Zagreb, Croatia—On October 19, Sir John Ramsden, British ambassador to the Republic of Croatia, visited the economic regeneration project of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) office in Croatia.

The Ambassador visited several family households and their businesses supported by ADRA's economic regeneration program. The project, benefiting 13 families, includes the reconstruction of buildings intended for economic purposes, primarily milk processing and the production of dairy products. Materials and supplementary equipment were also provided to strawberry farmers. The one-day visit familiarized the ambassador with the project and issues obstructing economic regeneration in this war-devastated region.

“Over the past four years ADRA has enjoyed a successful partnership with the British Embassy through cooperation with the Department for International Development (DFID),” stated Tihomir Lipohar, country director for ADRA Croatia. “The DFID has co-financed projects and programs related to a sustainable return of displaced persons in the Lika region totaling a value of more than $117,000,” Lipohar recounted.

During his visit, the ambassador was briefed on DFID's regional development programme, Local Community Motivation (LOCOMOTIV-e), the role and function of the Local Action Group (LAG), and the progress of the project itself. LOCOMOTIV-e is expected to benefit three municipalities and several thousand people. Main activities include the establishment of the LAG, comprised of local community representatives, who will propose projects aimed at community development. Because of ADRA's longstanding presence and experience in implementing a series of reconstruction and development projects in the region, it was identified as the leading implementing partner in the LOCOMOTIV-e program.

In a media statement, the ambassador expressed his satisfaction with the project implemented by ADRA in partnership with DFID, concluding that he sees positive signs of future economic and social prosperity in Lika. The ambassador also expressed his admiration and compliments for the hospitality given him and his colleagues.

ADRA is present in more than 120 countries providing individual and community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org.

[Daniel Didara/ADRA Croatia]