O NAMA

Our Mission & Vision

  • What we do:
      • MIRO Institute bridges island wisdom with global innovation to build resilient futures. Working with and for island communities, we transform local knowledge into actionable solutions that strengthen island economies. Through research, education, and community action, we help islanders develop sustainable enterprises that honor cultural heritage while advancing carbon-neutral, nature-positive practices.”
  • What we seek to achieve:
    • We envision Adriatic islands as living laboratories where traditional knowledge meets innovation, creating vibrant communities that thrive through:
      • Entrepreneurial ecosystems rooted in local culture
      • Sustainable production systems that enhance biodiversity
      • Resilient economies that benefit island residents
      • Knowledge exchange that empowers island solutions”

Our Story

    • The groundwork began with LAG 5’s “Green Agenda” in 2015, which recognized High Nature Value farming as a sustainable alternative to seasonal tourism. Through HNV-Link, we established vital partnerships between French institutions (AgroParisTech, CIHEAM-IAMM) and Croatian universities (Split, Zagreb), creating a strong foundation for cross-Mediterranean collaboration. MIRO Institute emerged from this collaboration – from the EU Horizon 2020 HNV-Link Project (2016-2018), which identified crucial gaps in institutional support for sustainable development across the Dalmatian archipelago
    • This collaboration catalyzed several innovative initiatives, including:
      • Mljet National Park farming subsidies program
      • SMILO partnership for Lastovo Island sustainability and Lastovo Nature Park
      • Comprehensive island development frameworks
    • Established in 2017 as an International Institute for Sustainable Development of Islands , MIRO bridges research excellence with island communities. Our founding team includes Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and former French Climate Change Ambassador, reflecting our strong international commitment to addressing climate challenges at the island level.
  • Early Achievements
      • Through international cooperation, we’ve established comprehensive agri-environmental baselines for key Dalmatian Islands. This groundbreaking work, conducted with LAG5, Mljet National Park, and supported by SupAgro Montpellier and Göttingen University, focuses on three key areas:
  • Innovation Framework
  • Landscape-Scale Analysis
      1. Habitat evolution studies
      2. Vegetation pattern mapping
      3. Species distribution research
  • Agrarian Systems Assessment
      1. Farming practices evaluation
      2. Value chain analysis in:
        1. Olive cultivation
        2. Viticulture
        3. Honey production
  • Policy Impact Analysis
    1. EU policy instrument evaluation
    2. High Nature Value farming assessment
    3. Sustainable development frameworks
  • Concrete Outcomes
  • This comprehensive approach has enabled us to:
    • Create  agricultural and environmental baselines for Mljet, Korčula, and the Pelješac peninsula
    • Establish a portfolio of targeted development projects
    • Build strong international partnerships
    • Develop evidence-based strategies for sustainable island agriculture
  • Today, MIRO Institute continues to expand this foundation, working closely with partners like SupAgro Montpellier, Systems Mapping & Co-Design Lab and Wageningen Center for Development Innovation, University of Split, CROGIS and Croatian Chamber of Commerce. Our work spans agricultural innovation, environmental protection, and climate resilience, always maintaining our core mission of supporting island communities in building sustainable futures. 

 

Opportunities to Engage

 

Join MIRO’s network of changemakers working to build sustainable and resilient island communities. Whether you’re a researcher, student, entrepreneur, or island resident, your expertise and passion can contribute to positive change.

  • Research & Academic Collaboration
      • Write your thesis on island sustainability, agrobiodiversity, or rural innovation
      • Access our research resources and network of experts
      • Participate in field studies and spatial analyses
      • Connect with leading researchers in sustainable development
  • Community Action
      • Lead local sustainability initiatives
      • Participate in data collection and monitoring
      • Support community workshops and training programs
      • Help document traditional agricultural practices
  • Knowledge Sharing
      • Contribute to our blog on island development
      • Share local success stories
      • Document innovative solutions
      • Participate in knowledge exchange programs
  • Professional Development
    • Join our training programs
    • Gain experience in sustainable development
    • Build networks across Mediterranean islands
    • Develop project management skills

Partner showcase

*ACADEMIC & RESEARCH EXCELLENCE**

  • University of Montpellier & Chair COAST MBS Business School
    • Hover: Leading Mediterranean research institution specializing in sustainable development and systems thinking
    • Partnership Focus: Research methodology and doctoral training
    • Active Projects: 4
    • Collaboration Since: 2018
    • Key Achievement: Joint development of systems-based theories of change
  • Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Split
    • Hover: Regional center of excellence for island development research and agricultural innovation
    • Partnership Focus: Spatial analysis and agricultural systems
    • Active Projects: 3
    • Collaboration Since: 2017
    • Key Achievement: Development of island agricultural baseline studies
  • SupAgro Montpellier
    • Hover: Expert institution in agri-environmental research and Mediterranean farming systems
    • Partnership Focus: Agricultural innovation and sustainability
    • Active Projects: 2
    • Collaboration Since: 2018
    • Key Achievement: Development of HNV farming frameworks
  • Wageningen Center for Development Innovation
    • Hover: World-leading institution in agricultural and rural development
    • Partnership Focus: Sustainable farming systems and innovation
    • Active Projects: 2
    • Collaboration Since: 2020
    • Key Achievement: Joint research on resilient island food system

 

**TECHNICAL INNOVATION & BUSINESS SUPPORT**

  • Center for Sustainable Development with GIS Technologies (CROGIS)
  • Hover: Leading Croatian center for spatial analysis and mapping solutions
  • Partnership Focus: Agricultural land mapping and analysis
  • Active Projects: 1
  • Collaboration Since: 2021
  • Key Achievement: Development of island agricultural potential maps
  • Entrepreneurship Incubator Vela Luka
    • Hover: Local innovation hub supporting island-based enterprises
    • Partnership Focus: Business development and training
    • Active Projects: 1
    • Collaboration Since: 2024
    • Key Achievement: in progress

**PROTECTED AREAS & RURAL DEVELOPMENT**

  • Mljet National Park
    • Hover: Pioneer in integrating conservation with sustainable agriculture
    • Partnership Focus: Sustainable tourism and agriculture
    • Active Projects: 2
    • Collaboration Since: 2018
    • Key Achievement: Development of sustainable farming model in protected areas
  • LEADER Network Croatia
    • Hover: National platform for rural development initiatives
    • Partnership Focus: Rural development and community engagement
    •  Projects: &
    • Collaboration Since: 2017
    • Key Achievement:  SEE LEADER Conference

 

**COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS**

  • Association Novi Otok
    • Hover: Community-led organization driving island innovation
    • Partnership Focus: Local initiatives and project implementation
    •  Projects: 3
    • Collaboration Since: 2020
    • Key Achievement: Launch of agricultural land revitalization project

 

  • Association Alviza
    • Hover: Women entrepreneurs’ network promoting sustainable business
    • Partnership Focus: Gender equality and entrepreneurship
    •  Projects: 2
    • Collaboration Since: 2023
    • Key Achievement: Development of women-led agricultural initiatives