National background report on Environment for Croatia

This national background report provides an overview of Croatia’s environmental science and technology (S&T) landscape as of 2009, highlighting the country’s relatively well-preserved environment, key policy frameworks, and strategic priorities for research. The report details Croatia’s progress and challenges in areas such as waste management, water treatment, and the protection of the Adriatic Sea and karst regions, underscoring the need for enhanced infrastructure, increased investment, and better integration with European research initiatives. Key strengths include strong international contacts and emerging expertise in advanced environmental technologies, while weaknesses are noted in fragmented research structures and limited resources. The document also includes a SWOT analysis of Croatia’s research capacity and sets out research priorities focused on sustainable resource management, integrated waste solutions, and innovative water treatment systems.