Croatian Intangible Heritage: Google and Croatian Tourist Board Cooperate
As Novac/Bernard Ivezic writes on the 17th of September, 2020, the tourist champion of the Mediterranean has a new ace up its sleeve to attract tourists, but also to promote its very own culture. As of today, Croatian Intangible Heritage is available on Google on the pages "Croatia: Hearts & Crafts" in both Croatian and English.
Croatia is one of the countries with the largest number of intangible cultural heritage sites in the whole world. Croatian intangible heritage is under the protection of UNESCO, and is now available on the Internet through the cooperation of Google Arts & Culture and the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB/HTZ).
The Museum of Arts and Crafts and the Museum of the Sinj Alka participated in the project, thus becoming just some of more than 2,000 cultural institutions from 80 countries participating in the Google Arts & Culture project.
Kristjan Stanicic, the director of the CNTB, says that this is the first large and comprehensive project of the Croatian National Tourist Board and Google which promotes Croatian intangible heritage in an innovative way.
"As part of this project, we've revealed 25 Croatian intangible traditions to the world that will, I'm sure, contribute to further positioning our country as a tourist destination with a rich and diverse offer with emphasis placed on our cultural and historical heritage, which we're all very proud of,'' said Stanicic.
Intangible cultural heritage that refers to traditions or living expressions that are passed from one generation to another are being presented through this joint project in four sections, ie through the knowledge of crafts, folk songs and dances, and then festivities and food.
Amit Sood, director of Google Arts and Culture, says 2020 has been a challenging year for travellers around the world. He is convinced that this project to showcase Croatian intangible heritage through cooperation with Google will bring even more people closer the rich traditions and history of Croatia, which is already known for its natural beauty and picturesque cities.
"Using technology and innovative storytelling techniques, this project in cooperation and under the auspices of the Croatian National Tourist Board is aimed at preserving and promoting selected aspects of Croatian intangible heritage to a global audience. This is also the first global presentation of Croatian intangible heritage on Google Arts & Culture,'' stated Sood.
Some of the examples included in the project are the making of Agave lace, which according to tradition originates from the Canary Islands, and which today in Croatia is made only by nuns from the Benedictine monastery in Hvar Town on the island of the same name. The incredible Sinjska Alka, held every year in August on the anniversary of victory over Turkish invaders in 1715, when 700 Croatian soldiers from Sinj managed to repel the onslaught of 60,000 Turkish soldiers, as well as the traditional Tribunj donkey race, which is held every year on the first day of August.
The project also includes Nijemo kolo from the Dalmatian hinterland, which is unique in that it is performed in a circle or in pairs almost exclusively without any musical accompaniment, klapa singing, traditional polyphonic homophonic singing without the accompaniment of instruments dedicated to love or to the community in which the singers live, the art of preparing strukli, from Zagorje a salty or sweet dish made of dough stuffed with cheese, the most famous specialty of Hrvatsko Zagorje, and the folk singng, becarac, is also described, and much more.
It's also worth mentioning that by using the Google Street View feature, people around the world can virtually navigate through many places, and with just one click they can find out additional information about Croatian treasures or immerse themselves in high-resolution photos. They can visit the glittering coastline and dive into the crystal clear Adriatic sea, explore Korcula, the home of the Moreska sword dance, or travel to Omis, where the Festival of Dalmatian Klapa takes place. They're free to stop by the island of Lastovo, known for its natural beauty, Venetian architecture from the 16th century and a traditional events, and much more.
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VIDEO: Lighting Strike Starts Fire Above Trogir
September 17, 2020 - A lightning strike around 5 pm on Thursday caused a fire above Trogir, near the bypass, and not far from the gas station. The strong wind has made it difficult to contain, and the ashes have already reached the town of Trogir.
"At the moment, all available fire brigades from the area of Kastela and Trogir are on the ground," said DVD Trogir.
The Public Fire Brigade in Split said that they also sent their firefighters. "We are waiting for Canadair help," they said. Two Canadairs arrived just after 6:30 pm.
At the moment, people and property are not in danger, though the wind has strengthened.
It looks as though the fire is spreading towards the quarry, at the top of the hill.
More info soon...
Source: Dalmatinski Portal, Dalmacija Danas
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Tramisak: Croatia in Top Five on EU Funds Absorption
ZAGREB, Sept 17, 2020 - By September 15, Croatia has agreed €10.98 billion worth of projects from the European structural and investment funds, or 102.4% of the allocation, according to data from the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds.
of the total of €10.7 billion allocated for Croatia in the European structural and investment funds for the 2014-2020 period, Croatia has agreed on €10.98 billion worth of projects or 102.4% of the allocation.
The Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds said that the government on Thursday adopted a report on the absorption of European structural and investment funds, which was presented by Minister Natasa Tramisak.
A total of €4.35 billion (HRK 33.08 billion) has been paid out, or 40.6% of the allocation and €3.7 billion (HRK 27.86 billion) has been verified, or slightly more than a third (34.2%) of the allocation.
The Ministry reports to the government on EU funding absorption on a weekly basis, and figures indicate that the amount of funding agreed since the previous report has increased by 1.6%, the amount paid out has risen by 0.69 percentage points, while the number of verified funds remained the same.
The operational programme Competitiveness and Cohesion, which has the largest allocation of €6.83 billion (HRK 51.92 billion), has the highest percentage of funds agreed, of 110.8% of the total allocation, while the Rural Development Programme has the highest percentage of funds paid out, of 59%, the Ministry said.
From 2013 to 31 August 2020 the difference between funds paid from the EU budget into the Croatian budget and funds paid from the Croatian budget into the EU budget was HRK 28.6 billion in favour of the Croatian budget, Tramisak said.
She noted that the rate of absorption of European structural and investment funds had increased from 9% to 102%, or to €11 billion. "That's the fifth-best result in the European Union", the minister underlined.
Broken down by funds, the Cohesion Fund has an absorption rate of 145%, which ranks Croatia second among the EU member states, she added.
Tramisak said that €9.07 billion had been agreed for cohesion policy in the financial perspective 2021-2027. "That is about 17% of the Croatian GDP, which is the highest percentage across the EU," she said.
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Croatian Navy Day and Navy's 29th Anniversary Marked in Split
ZAGREB, Sept 17, 2020 - Croatian Navy Day and the 29th anniversary of the navy's establishment was marked in Split on Thursday, with Defence Minister Mario Banozic, as Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic's envoy, underscoring the importance of the re-establishment of the marine-naval infantry base in Ploce.
The celebration was more modest than in previous years due to epidemiological restrictions.
Banozic underlined the need for a strong Navy that will guarantee security in the Adriatic at any given time. He said that soon it will be equipped with two speed boats that will certainly enhance the capabilities of the coast guard.
Banozic recalled that it was particularly important to continue building patrol boats for constant surveillance of territorial waters and to protect the ecological and fisheries protection zone.
Banozic explained that currently, Croatia has one ship and crew participating in NATO's Sea Guardian mission and that its sailors are participating in the EU's Atalanta international peace support mission, with Croatia showing its dedication to joint allied efforts to ensure security on the sea.
The Chief-of-Staff of the Armed Forces, Admiral Robert Hranj said that during times of economic hardship, caused primarily by the coronavirus epidemic, the Croatian Navy has to find a way to respond to important issues related to further developing and modernising its Navy.
Hranj said that the Navy's main focus in the years to come will be peacetime tasks of ensuring security in the Adriatic.
"Croatia's Navy has to continue developing its capabilities to help civilian institutions on the sea and the coast," said Hranj.
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USKOK Confirms Arrest of Janaf CEO
ZAGREB, Sept 17, 2020 - The national anti-corruption body USKOK on Thursday confirmed the arrest of Dragan Kovacevic, the CEO of oil pipeline operator Janaf, saying that several people were being arrested on suspicion of influence peddling, bribery and illicit preferential treatment.
In a statement in which the suspects were not identified, USKOK said it had asked Parliament to strip two MPs of immunity from prosecution.
The MPs in question are Velika Gorica mayor Drazen Barisic (HDZ) and Nova Gradiska mayor Vinko Grgic (SDP), and both have told the media they have nothing to do with corruption. The motion to lift immunity will be discussed by the Credentials and Privileges Commission in the afternoon.
USKOK said it would decide on further steps after the suspects were questioned.
According to media reports, Kovacevic is suspected of receiving HRK 1.9 million in bribes from the CEO of a company which landed an HRK 40 million deal from Janaf.
According to unofficial information, ten people have been arrested.
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One-Stop-Shop Opens in Split, Offering Support to Foreign Entrepreneurs
September 17, 2020 - A conference of the TASKFORCOME team was held on Wednesday evening to encourage the development of foreign entrepreneurship in the City of Split. A one-stop-shop is an initiative intended for facilitating the process of opening a business for future citizens of Split.
Opening your company in a new country is very challenging, especially in Croatia, because of its exhausting bureaucracy. Everyone who tried to start their business here is familiar with filling out tons of papers and knocking on thousands of doors to get an answer.
"We will try through this project to bring this whole process closer to you, to your friends or anyone who has some ideas about starting their own company, start-up, or becoming a social entrepreneur", Marin Urlić, from CEDRA Split, said.
Toni Jerković from the Service for International and EU Projects of the City of Split welcomed all gathered and explained that Split is not only a destination for rest and entertainment but can become the core of development and launching entrepreneurial ideas and ventures.
"We believe that Croatia, as part of the European Union, is developing and opening to foreigners that want to start their business here. In this project, the City of Split saw an opportunity to equip the now-abandoned space in the Multimedia Cultural Center (better known as the Youth Center) and open a one-stop-shop, and thus use the potential of empty public spaces for the benefit of not only immigrants but also the local population", he stressed.
Those interested will be able to get free advice and support in starting a business - from consulting tips for developing plans, strategies, and processes in their company to marketing, financial and other advice for the development of innovative products.
It is expected that the one-stop-shop will be equipped by the end of this year, and civil society organizations from the Youth Center Platform will also operate in that area.
Michael Freer, who moved from Great Britain to Split five years ago, shared his experience. He fell in love with the mountains, sea, and the climate and decided to stay. He used to work for CEDRA Split, but he left them for his own company, Ensoco. He wants to share the first-hand experience and help others with useful information when starting a business in a new environment where you know neither the language nor culture.
"Through this project, we want to help all foreigners from all countries from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania, China, from EU member states. Those from BiH and Serbia, as well as from Russia, know the language, they can communicate here, but they need advice on starting a business. We want to create an ecosystem between local people and foreigners to show that Croatia is not just a place for a week or two vacation but a great place to live", Michael explained.
Besides Michael, Sarah Dyson from Expat in Croatia and Nick from 45 degrees sailing also shared their experiences.
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National Council for Pensioners and the Elderly to Be Established
ZAGREB, Sept 17, 2020 - The government on Thursday accepted an agreement on the establishment of the National Council for Pensioners and the Elderly, an advisory body that discusses the issues of pension and health insurance, social policy and the protection of the elderly and that submits opinions to the government.
The agreement regulates the scope of work of the Council and its composition, and it consists of 12 members -- four government representatives, six representatives of pensioners and the elderly and one representative each of the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute (HZMO) and the Croatian Health Insurance Institute (HZZO).
In addition, the government made a decision on the allocation of funds for financing a total of 102 cultural, educational, science, health and other programmes and projects of interest to the Croatian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, for which HRK 21.5 million (approx. €2.86 mn) has been provided in the state budget this year.
The government also agreed to amend the Statute of the Croatian News Agency (HINA), whereby the national news agency is allowed to film from the air.
"Since HINA actually generates 50% of its revenue through commercial activities, this will surely help their business," Culture and Media Minister Nina Obuljen-Korzinek said about the government's consent to proposed amendments to the Statute.
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JANAF Director Suspected of Influence Peddling
ZAGREB, Sept 17, 2020 - The attorney of JANAF oil pipeline director Dragan Kovacevic, Ivo Farcic, confirmed on Thursday that his client was arrested on suspicion of influence peddling.
"I can't say how many deals we are talking about," he told the press outside JANAF, where a search of the premises was completed in the early afternoon, adding that the state prosecutor would probably issue a press release soon.
Farcic said many other premises were expected to be searched, most likely today, and that his client must be present at all searches. He added that Kovacevic did not comment on the suspicions and that at this stage of the proceedings he was not obliged to do so.
Farcic said Kovacevic was likely to be interviewed at the USKOK anti-corruption office on Friday.
The media have reported that he is suspected of taking an HRK 1.9 million bribes from the head of a company which landed an HRK 40 million deal from JANAF.
Searches are underway in several citizens and ten persons have apparently been arrested, while another two are expected to be if stripped of parliamentary immunity from prosecution, on which the parliamentary Credentials and Privileges Commission is deciding at 5 p.m.
The two are Velika Gorica Mayor Drazen Barisic of the ruling HDZ and Nova Gradiska Mayor Vinko Grgic of the opposition SDP. Both are MPs and told the press today they had nothing to do with corruption.
USKOK and the police are expected to issue press releases on today's arrests later today.
(€1 = HRK 7.5)
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PM: Everyone Found Guilty Will Answer for Their Crimes
ZAGREB, Sept 17, 2020 - Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Thursday commented today's arrests and preliminary investigations in the JANAF oil pipeline operator, supporting the authorities in all their actions and saying that everyone found guilty would answer for their crimes.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting, he said this was "yet another very clear message (that) the task of all bodies, notably judicial bodies, DORH, USKOK, PNUSKOK and the police, is to do an impartial and independent job and thoroughly investigate and prosecute everyone suspected of taking part in corruption activities."
"This message of the fight against corruption is constant and continuous," Plenkovic said, adding that his government was proving that it advocated fighting corruption through "concrete action."
He supported the State Prosecutor's Office (DORH), the USKOK anti-corruption office and the PNUSKOK police anti-corruption office "in all activities which are independent and free of any influence or pressure on their work.
"Everyone found guilty... will answer for a certain act," Plenkovic said, adding that he would say more about this morning's police operation after learning more about it.
"We have a principled position, very firm and clear, we stand behind it and that's will be our policy."
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Janaf Confirms Police Search of Its Offices
ZAGREB, Sept 17, 2020 - The state-run oil operator Janaf on Thursday confirmed that the Police Office for the Suppression of Corruption and Organised Crime (PNUSKOK) was searching the company's offices.
A brief statement, issued on Thursday morning after some media outlets broke the news that JANAF board chairman Dragan Kovacevic was arrested by the police on suspicion of financial irregularities, only read that the police and PNUSKOK officers were currently conducting investigations into the offices of the company and that the oil operator did its business as usual.
Several media outlets reported this morning that the police had launched a probe into mayors Drazen Barisic of Velika Gorica and Vinko Grgic of Nova Gradiska and the JANAF oil operator's director Kovacevic on suspicion of involvement in murky dealings.
According to unofficial reports, one of the subjects of the investigation is an HRK 700 million projects of a new sewerage system and water purification plant in Velika Gorica.
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