions

that needed to be answered in this study and the

interest in such research. The literature search

covered several issues, including not only the

current state of understanding of cross-border

cooperation processes in EU integration but also

cross-border cooperation at regional and local

levels. After a detailed analysis, the author focused

on the EU project Interreg Croatia-Slovenia,

which has a high impact on the selected border

region, as follows:

The INTERREG V-A Slovenian-Croatian

cooperation program includes 17 NUTS 3 regions -

statistical areas in Slovenia and counties in Croatia:

 Slovenia: Pomurska region, Podravska

region, Savinjska region, Zasavska region,

Posavska region, Jugovzhodna Slovenija

region, Osrednjeslovenska region,

Primorsko-notranjska region, Obalno-kraška

region;

 Croatia: Primorsko-goranska County,

Istarska County, City of Zagreb, Zagrebačka

County, Krapinsko-zagorska County,

Varaždinska County, Međimurska County

and Karlovačka County.

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Ana Vulevic, Rui Alexandre Castanho

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Fig. 1: Programm area, [4]

Plans to develop and strengthen cooperation

between Slovenia and Croatia focus on the

following three priorities:

1) Integrated flood risk management in

transboundary river basins

2) Protection and sustainable use of natural and

cultural resources

3) Healthy, safe, and accessible border areas

Flood risk is considered the most significant

risk with the greatest transboundary impact and

requires joint risk management. The cross-border

plan focuses on watershed and flood risk

management issues that can only be solved through

joint intervention by Slovenian and Croatian water

authorities. Through Priority Axis (PA) 1,

Integrated Flood Risk Management in

Transboundary River Basins, this collaborative

program provides a unique opportunity for these

authorities to improve transboundary flood risk

management and reduce flood risk. This project

(Flood Risk Slovenia-Croatia Action - Strategic

Project 1 - Non-Structural Measures (FRISCO1))

has two main purposes: to improve coordinated

flood risk management and to reduce flood risks

through the implementation of non-structural

measures and the preparation of documentation

(Learning and draft) to implement the best

structural measures in one or more subsequent

strategic projects, [5]. The main deliverables of the

project will be a set of standard models, maps, and

tools for each of the six target transboundary river

basins (Kupa/Kolpa, Sutla/Sotla, Drava, Mura,

Dragonja, and Bregana) and the latest Relevant

project documents for optimal structural measures,

improved physical alarm systems and results of

awareness/capacity building activities. The project

targets a wide range of target groups, and the

ultimate beneficiaries of the project are the affected

people, [6]. The project’s goals can only be

achieved through cross-border cooperation. Under

the Flood Directive, flood risk management

planning should follow a catchment approach to

determine the best measures. The project is

uniquely comprehensive in terms of spatial

coverage (all transboundary river basins) and scope

of activities (all key non-structural activities,

including preparedness, prevention, and response),

[7].

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The project aims to implement structural flood

risk reduction measures - the modernization and

improvement of the Vounaye Dam, a key element

of structural flood risk reduction in the Sotra River

basin. The Vonarje Dam was built over 40 years

ago above the confluence of the Sotra and

Mestinischitsa rivers and provides flood control for

downstream towns on both sides of the border. The

dam poses significant downstream hazards due to

severe damage to the concrete portion of the

structure and wear and tear on the KM, electrical

equipment, and machinery, [8]. If the dam fails or

is even removed, the impact on the lower reaches

of the basin could be catastrophic. B. Especially the

economic and agricultural infrastructure and

residential infrastructure of the region, [9]. The

proposed modernization (the main outcome of

Project P) will reduce flood risks and ensure

efficient operation and comprehensive monitoring

(including seismic monitoring) in accordance with

applicable regulations (main outcome of Project P).

In this way, the project contributes to the overall

specific objective of “Reducing flood risk in the

transboundary Sotra/Sutra basin through structural

flood risk management measures” as the main

outcome of the project directly reduces exposure to

flood risk proportion of transboundary watersheds.

Flood (5b4). The project is supported by a

communication campaign (WPC) aimed at local,

regional, and national level stakeholders (e.g. the

public, national, regional, and local authorities and

sectoral agencies, etc.) to raise awareness and

understanding of the awareness of the project.

Flood risk and flood prevention measures. Cross-

border cooperation is crucial to this project. Any

measures to reduce flood risks in transboundary

rivers must be coordinated bilaterally to avoid

unilateral approaches that could endanger the other

party.

In the past decade, the highest water levels in

the Mur were measured twice, in 2005 and 2014.

Improvements to flood control systems are

necessary as climate change predicts greater

extreme water levels as part of the planned Frisco

2.2 project, [10]. Their common challenge is to

protect the settlements of Benica and Sweeti Martin

on the Murree River and their inhabitants from

flood risks by improving environmental conditions

and adapting to climate change through the

construction/reconstruction of embankments. In the

settlement of Benica, taking into account the

Ledava floods, this measure will reduce the area of

flooded agricultural land by 96 hectares and protect

an additional 3.2 kilometers of local municipal

roads and 28 houses of agricultural construction, in

which a total of 95 people live. In addition, the

embankment in the village of Sveti Martin na Muri

protects a total of 62 buildings (single-family

houses and farm buildings, football fields), 200

people living there, and approximately 45 hectares

of farmland that is 100 years old population,

Annual floods, [11]. Reducing catchment flood risk

is comprehensively addressed as part of the

FRISCO 1 project; a detailed description of the

identified sites can be found in the draft study

'Identification of alternatives - Phase 1'. A

comprehensive hydrological and hydraulic study

will be carried out in the Mugla catchment area to

identify necessary measures to reduce flood risks in

densely populated and urbanized areas. The project

will contribute to the overall objective SO

"Reducing flood risk in the transboundary river

basin of the Mur River through structural flood risk

management measures", with the main outcome of

the project being a direct reduction in the

proportion of transboundary river basins at risk of

flooding ( 5b4). Cross-border cooperation is crucial

as any measures to reduce flood risks in cross-

border rivers must be coordinated bilaterally to

avoid unilateral approaches that could endanger the

other party, [12].

The project will contribute to the overall target

of the program “Reducing flood risk in the

transboundary river basins of the Drava and

Kolpa/Kupa rivers through structural flood risk

management measures” as key project outcomes

directly reduce the transboundary Proportional

flood risk (5bRI) for river basins. The FRISCO 1

project comprehensively addresses the issue of

reducing flood risk in the catchment. Cross-border

cooperation is crucial because any measures to

reduce flood risks in cross-border rivers must be

coordinated bilaterally to avoid unilateral

approaches that could endanger the other party,

[13]. Levees are the most commonly used flood

control measure in the Delaware watershed and

have been built in most of the affected areas. Areas

of mutual interest between the Republic of Croatia

and Slovenia concern areas of the proposed road

section which are not adequately protected against

flooding and need to be addressed to prevent

damage. The study on flood protection in the

transboundary catchment of the Drava River is

considered the most effective structural measure for

the reconstruction of the Virje Otok - Brezje

floodplain and the construction of distribution

canals on the right bank of the Drava River.

Malavasa, [14]. Existing models and collected data

were used to create a cross-border, unified flood

risk management study for the Kupa/Kolpa river

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basin, in which the sites with the highest losses

(Hrvacko, Kuzeli, and Otok). Flood risk reduction

measures focus on protecting the most vulnerable

areas, based on average annual damage to the

catchment, [15]. It is recommended to reduce

damage at key locations by building protective

walls in the Hrvacko region of Croatia and the

Kuzeli region of Slovenia.

The main objective of the project is to preserve,

protect, promote, and develop the maritime heritage

of the border area by strengthening the principles of

sustainable tourism. The project will conserve

natural and unrealistic maritime heritage

throughout the coastal border area and use it to

develop and create a standard tourism product.

Cross-border cooperation multiplies the effect, as

joint development promises better quality and more

efficient tourism exchange, [16]. Maritime heritage

holds huge untapped tourism potential for both

countries, taking into account that tourists’ habits

are changing and they are increasingly mobile,

wishing to visit more cities and countries during

their stay, between destinations Short distances

satisfy their needs. This way we become a unique

tourist area. Comprehensive cultural tourism

products will integrate content to enhance

economic, social, and cultural cross-border

exchanges. Tour operators will develop the two

border regions into integrated cross-border

destinations by promoting their similarities and

complementarity of shared cultural offerings, [17].

The main outcomes will be an increase in the

number of visitors to the border area and an

increase in the number of real and non-authentic

maritime heritage artifacts permanently protected

(including interpretive centers, virtual museums,

maritime heritage databases, and ship technical

features). In addition, tourism infrastructure based

on maritime heritage has been increased (Nerezine

Interpretation Center, Krk, Izola, and Piran,

reconstructed boats will serve as "living" examples

and display specimens in small ports and rowing

competitions), and Increased awareness of crafts

and maritime arts among educated people, children

and tourists (Academy of Crafts and Maritime

Skills) and recognition of the entire coastal area as

a single tourist destination, [18].

The offer in rural areas has nothing to do with

the scheme; for today's savvy traveler, it is both

mediocre and boring. Common challenges this

project addresses: Connecting dispersed supplies

and “detoxifying” stressed-out people. The project

will teach cultural heritage in a fun and

“detoxifying” way. The overall goal of the project

is to actively protect the national heritage of rural

areas and integrate it into sustainable CB tourism

packages, [19]. The anticipated change is a

connected and attractive proposition - a resurgence

of ethnic tourism, with an increase of 8,000

heritage visitors. Main results: Detox package

combining four lifestyles of our ancestors: modern

technology (holographic 3D live virtual life show -

as a "3D adventure room"), electronic library

(preserved old books), ethnic outdoor cinema

(ancient SI) -HR Film) and six restored heritage

sites hosting detoxification workshops (hands-on

demonstrations of ancient life) in natural settings.

A COMMON CB APPLICATION will bring

together in one place data on heritage, tourist

offers, and SMEs, among several other examples.

(currently available data is very sparse,

unconnected, and scattered on different websites).

It will also enable a virtual walk around traditional

farms. The products will be USED by local people

(more employment opportunities), tourists

(attractive and diversified offers), heritage owners

and SMEs (included in the supply and common

application), and partners (better visibility and

connectivity). The PLANNED APPROACH is

aimed at the DEVELOPMENT of heritage

conservation. A simple local or national approach

would not unite the offer, so CB COOPERATION

is required. Joint promotion of the DETOX

package will create synergies in developing the CB

area and its economy. The project is innovative as

it introduces a new 3D holographic concept that

shows life in a traditional house. The project is

expected to create the first 3D experiential Ethnic

House in the project area.

3 Results and Discussion

Cross-border cooperation in the Croatia-Slovenia

region takes place on many different levels, and

therefore we can name several possible results that

can be achieved (or have already been achieved).

The most important and notable results of the

project include:

 Developed 6 additional transboundary river

basins using common tools, models, and

maps for flood risk management

 800,000 new visitors to natural and cultural

heritage sites in the planned area

 250 people improved their practical skills and

abilities to implement biodiversity

implementation measures

 Support 31,000 hectares to achieve better

conservation status

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 A further 45 institutions are involved in

cross-border structures

 300 additional staff to improve skills in

delivering health, safety, and social care

services across borders.

The project area covers the border area

between Slovenia and Croatia and has a unique

natural, cultural, and geological history. It

represents a link between the Pannonian, Alpine,

and coastal worlds, a unique space that has

connected us since ancient times. The development

of man (the Krappian Neanderthal) and Europe (the

archaeological sites discovered from the period of

the genesis of Europe and the migration of peoples)

began in this area. Hence the common challenge for

the future: is man, nature, and landscape. The areas

are bounded by a considerable similarity of

structural features and a similar geography, which

allows a high natural and biological diversity,

abundant waters and rocks, and diverse cultural

landscapes. The areas involved have a large

proportion of virgin nature that is unknown and

whose potential is untapped. The inhabitants of

these areas are mainly farmers, wine producers, or

people involved in tourism. They share a common

desire to preserve inland settlements and protect

natural and cultural resources. They share a shared

vision of the relationship between the various

dispersed heritage elements and of redirecting

visitors from the most visited sights to those worth

seeing inland. Fundamental to preserving and

protecting the environment is raising public

awareness of natural sustainability. It is essential to

acquire these skills early in life. Throughout the

project, we will be looking for ways to invite

people, especially young people, back to nature, as

this is where they spend less and less of their free

time. We want to inspire them to live in rural areas

to recognize and take advantage of development

potential and new employment opportunities. We

want to achieve our objectives in an innovative way

that builds on existing knowledge and disseminates

new approaches widely, [20].

The project is based on the preservation of

regional heritage. It complements the integrated

tourism product developed within the framework of

the 365 DAYS RIVIERY project - Riviera 365

Cultural Tourism, by integrating natural and

cultural heritage as well as rural activities into

newly created routes. A common challenge among

the project areas to which the Cross-Border

Cooperation Project works is the promotion of

active conservation of cultural and natural heritage

through the promotion of sustainable ecotourism,

[21]. This approach is based on the fact that

Portoroz and Opatija are the cradle of Central

European tourism with a rich tradition. Through

events and small investments in urban and rural

areas, an attempt is made to tap this potential in the

most visited areas of the region to directly increase

the number of tourists traveling to common cross-

border destinations. Educational workshops will be

organized to educate stakeholders on sustainable

management, promote green employment, and

increase international recognition in the cross-

border online destination market, [22]. The project

includes innovative ways to strengthen the

integration and joint presentation of destinations on

the Internet market (joint portals, routes, events,

and promotions). Since the tourism pressure will be

reduced in favor of environmentally friendly and

sustainable rural tourism, the main beneficiaries of

the project will be residents, tourists, non-profit

organizations, companies, employees, and potential

start-ups related to natural resource development

and cultural heritage.

3.1 A Sustainable Model of Cooperation

The rural regions of the program area face common

development challenges such as weak economic

activity, unemployment, migration of young adults,

and an aging population, which ultimately leads to

poverty and social exclusion. Traditional

agriculture still plays a vital role in these areas, but

local resources are not exploited. The general

purpose of the project is to link existing sustainable

tourism initiatives and create a sustainable

cooperation model for tourism operators by

increasing the value of natural and cultural

heritage. The aim is to strengthen sustainable

tourism, entrepreneurship, and economic

cooperation by building the capabilities of local

actors. 325 people from border areas participated in

capacity-building activities. We will jointly

develop new shared cross-border tourism products,

including 17 new heritage services. This will

enable us to increase the number of visitors to the

area by 15,000 over the entire project period. By

developing and implementing engagement and

marketing models to control joint ventures and

appropriate ICT support, we can achieve

sustainable project results. Local businesses and

residents, schools, visitors, and stakeholders will

also benefit from further integration into the

provider network, [23]. A "bottom-up" approach to

local development, allowing authentic natural and

cultural values resulting from long-term harmony

between different peoples and cultures to become

part of sustainable tourism. The partners will seek

to develop their projects by adopting a common

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methodology that will allow for a unified cross-

border approach. The project will include

innovative approaches to activate, educate, and

connect providers, and manage and market the

cross-border venture sustainably. We will develop

innovative services that offer visitors unique and

authentic adventures.

From museums to natural parks, the area

between Prekmurje and Istria is rich in cultural and

natural monuments. Its diversity and its connection

to intangible heritage, including culinary heritage,

customs, and craftsmanship, make heritage vital to

the development of tourism. The main challenge is

that due to the unilateral and non -non-professional

management of cultural heritage, the development

potential of the local environment is very high, so

the environment has not been developed, which is

not enough to attract it for harsh modern visitors.

The main goal is to create a gastronomic route from

Pannonia to the Adriatic and to offer visitors local

Unique experiences of traditions, customs and

gastronomy: Trška Gora Vineyard Cottage,

Ljubljana Botanical Garden and City Museum,

Trubal Farm in Laška, Filovci Ceramic Village -

Open Air Museum, Žumberak Nature Park, Prezid

Village, V. Ersar Historical Center, Museum of

Krapina. The project’s unique approach will allow

us to create a culinary trail – a themed tour that

combines the traditional history and gastronomy of

the project area, [24]. This result will bring critical

benefits and innovative cross-border changes to the

following target groups: - stakeholders in the local

environment will be connected through the heritage

community and educated to pass on the traditions

to young people and visitors, - representatives of

public institutions, education, NGOs and

companies will work together in a multi-day

program offering a range of services, - visitors from

children, families, elderly to foreigners will be

actively involved to experience the traditions in a

unique environment, - the innovative cross-border

approach will increase general knowledge about the

heritage and create jobs in the local environment.

3.2 The Role of Tourism

Tourism is one of the most important industries in

the SLO-HR border region, which is dominated by

large cities and coastal areas. In contrast, rural

areas are underdeveloped, unsustainable, and

uncompetitive. Rural areas are unable to provide

potential tourists with innovative and engaging

content to attract and retain them. Rural areas near

old border crossings in particular face serious

problems - neglect of the population and existing

cultural and tourist infrastructure, [25]. These areas

have great tourism potential, as existing

archaeological sites currently have no function, are

not adequately signposted, are not fully explored,

are unattractive, and are excluded from existing

tourism boundaries. The project aims to contribute

to sustainable tourism development in the SLO-HR

CBC region by diversifying, improving, and

strengthening the competitiveness of the region’s

existing cultural tourism content. This will be

achieved by awakening and valorizing existing new

archaeological sites in the municipalities of

Goričan & Šentilj, establishing Regional Tourism

Centres (RTCs), and developing innovative and

attractive CBC tourism products. All this will

ensure an increase in the number of tourists,

contributing to the development of tourism and the

revitalization of the region. The project's

innovativeness is evident in establishing 2 RTCs, as

no similar organizations are working together on

sustainable tourism development in this part of the

SLO-HR border area. The innovation of this project

lies in the collaborative work of the RTC, local

authorities, development agencies, tourism

associations, small and medium-sized enterprises,

and other stakeholders in the tourism sector. This

intersectoral cooperation and exchange of

knowledge and experience is a prerequisite for

achieving project goals and ensuring long-term

sustainability.

The intervention area, i.e., the area of

Dubrovnik and Veržej municipalities, as well as the

towns of Varaždin and Ludbreg, is rich in heritage

and diversity of rural products (crafts, agricultural

products, culinary offerings, etc.), customs;

however, the problem is the ability to use and

exploit all these potentials through tourism.

Moreover, the existing heritage is hardly

recognized, and many rural products are not

adequately presented through storytelling, for

which producers lack the capacity. There is,

therefore, a lack of an entire area with many

opportunities for including heritage and interesting

rural products in the tourist offer. The main goal of

the project is to create and implement new tourism

products based on the integration of the heritage

associated with rural products, on the one hand

providing new tourism experiences to target groups

while increasing market efficiency and developing

sustainable tourism. The changes we hope to

achieve through the project will be achieved

through the project results: increasing the

attractiveness of cross-border areas based on a new

tourism product, including cultural heritage and

related contextual products. The direct impacts of

the project will be an established common cross-

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border tourism product, an increased number of

visitors to the heritage sites, three small-scale

investments in heritage-related infrastructure, and

the actors involved in the training. Innovation in the

project will be ensured through a universal offering

based on four micro-products that together will

create engaging content for the masses. Each

separate micro-product will be based on a unique

foundation, depending on the existing area-specific

offer. On this basis, we will create a shared unique

product in the intervention area. Cross-border

cooperation significantly improves the quality of

joint products, provide more diverse and engaging

content, and exchange experiences and best

practices.

The Maribor-Pohorje region and the Istria

Peninsula have become tourist destinations, with

well-known attractions attracting the majority of

tourists. The project taps into the potential of the

hinterland of Bistriško Pohorje and central Istria, an

area that has not yet been discovered but has huge

potential. Attracting visitors to these attractions will

ensure better dispersion of visitors and reduce

pressure on the most visited attractions. Both

hinterlands are rich in natural and cultural heritage,

with unique mythological stories, human legends,

and natural and historical heritage waiting to be

developed to improve an already very diverse

tourism product and to protect sensitive intangible

heritage. The main objectives of the project are to

actively preserve this mythical folklore, increase

the visibility of the neglected site, and create

development opportunities. This is achieved

through an innovative integrated cross-border

cultural and tourism product called “Living Magic

– Stories from Pohorje and Istria”. The offering

offers innovative ways to experience natural and

cultural heritage through stories visitors discover in

guided tours, digital media in personal

explorations, participation in Living Magic

Festivals, and other engaging ways to explore.

People who value, care about, and pass on

intangible heritage from generation to generation

are crucial to the protection of intangible heritage.

The product has been developed in collaboration

with all stakeholders in the region connected

through the Living Magic platform. The product

will continue to operate on this platform even after

the project ends. Living Magic will connect the

different suppliers and destinations of the areas and

enrich their overall attraction. It will attract new

visitors to the hinterland of Maribor-Pohorje and

Istria, creating a favorable environment for

development and job creation for the inhabitants of

the two border areas.

The area is a border region between Slovenia

and Croatia and has a unique natural, cultural, and

geological history. In this region, water has created

many paths above and below ground, creating a

history that has united us since ancient times.

Discoveries in the cave date back to the Neolithic

Age and more have been discovered in the past two

decades. The common challenge for the project

partners is to elevate the region from the present to

the future and show how the region combines

millions of years of secrets of the karst world and

karst caves, beautiful natural scenery, and a diverse

cultural landscape. The common goals of the

project are to connect the unique natural and

cultural heritage of the project area, increase its

attractiveness, and develop green, cross-border, and

sustainable products that allow visitors to have a

different experience of the mysteries of water. This

is achieved through increased awareness and visitor

numbers, as well as the involvement of residents

and SMEs. The innovative features of the tourist

heritage presented in Bela Krajina, from Semitsa to

Metrica to Kamanje, known for its outstanding

natural and cultural heritage, are unique and have

never been shown anywhere before Pass. The

project will introduce the last found on the role of

the evolution of man (archaeological excavations)

and life in the mysteries of water by revealing the

only living bivalve in the world, Kuščarjeva

Kongeria, which is only accessible to divers and

will be presented together with the mysterious

proteus. Thanks to the high and modern technical

equipment of the museum and archaeological park,

the presentation of monuments, and organized

educational paths between the three municipalities,

the heritage and tourist products with mysterious

feelings are different from all to date and

outstanding. The experience opportunities will

increase the number of visits of all target groups,

create green jobs, and prevent depopulation.

3.3 Human Interaction with Nature

The project focuses on the karst fringe area, which

includes a series of cliffs and limestone slopes.

Humans' long-term interactions with nature have

produced specific biological, cultural, and aesthetic

values, [26]. The area is rich in natural resources

but is increasingly under pressure from tourists and

other human activities due to its proximity to

densely populated areas such as Koper, Trieste, and

Opatija. Common challenges are to create the

conditions for formal conservation, improve

existing joint management plans, and develop

monitoring plans for the most important habitats

and species on both sides of the border. The overall

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goal is to establish an effective management and

monitoring mechanism in the N2000 area to reduce

pressure on biodiversity. Rock climbing is very

popular in Slovenia and now also reaches high

proportions in Croatia, causing damage to protected

areas. Current mechanisms are insufficient to

regulate conflicts between residents, climbers, and

conservationists. Climbers and other recreationists

are nature lovers, and the project will encourage

their activities but balance them with conservation

measures. The project will establish transboundary

mechanisms for sustainable management of karst

areas, reduce pressure on biodiversity, and create

conditions for the establishment of formal

protection. The results mainly benefit residents and

all visitors to the area. To address these challenges,

partners will take an approach primarily focused on

recreational threats. Some projects address

problems caused by the conversion of traditional

land uses. However, physical recreation is not taken

into account when studying the conservation of

species and habitat types. The joint management

and monitoring system in the N2000 area will be

further developed through citizen science, one of

the planned innovations, along with the use of

drones and the creation of volunteer networks.

The continental population of the common tern

breeds on gravel islands in rivers and lakes. Pebble

habitats are established in small sections of the

Sava and Drava river courses in Slovenia and

Croatia, primarily in the Natura 2000 areas. These

areas are under human pressure, including gravel

extraction from the riverbed, river regulation,

hydroelectric power plants, water pollution, and

sport fishing, among others. Croatia and Slovenia

have already conducted separate monitoring of

terns and taken habitat management measures but

without satisfactory results. The project aims to

maintain the stability of tern populations in gravel

habitats along the Sava and Drava rivers and to

improve their conservation status in the Natura

2000 area. By applying appropriate habitat

management, we will preserve the gravel island

where tern colonies are located and ensure its long-

term suitability for tern nesting. The nesting

platform will enable nesting in areas where natural

habitats are not safe due to flooding. As part of the

project, we will prepare a proposal to expand

Natura 2000 sites in Croatia (HR1000002). The

main results include increasing the area of

sustainable habitat for tern nesting, developing a

protocol for transboundary monitoring of the

continental tern population, and developing a

transboundary action plan for tern conservation. A

prerequisite for achieving these results is the

correct interpretation of colony population

dynamics. Therefore, using PinPoint tags, we will

monitor the birds' movements during the breeding

season to investigate their foraging range, habitat

use, and inter-colony linkages in the project area.

Genetic analysis of blood samples will show

whether the Sava and Drava birds belong to the

same population and allow comparison with other

European populations. Using popular lectures,

films, exhibitions, and information boards, we will

raise awareness of the need to protect the tern and

its habitat.

Through collaboration in a project with a

similar theme (PO SI-HR 2007-2013:

RIDE&BIKE), the partners' vision has emerged for

the intelligent integration of natural and cultural

heritage, especially elements of dispersed heritage

(e.g. castles on tourist routes ruins). ) is worth a

visit, as are tourist transport options (biking,

horseback riding). New mutual challenges were

identified related to insufficient connections

between natural and cultural heritage, active

tourism, and disconnected services in rural areas.

Therefore, the main goal of the RIDE&BIKE II

project is to develop selective tourism products

based on the interpretation of natural and cultural

heritage by creating a management system for

active tourism development. The main outcome of

the project is to increase the number of tourists to

cross-border destinations (up to 3600 tourists). The

direct results of the project are: (i) the creation of a

unified tourism service unit based on protected

nature (NATURA 2000, other forms of nature

protection) and cultural objects (old town

monuments, castles, museums); (ii) RIDE&BIKE

standards (hotels, accommodation); (iii) Raise

awareness of the importance and possibilities of

enhancing natural and cultural heritage for tourism

and integrating it meaningfully into active tourism.

A cross-border approach is necessary as this unique

destination offers a complete range of professional

tourism services. The planned approach aims to

make the most of the surrounding resources while

retaining the socio-cultural authenticity of the

destination and creating long-term sustainable

economic activity. The innovative strength of this

project is reflected in the creation of a common

destination for cross-border tourism: the creation of

cross-border characteristic tourism products,

common destination standards, and the overall

innovative promotion of cross-border regions.

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3.4 Revitalization of Industrial Heritage

Towns

A common cross-border challenge is the need to

revitalize industrial heritage towns and activate

them through sustainable tourism, [27]. The images

of the town centers of the former mining and

factory towns of Trbovlje, Labin, Rijeka, and

Slovenska Bistrica are sad images of deserted,

dilapidated buildings. At the same time, these

towns are rich in unique industrial and cultural

heritage - abandoned mine shafts, chimneys, former

mining quarters, remnants of factories and

workshops innovative for the time, and various

cultural events. Despite these riches, these cities

suffer from an adverse social profile, brain drain,

high unemployment, and a wholly dispersed

approach to serving visitors. The aim of the project

is therefore to revitalize the participating cities'

dilapidated industrial areas so that their revived

unique industrial heritage increases the city's

attractiveness to residents and tourists. The

contemporary information center on important

cultural monuments provides a fascinating

interpretation of the region's shared history. The

content is delivered to visitors in the form of a

comprehensive sustainable cultural tourism product

INSPIRATION, which brings together four

revitalized heritage sites under a common brand,

creating a world from the sawmills and mills of

Pohorje to Trbovlje and Labin mines and finally the

port of Rijeka; comprehensive programs for

different target groups; unique opportunities to

experience industrial culture: mine/factory escapes,

joint industrial heritage festival, and biennale. This

joint boundary approach is innovative because we

bring together local knowledge, combining it with

input from senior experts. Local tourism providers

and entrepreneurs will build on their expertise and

combine across borders to create a unique cultural

and tourism product. There will also be a

groundbreaking joint entry into international

markets based on interactive media, visitor

integration, and digital presentation.

The project addresses a common challenge

across the Asia-Pacific region to protect and enrich

tangible and intangible cultural heritage that is

currently underutilized. The joint main goal of the

project is to actively protect and enhance the

cultural heritage of the mythical landscape from the

perspective of sustainable tourism in the

municipalities of Mošćenička Draga and Hrpelje-

Kozina. The Cross-Border Mythological Park

(CMP) provides visitors with a unique experience,

adding to the area’s appeal and increasing visitor

numbers. The main direct impacts of the project are

tourist arrivals to the new tourist destination CB

(5000); a company that provides interpretive

knowledge and animation program development in

CMP; tourism products that sustainably utilize the

mythical and traditional heritage; individuals

trained in CMP content; infrastructure Small

Investment: Visitor Centers in HKM and MDM

Regions. All target groups will benefit from the

direct impact (public - tourists/visitors, mainly

children, SMEs, local and regional institutions,

interest groups, non-profit organizations, and

others). The innovative approach is to create new

CB tourism products that combine new CMPs with

a range of services to promote economic and

sustainable tourism development. The park has a

unified appearance; by visiting one of the two sites,

visitors see a virtual representation of the other site,

which motivates them to visit the other site as well.

CMP will replace traditional information boards

with eco-stone indicators. CB tourism products can

only be created and successfully marketed with the

support of active cooperation between participants

from both countries. Heritage revitalization,

combining heritage with CB tourism products to

generate rich connotations, can only be achieved by

creating a CB tourism destination - a cross-border

mythical park.

Carnivora Dinarica aims to improve the

conservation status of large carnivores (LC= lynx,

wolves, and bears) in the Natura 2000 Javorniki-

Śnieżnik, Notranjski trikotnik, Gorski Kotar and S.

Lika regions. Around 2,000 lynx, 50 wolves, and

600 bears live in this unique landscape of dense

Central European forests. Their long-term

protection is crucial for preserving biodiversity and

ecosystems in the SI-HR area. Therefore, the

project focuses on three common CHALLENGES:

i) concretizing strategies and fixing gaps in the

management of CB LCs; ii) mitigating threats to

LCs, significantly increasing human pressure

(traffic mortality, agricultural damage, habitat

fragmentation) and iii) (mis)understanding the role

of LCs in ecosystems, [28]. For the first time

compared to previous projects, Carnivora Dinarica

will systematically address these issues,

complementing national/EU policies and, most

importantly, transferring knowledge from research

to practice at the local level. Measures are in place

to ensure transferability and sustainability after the

end of the project. THE PROJECT WILL: -

IMPROVE TRANSGRANCIAL LC

MANAGEMENT by harmonizing measures for

wolf and lynx, better understanding threats to

habitat connectivity and ecosystem services, and

strengthening cooperation between institutions

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from both countries; - REDUCING THREATS TO

LC through 10 demonstration activities such as a

best practice farm, damage prevention fences,

shepherd dogs, installation of active signaling,

rehabilitation area for young lynx, bear-proof

baskets, visitor management measures in NP

Risnjak, Snežnik, and Kolpa and the establishment

of visitor management and awareness-raising center

for LC in Pivka; - ENHANCING COMPETENCE,

KNOWLEDGE, AND AWARENESS OF THE

IMPORTANCE AND WAYS OF

COOPERATING BETWEEN PEOPLE AND LC

by training more than 280 national and local

stakeholders and residents of conflict areas.

There are more than 50 historic towns along the

SI-CRO border with a rich cultural heritage and

represent the only untapped potential for the

revitalization of neglected squares and streets in the

city center. Among them are ČRNOMELJ and

JASTREBARSKO. do you know her? Probably

not, even though we pass through them on our way

to the Adriatic coast, even though we're less than an

hour's drive from both capitals. Our challenge will

therefore be to capitalize on heritage and tourism

trends to increase visitor numbers to border areas.

The TRANSGRANIC dimension is considered an

important opportunity for small towns as well as

Zagreb, Ljubljana, Piran, and Rovinj to find their

place in the market. The goal is to activate and

renew destroyed cultural heritage to achieve a

breakthrough in sustainable tourism in small border

towns. To achieve this, we will first develop and

test the new tourism product CB Kultura in Jaska

and Črnomelj and promote its wider use. This

culture will be simple, different, and slow. It will

be a "cool" tour of hidden cultural heritage,

supported by digital CB maps and designed

according to the expectations and needs of visitors,

especially those with limited functionality. Kultura

will showcase the town's heritage; it offers local

offers, walks, and tastings, and allows digital

animations and live encounters with historical

figures from its streets, squares, and parks. In

Jaska, the visitor center and pavilion become the

main cultural attraction. In Chernomyl, a cultural

path will be "laid" along renovated historical

streets. This is achieved through a holistic,

sustainable, integrated, and smart approach. We can

only overcome the status quo of small towns

through innovation; therefore, a personalized

approach is introduced in all product areas - from

transforming details to recreating the great stories

of random characters. Kultura is seen as a model

for development and the CB map is seen as a tool

for further expansion and marketing of all the

historic towns along the border, [29].

The project aims to develop a tourism product

that allows people to experience nature and wildlife

in the border areas of the Dinaric Karst region. The

area is an undivided forest on both sides of the

border and belongs to the Northern Dinarid people.

It is the only region in Europe that retains all three

major predator species (bears, lynxes, and wolves).

This is a key environmental and marketing

advantage that can be leveraged in this cross-border

collaboration. Three protected areas are affected

(Risnjak, Pivka Intermittent Lakes, Zeleni vir).

They provide the unique natural heritage and

typical karst phenomena of forest areas, as well as

knowledge in the field of nature conservation,

providing rich resources for designing attractive

and sustainable tourism products. Through a

broader but thematically focused range of niche

products and joint marketing campaigns, it will be

easier to guide foreign tourists from tourist

destinations to the interior of the country in search

of specific eco-products.

This project will thus help create better

conditions for smart growth, which is one of the

main common challenges faced by OPs. The main

goal of the project is to actively protect the region’s

shared natural heritage. This will be achieved

through sustainable tourism, including improving

participating heritage areas, increasing the

attractiveness of content, supporting the green

economy, and increasing awareness and knowledge

of local SMEs and regional residents. The main

direct impacts of the project will be the

development of new cross-border green

products/projects, increasing the number of

upskilled personnel, and encouraging visits to the

project’s heritage areas and sites. Organized

advertising and marketing increased visitor

numbers by 10%. We will use this partnership to

integrate the skills of development organizations

and park managers. When building visitor

infrastructure, we will draw on the expertise of a

variety of experts to better implement our proactive

approach to nature conservation. We implement the

ideas and skills of local actors and stimulate the

interest of tourists in particular. The project will

help increase the visibility of PP, improve green

infrastructure inside and outside the park, help

better position the two regions as green

destinations, and thereby increase visitor numbers.

There will be tangible benefits for participating

groups: heritage interpretation (hunters, guides,

caretakers), business integration for tour operators,

and greater local economic benefits.

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3.5 Health Care and Life in Cross-Border

Regions

The cross-border area of Istria County and the

coastal region poses a challenge for emergency

medical services (EMS) providers to provide

adequate emergency medical services to all

residents and visitors of the border area. Cross-

border cooperation among health care providers for

emergency services is virtually non-existent. This

results in unequal access to emergency medical

services and results in suboptimal provision of

emergency medical services. The potential for

cross-border cooperation among emergency

services has not yet been fully realized. Therefore,

the common main goal of the project is to create a

permanent network of vital medical facilities in the

field of emergency care in border areas. The project

also aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural

areas in access to the best emergency medical

services. The first immediate main result of the

project is the network of emergency services in the

cross-border region, which includes Izola General

Hospital, Istria County Institute of Emergency

Medicine, Pula General Hospital, and Slovenian

Emergency Medical Service Istria Health Center

Izola, supported by several relevant partners. The

EMS network will facilitate the development and

long-term implementation of innovative common

models to provide optimal emergency medical

assistance to high-risk patients in cross-border

areas, including special medical cases and mass

casualties. Therefore, a new common protocol for

the cross-border transport of patients at risk of

death will be developed. The project will fulfill the

requirements for the implementation of SHOW

activities related to the agreement (construction of

helipad, purchase of ambulance). Finally, new

common cross-border protocols will be introduced

into the regular workflow of EMS networks.

A common challenge in this program area is

the trend of aging populations. The need for formal

organization of home care for older adults is

increasing, partly due to an aging population and

partly due to changes in sociocultural norms. The

project aims to develop and establish a new

structure for cross-border cooperation to provide an

integrated approach to home care that includes

medical and social care services. This cross-border

structure and content follow the same methodology

and are new in both countries. Although individual

segments of home care services are implemented in

both countries, the field is normatively and

systemically unstructured. There is also no

formalized concept of an integrated approach, in

which the content is defined in detail from both the

social and medical sides. The project is highly

innovative because its results will serve as a

technical basis for this field, which is organized

normatively. This is already planned for extended

home care in Slovenia. Providing high-quality

preventive and rehabilitative care is superior to

current institutional treatment methods and

improves the quality of life of homebound older

adults. The project transfers the implementation of

the comprehensive home care approach from the

center of Ljubljana, the Podravska region, Zagreb,

and Megimulje County. The project will be based

on partnership and cooperation between

institutions. It will be built on a foundation of

continuous transfer of knowledge, practices,

approaches, and working methods of all project

partners. The newly established cross-border

cooperation structure will include eight institutions

where at least 153 employees will improve their

competencies and skills. This will increase the

quality and quantity of services, with particular

emphasis on providing comprehensive services,

including medical and social care.

3.6 Unemployment Problem

In the cross-border area, there is a great need to

develop inclusive social activation programs, since

the same problems exist on both sides of the

border, namely the long-term social vulnerability of

target groups facing unemployment, first of all due

to health problems, lack of information and social

integration, [30]. As an innovative model for public

services in cross-border areas, 2SoKroG solves the

problem of the lack of an efficient social transfer

system on both sides of the border, a problem that

is increasingly serious in terms of demographic

indicators. Improve the institutional capacity of

public institutions to deliver social and employment

services through the application of innovative

models, social activation, and strengthening of

mutual partnerships. In the cross-border area, the

project can be implemented as a first demonstrable

social activation, essential for transforming the

work of social work centers and employment

centers into important public institutions to change

existing conditions.

Outputs: a) strengthen partnerships between public

actors in social activities in cross-border areas; b)

improve institutional capacity through the 2 Socrog

model; c) put the 2 Socrog model into practice and

improve the quality of socially activated public

services; d) improve Knowledge and skills of staff

in the field of social activities.

Target groups: (a) Social work centers; (b)

Employment services; (c) Educational institutions;

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(d) Local and regional development organizations;

(e) Social enterprises; (f) Non-governmental

organizations; (g) Surrounding border areas

residents; (h) line ministries.

Innovative approaches by public authorities using

social activation models can improve functional

competencies and skills, providing opportunities

for disadvantaged groups to reintegrate into the

labor market and integrate into various social

systems. Thus, improvements in health status in

cross-border peripheral areas reduce the use of

social transfers and increase their effectiveness.

Project partners face a common challenge in

this program area: safety challenges during natural

and other disasters, [31]. A particular challenge for

the Slovenian side of the partnership is its high

vulnerability to earthquakes. The city of Chornobyl

is located in an area where earthquakes can cause

serious damage (Euromark earthquake scale EMS

level VIII). On the Croatian side of the partnership,

the Dougaresa town area is increasingly vulnerable

to flooding. It is located in an area with a high

potential for flooding. The core concept of the

"HITRO - Joint Cross-Border Protection and

Rescue Team" project is to create cross-border

partnerships and establish, train, and equip a joint

cross-border protection and rescue team that is

ready to respond to emergencies. Catastrophic

events and mitigating the consequences of natural

and other disasters. Another important component

of the project is to raise awareness, educate citizens

on how to behave in this situation, and promote

responsible environmental behavior, [32]. The main

goal of the entire project is to establish new quality

standards for safety services and overall

cooperation for participants in the field of cross-

border disaster prevention and control in urban and

rural areas in border areas. The main outcome of

the project will be the development and adoption of

normative strategic/operational documents for

border areas, including the establishment of

standard operating procedures for cross-border

team intervention and well-trained and equipped

cross-border protection and rescue teams to address

security issues. An increasingly common challenge

in the field is occurring. In addition to civil defense

responses to catastrophic events, a focus of the

project is to increase people's resilience to natural

and other disasters by raising awareness and

educating people on how to behave in such

situations, [33]. This specific project goal will be

achieved through direct and indirect advertising

measures, namely advertising campaigns and

lectures in schools, kindergartens, homes for the

elderly, and homes for disabled people, as well as

associations belonging to the category of

disadvantaged groups (young people, elderly

people). , disabled people, etc.).

The program has a total budget of €55.7 million

(ERDF contribution of €46.1 million). Priority axes

2 and 3 will be implemented through public

tenders. Under the priority axis, strategic projects

are awarded through direct approval of the

Supervisory Board. The program provides co-

financing of up to 85% of a project’s eligible costs.

Funding is allocated for each priority axis as

follows:

Table 1. The allocation of budget per priority axes, [34]

Priority axis

Thematic objective

Union support

(ERDF), EUR

Percent (%) of

total Union

support

Integrated flood risk

management in

transboundary river

basins

Promote investments to address specific risks, ensure

resilience, and develop disaster management systems

10,026,557

21,74 %

Conservation and

sustainable use of natural

and cultural resources

Preservation, protection, promotion, and development of

natural and cultural heritage

Protect and restore biodiversity and soils and promote

ecosystem services, including through Natura 2000 and

green infrastructure.

28,074,358

60,88 %

Healthy, safe, and

accessible border areas

Improve the institutional capacity of authorities and

stakeholders and efficient public administration by

promoting legal and administrative cooperation and

cooperation between citizens and institutions.

5,013,278

10,87 %

Technical Assistance

3,000,000

6,51 %

Total

46,114,193

100 %

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4 Conclusions

The INTERREG V-A Slovenia-Croatia

Cooperation Program aims to promote the

development of sustainable, safe, and vibrant

border areas by supporting smart approaches to the

protection, mobilization, and management of

natural and cultural resources, for the benefit of

people who live, work, or visit in the area, [35].

The vision highlights the overall direction of

sustainable development. The main focus is to

exploit the natural and cultural values of the area,

providing innovative, smart, and practical solutions

that contribute to the protection and improvement

of the quality of the environment and its diverse

characteristics on the one hand and the activation of

its socio-economic potential on the other. Ensuring

a safe and vibrant area is vital for residents and this

is achieved by improving opportunities for agencies

at all levels to work together. With the joint efforts

of both parties, flood risk management has been

developed, which not only brings a sense of

security to the residents of the area, but also

promotes an increase in the number of tourists to

the area, an increase of 800,000 people per year,

but first of all improves the residents of the affected

areas. awareness and cultural responsibility. The

results of this cooperation show that with the help

of the European Union and the commitment of both

sides of the border area, it is possible to achieve

incredible results. The use of available resources is

being facilitated and the area is being made more

attractive to tourists. The authors of the text see

great potential and hope that the Croatia-Slovenia

border area will continue to develop in the coming

years and achieve even greater results than before

from this fruitful cooperation.

5 Study Limitations and Further

Research

This study allows us to expand our knowledge of

the sustainable use of natural and cultural resources

that should be considered in cross-border

cooperation projects to achieve territorial

sustainability, [36]. The rapid development of EU

projects creates challenges by leading to

uncertainty about the model and its direction.

Therefore, the process should be closely monitored.

However, the selected case studies allow us to fully

understand the reality of the EU. We might have

gained a deeper understanding of this topic if case

studies with a larger sample from other EU regions

were selected. Furthermore, the study only focused

on the cultural and natural resource use context of

the selected areas. However, other topics and

perspectives need to be explored to understand the

complex processes involved in using the above

entities. In concluding remarks, further study and

research and close attention to EU projects are

crucial to enrich this topic and expand our

knowledge.

Acknowledgments

Funded by national funds through FCT –

Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation,

within the project reference UIDB/04470/2020.

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Contribution of Individual Authors to the

Creation of a Scientific Article (Ghostwriting

Policy)

The authors equally contributed in the present

research, at all stages from the formulation of the

problem to the final findings and solution.

Sources of Funding for Research Presented in a

Scientific Article or Scientific Article Itself

Funded by national funds through FCT –

Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation,

within the project reference UIDB/04470/2020.

Conflict of Interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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(Attribution 4.0 International, CC BY 4.0)

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Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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n_US

WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS

DOI: 10.37394/23207.2023.20.226

Malgorzata Waniek, Mara Franco,

Ricardo Correia, José Manuel Naranjo Gómez,

Ana Vulevic, Rui Alexandre Castanho

E-ISSN: 2224-2899

2668

Volume 20, 2023