Protecting Ponds, Supporting Shepherds in Cres
On March 3, 2026, OTRA, in cooperation with the CETIP network (Slovakia) and the Town of Cres, organized a workshop on the future of sheep breeding in Cres. Approximately ten of the island’s shepherds and hunters gathered to discuss key themes, including the management of invasive species and the vital importance of ponds.
OTRA presented the Interreg Euro-MED WatHer project to the participants, who emphasized the “sacred” value of the ponds, which are essential not only for sheep breeding but for the island’s entire ecosystem, including birds and reptiles. They noted that maintaining these water points has become a major challenge, as invasive wild boars frequently damage the ponds by wallowing in them, which drags mud back into recently cleaned areas.
Furthermore, the group agreed on the importance of careful manual restoration to avoid damaging the delicate clay layers that ensure water retention.
