LiRRIE at Šasko Lake

The first Living Responsible Research and Innovation Ecosystem (LiRRIE) event for Šasko Lake, held on 4 March 2025 at Hotel Palata Venezia in Ulcinj, brought together representatives of business, academia, public authorities, civil society and environmental organisations to explore pathways towards sustainable and circular aquaculture.

Organised within AZA4ICE — Allocated Zones for Circular Aquaculture to Trigger the Transition to an Inclusive Circular Economy, the meeting launched a structured process of stakeholder cooperation around the Šasko Lake pilot area.

As an Expert in LiRRIEs and Inclusive Circular Economy, I contributed by leading the refinement of the shared vision, facilitating exchanges on the project methodology and introducing a tool for assessing circular economy practices.

Developing a shared vision

I led the session in which participants jointly refined the LiRRIE vision, helping bring different institutional and professional perspectives into a common framework.

Stakeholders placed particular emphasis on economic development that preserves the lake’s natural ecosystem. They also highlighted practical training, knowledge sharing and the adoption of appropriate technologies as important conditions for progress.

Their feedback informed revisions to the vision, including more explicit recognition of government and civil society alongside research and business. The discussion also reinforced the need to connect innovation with governance, policy development and environmental protection.

Connecting methodology with local experience

Together with Dr Danilo Mrdak, I co-facilitated group discussions following his presentation of the AZA4ICE methodology. These exchanges gave participants an opportunity to consider how the proposed approach could respond to local conditions, needs and constraints.

The discussion showed interest in circular aquaculture while identifying a need to explain its practical benefits and feasibility more clearly. This provided useful direction for subsequent engagement: stakeholders need opportunities to examine proposed solutions, raise concerns and understand their implications for local livelihoods and the environment.

Introducing circularity self-assessment

I also introduced the BLUEfasma circularity self-assessment tool, explaining how it could help stakeholders examine the circularity of their current activities.

The tool was intended primarily for follow-up bilateral meetings, allowing a more detailed assessment tailored to each organisation’s practices and circumstances.

The event established a shared starting point for further LiRRIE activities. My focus was on ensuring that the process reflected participants’ knowledge and priorities, creating a basis for practical learning and continued cooperation around Šasko Lake.

Photo: Dr Radoje Laušević leading the discussion on a shared LiRRIE vision for Šasko Lake, Ulcinj, Montenegro, 4 March 2025.