"That's not just an obligation that we took on because we are entering the European Union but represents our obligation to opt for a different development which will not exclude the environment", Minister Mihael Zmajlovic said.

He added that the idea of having to choose between environment protection and economic development was incorrect and that environment protection and trying to deal with climate change could be an economic driver and a pledge for a greener future.

"Croatia hopes for a three-fold benefit in its development - economic growth, social development and environment protection - and this strategy is taking us closer to that objective", Minister Zmajlovic said.

Our projects have proven that Croatia has all the preconditions to become a global pioneer regarding renewable energy, energy efficiency and 'green jobs' in tourism and agriculture, said UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Croatia Louisa Vinton.

She added that Croatia can already enjoy the three-fold benefits - green solutions that promote development and social equality while at the same time resolving environmental issues.

Croatia is obliged to come up with a LEDS strategy as a future member of the European Union which has set an ambitious objective of reducing CO2 emissions by 20% by 2020.

The conference heard that reducing greenhouse gasses was a challenge but also an opportunity to improve competitiveness and boost lasting economic growth based on the principles of sustainable development, which presumes a balance between social and economic aims as well as relating these to the environment.

The strategy requires deep-rooted changes in behaviour on the personal, corporative and social levels and work to prepare the strategy will be conducted with the support and funding from the European Union.