EXChAngE

Project overview:

Programme: IPA CBC Croatia–Bosnia and Herzegovina–Montenegro 2014–2020
Grant Agreement: HR-BA-ME419

EXChAngE strengthened cross-border tourism cooperation between Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro by connecting aquatic biodiversity with natural and cultural heritage. The project developed the Blue Pass, a joint tourism product linking thematic routes across Dubrovnik and its Aquarium, Kotor and Aquarium Boka, the Hutovo Blato Aqua Path, and Mostar’s Old Bridge and the River Neretva. Through infrastructure investment, digital services, training and coordinated promotion, it aimed to enrich visitor experiences, attract tourists and support the sustainable use of shared heritage. Led by the University of Dubrovnik, the five-partner initiative was implemented under the Interreg IPA Cross-border Cooperation Programme Croatia–Bosnia and Herzegovina–Montenegro 2014–2020, with EU co-financing from ERDF and IPA II funds.

My contribution:

Contracted by: Institute of Marine Biology, University of Montenegro
Geographical coverage: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro

Provided project management services within EXChAngE, an EU co-funded project focused on exploring cross-border aquatic biodiversity in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

My responsibilities included:

• Project management: Managing project implementation in accordance with the Project Subsidy Contract and Partnership Agreement, ensuring alignment with contractual obligations and agreed implementation arrangements.

• Procurement support: Preparing technical requirements and specifications for procurement documentation and tender dossiers supporting project activities.

• Project reporting: Preparing project reports documenting implementation progress and activities in line with contractual reporting requirements.

Selected results:

• Blue Pass tourism product: Connected four thematic routes—Dubrovnik and its Aquarium, Kotor and Aquarium Boka, Hutovo Blato Aqua Path, and Mostar Aqua Path—through a joint discount voucher available at project partners’ sales points.

• Digital visitor services: Delivered the Blue Pass–EXChAngE mobile guide for Android and iOS, covering natural and cultural heritage, thematic routes and transport information, complemented by audio guides and interactive kiosk video content.

• Aquarium Boka improvements: Renovated the interior, installed two new aquarium tanks and improved water conditioning and conditions for marine organisms. Added an open-air exhibition with two exhibition booths and two LED information totems.

• Dubrovnik Aquarium modernisation: Replaced three large floor tanks with modern upright acrylic tanks, improving the visitor attraction.

• Hutovo Blato Aqua Path: Established the visitor route through vegetation clearance and waterway deepening, enabling tours during seasonal low-water conditions.

• Mostar cultural heritage: Completed the renovation and adaptation of the City Bath “Banja” and opened the building to visitors.

• Tourism and heritage skills: Trained more than 100 certified tourist guides through a programme addressing Adriatic Sea, Hutovo Blato and Neretva River biodiversity, alongside English-language tour presentation and project webmaster training.

• Branding and promotional materials: Developed the Blue Pass visual identity and graphic standards, and produced promotional packs comprising eco bags, notebooks, eco pens and bookmarks.

• Communication and outreach: Delivered dedicated project webpages, social media campaigns, a project publication, promotional videos, and opening and closing events to promote aquatic biodiversity and the cross-border tourism offer.

• Long-term sustainability planning: Prepared the EXChAngE Action Plan for 2023–2027, defining actions, resources and implementation timelines to sustain the Blue Pass beyond project completion.