NEWS: MISSION4WATER Training: Sustainable Solutions for Transforming the Hotel Sector

A training dedicated to the development of sustainable solutions in the hotel and tourism sector was held at The Chedi Luštica Bay hotel. The event brought together representatives of hotels, businesses, institutions, and organizations interested in improving their operations through a systemic approach to sustainability, responsible resource management, and reducing the impact of microplastics in water.

The full-day program offered a balance between strategic frameworks and practical approaches. In the opening presentation, the Executive Director of Zero Waste Montenegro, Vanja Cicmil, introduced the MISSION4WATER project, the second call for innovative projects, and relevant European Union policies shaping the development of sustainable tourism.

The program continued with a presentation by Veselin Popović (Luštica Development), who introduced the Adriatic Green Hub as a platform for synergy and sustainable business development, emphasizing the importance of connecting different stakeholders. Nataša Sivevska (Textile Cluster Macedonia) addressed microfibre pollution in the textile industry and its connection to ESG reporting.

In the practical segment of the training, Andrej Kržan (Planet Care Solutions) presented solutions and market trends for microfibre filtration in washing machines, while Vedrana Pajović introduced the work and support programmes of the Environmental Protection Fund (Eko-fond), providing insight into available financial mechanisms. Furthermore, Boris Jabučanin presented the application of Japanese EM technology in wastewater treatment as an innovative and sustainable approach.

A dedicated segment focused on the role of communities and civil society in the green transition. Kristina Joksimović from Zero Waste Montenegro highlighted the importance of integrating community activities into ESG practices, pointing to the potential of collaboration with local stakeholders in raising awareness and developing sustainable initiatives.

The program concluded with a guided tour of the hotel, during which Marina Bulatović demonstrated, through practical examples, how sustainability is implemented in everyday operations—through both systemic and strategic practices, as well as a series of carefully designed, often small but impactful actions.

This training once again highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration and continuous knowledge exchange in the transformation of tourism. By combining theoretical insights with practical examples, it reaffirmed that sustainable solutions, particularly in the field of water protection, require a joint and long-term approach.

This training was organized within the ADRION Interreg project MISSION4WATER, funded by the European Union and co-financed by the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro.