The "Second ARTES Conference on Biodiversity, Wild and Exotic Animals in 2024 with International Participation" held

Organized by the Association for Research, Technology, Education and Science ARTES on 8 June 2024, the “Second ARTES conference on biodiversity, wild and exotic animals in 2024 with international participation” was held at the Ibis Styles hotel in Sarajevo. The conference was supported by the University of Sarajevo, the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Youth of Sarajevo Canton, the Federal Ministry of Education and Science, and numerous sponsors and donors. The conference was primarily intended for representatives of the academic community, students, civil society organizations and other actors whose activity or interest is directed towards achieving sustainable development and the challenges facing humanity.

Many solutions to climate, health issues, food and water security are based on biodiversity. It is human activities that destroy nature and lead to the extinction of plant and animal species.

Eminent professors from the University of Sarajevo, the University of Zagreb, the University of Mostar, the University of Pennsylvania in the USA and the Veterinary Center from Mexico took part.

The following lectures were held at the conference: 

-        LIFE LYNX PROJECT – PREVENTING THE EXTINCTION OF THE DINAR LYNX POPULATION, assistant professor doctor Magda SINDIČIĆ, Vet. Medicine/Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb; 

-        COEXISTENCE OF BEARS AND PEOPLE IN THE AREA OF TRNOVO MUNICIPALITY (FEDERATION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA), Prof. Dr. Mersudin Avdibegović / University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Forestry;

-        STATE OF THE LIVNO WILD HORSE POPULATION, Assoc. prof. dr. Vinko BATINIĆ/Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology, University of Mostar;

-        STATUS AND RESEARCH OF MARINE MAMMALS IN THE CROATIAN PART OF THE ADRIATIC SEA, assistant professor dr. Tomislav GOMERČIĆ Vet. Medicine/Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb; 

-        RECOGNITION AND ASSESSMENT OF STRESS IN REPTILES, assistant professor dr. Ana Shek VUGROVEČKI, Vet. Medince/Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb; 

-        ALTERNATIVE ANESTHESIOLOGY APPROACH TO RED-EARED TURTLE (TRACHEMYS SCRIPTA ELEGANS), Ismar LUTVIKADIĆ, DVM, MSc Spec, Dr./University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine;

-        PREANESTHESIA PREPARATION AND ANESTHESIA IN LIZARDS, Irindi ÇITAKU, LMV, MSc, Pg/Centro Veterinario Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico;

-        WHITE-HEADED VULTURE (GYPS FULVUS) - A DISAPPEARING SPECIES, Prof. Dr. Pamela BEJDIĆ/University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine;

As part of the conference, Nejra Pinjo - a certified therapeutic riding instructor, gave a lecture on the therapeutic effects of animals on the psychophysical health of children and young people. Children and adolescents who, in addition to psychotherapy, were also involved in animal-assisted therapy achieve significantly better results, which speeds up their recovery.

There was also a presentation and announcement of a new photo monograph entitled "Hutovo Blato", authored by Almir Hukić, which presents a work about the natural potential of Hutovo Blato and its different types of wetland eco-systems.

At the end of the second ARTES conference, Prof. Dr. Amina Hrković – Porobija/Secretary of the ARTES association and Izmir Kovčić, B.Sc. Vet. Med/President of the ARTES association who thanked the lecturers and all the participants.

For the second time, the conference showed its significance and interest in the presented topics in Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond, this time primarily on the protection of animal species such as the Dinaric lynx and Livonian horses, as well as the natural habitats of wild animals in the entire region in general.

On the other hand, insufficient utilization of the potential of occupational therapy of adolescents with the help of animals was observed, primarily in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For more information got to: www.artesbh.org