Irma Popovic Dujmovic
Freshwater Program Director—Croatia, Europe
Croatia
Irma Popovic Dujmovic Irma leads the freshwater program in Croatia, focusing on establishing TNC's freshwater initiatives in the country. © TNC
Biography
Irma leads the freshwater program in Croatia, focusing on establishing TNC’s freshwater initiatives in the country. She works to address the unique freshwater challenges in Croatia while aligning with TNC’s core principles.
Currently, Irma’s primary emphasis is on implementing measures to safeguard rivers. She collaborates closely with local communities and governing bodies to protect several Croatian rivers. This effort is highlighted through the United for Rivers Initiative, where the Mrežnica River in Croatia is one of the priority rivers for protection.
With more than two decades of experience in the non-governmental sector, Irma’s expertise spans various areas including policy, advocacy, education and promotion. She has an extensive background in sustainable freshwater management, river conservation, public engagement, protection of aquatic species and integrated river basin management.
Trained as a biologist and ecologist, Irma has been dedicated to conserving freshwater ecosystems since the early 2000s. Her career has been closely tied to non-governmental organizations, both nationally and internationally. Through these roles, she has acquired valuable insights, experience and skills that she enthusiastically applies to her river protection work in Croatia and other Western Balkan countries.
For years, Irma has been a vocal proponent of durable river protection across the Western Balkans. Presently, she serves as a co-chair for the Global River Protection Coalition. This coalition is committed to developing a global policy for the conservation of free-flowing rivers. The policy aims to safeguard and restore river connectivity, biodiversity and associated ecosystem services on a worldwide scale.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Irma is a mother of two boys. She finds joy in reading good books, long walks and swimming in Croatia's breathtaking rivers.