Manjača Study

The Vrbas Canyon and Manjača Plateau Rural Integral Development Study   Having identified depopulation of rural areas of Banja Luka as the main problem there, the City Development Agency Luke initiated drafting of a study with the RS Urbanism Institute a.d. as the body responsible for drafting. The goal of the study is to carry out a survey in order to determine the direction of development and improve sustainable development of the area, to improve the quality and standard of living of the rural area population. A vision of integral development of the Vrbas Canyon and Manjača Plateau was presented and it was based on all determined and recognised values. Aiming at carrying out the vision of development of the Vrbas Canyon and Manjača Plateau strategic and operational goals were set. The study foresees establishment of associations (co-operatives), support to investors, increase in the product quality, support to farmers, and creation of conditions for rural population to engage in other activities such as trainings for the development of small enterprises and craft processing facilities. In addition, an Action Plan was drafted identifying projects to be carried out within the deadlines set in the Study. In the Study, it was foreseen that, following the analysis of the state of affairs, development components at proposed sites for pilot projects should be separately reviewed:    1.  Tourist and Recreational Establishment Ada beneath Kameni most,  2.  International Centre Krupa na Vrbasu,  3.  Tourist and Recreational Establishment “Jezero Bočac”,  4.  Sport and Recreational Centre in Lušićko polje – Stričići,  5.  Development and Educational Centre Manjača,  6.  Agricultural and Industrial Establishment Dobrnja,  7.  Tourist and Recreational Centre “Ethno Village Čokorska polja”.     In order to carry out the planned projects Regulation Plans for the pilot project sites are currently being drafted, and projects recognised as priorities are being prepared together with partners – Centre for the Development and Promotion of Villages and Tourist Organisation of the City of Banja Luka. Interested parties may inspect the Study on the premises of the City Development Agency.     Vision  Integral rural development of the Vrbas Canyon and Manjača Plateau vision has been roughly defined for the period until 2015 and is based on the following values:      · Recognising private sector as the basic force in the development and solving the problem of unemployment;  · Efficient and capable local administration as an important factor for the creation and promotion of business environment;  · Agriculture as the production resource of the area;  · Tourist activity as a resource of the area;  · Creating infrastructural and other conditions for new investments into rural areas;  · Educate population as needed;  · Ecological protection of the area, and especially the Vrbas River;  · Creating socio-cultural conditions of higher quality (more meaningful).   ACTION PLAN (PDF)