Ms Sonja Borovčak, Prefect of Krapina-Zagorje County
Five Stars Croatia Issue 4 — April 01, 2009.

I believe that tradition, landscape, history and culture of our region are well known, just as our choice of sustainable development which presents the basis of our efforts to encourage and additionally develop rural tourism, traditional crafts, agriculture and protection of nature.

We have lately been helping economic development, we have invested in traffic infrastructure and water supply, co-financed public utility actions in our cities and municipalities, invested significant amounts in education, healthcare, culture, sports, implemented social policy measures, supported works of organizations. We can be proud of the newly constructed or renovated schools, sports halls, a new hospital in Zagorje, the county community health centre, a Special Hospital Krapinske Toplice (Spa) which has become a medical centre of excellence, a certificate of excellence for investment management of Croatian and foreign investors in the County, branding of the County, implementation of EU projects, as well as support to our entrepreneurs and single traders.

The ever increasing number of farms and autochthon products, as well as a wide range of products and services based on tradition, additionally speak in favour of our decision to make investment into development of rural areas that form a significant segment of our economic possibilities, and therefore also an important integral part of our long-term development plans.

The one thing that makes us especially happy and that we want to stress is that the young - cooperatives of elementary and high-school students - presented their work, products and knowledge at the Eko-etno fair last year. Namely, the future and development reside on the foundations that we create today, giving a chance to young generations to undergo education, cherishing at the same time tradition that was preserved in Krapina-Zagorje County for generations. Tomorrow, the young will certainly be the ones exhibiting for institutions in tourism, economy, craftsmanship, protection of nature or education. If they become aware of the values our heritage presents us with, and at the same time provide economic prosperity to the service providers, remaining in balance with the environment - we have successfully achieved our goal.

The development of Krapina-Zagorje County is based on the sustainability criterion, which means that it has to be ecologically acceptable in the long run, economically feasible, as well as economically and socially acceptable. Baring in mind the fact that our area is still rich in untouched, original and well-preserved nature, the county’s zoning plan, as well as its towns and municipalities, stipulate protection of a large number of new, important and valuable areas, which opens a possibility for development of mostly rural areas where most of the protected natural values are situated anyway.

By giving incentives and non-repayable grants - from organic production, traditional crafts, live-stock farms, environmental protection and education - as well as a range of other projects, Krapina-Zagorje County does not give up on sustainable - one might call it responsible - development. It implies as little harmful impact on the environment and the local culture as possible, generating at the same time an increase in income and employment, as well as preserving local ecosystems, implemented on all levels.

We will continue fighting for our vision of the county as desirable destination for life, work and relaxation.