As the whole world is celebrating Barack Obama’s victory in America, which offers fresh hope for us all in difficult times ahead, the moment has come to close Motovun – Eco Town as an international association dedicated to sustainable development of this breathtaking town and its stupendous surroundings. Without someone to lead it in a new and more promising direction, the association is moribund.

In exactly a week, on November 12, the association’s website is coming up for renewal, and I have decided to close it, too. The website may be accessible for another month or so, but the expiration of its domain name has prompted me to write to you today. However, I will keep the list of members, as well as the association’s electronic-mail list, for possible contact in the future. I hope that the idea of sustainable development of Motovun will never die. More, I hope it will come to the fore when the time is right.

To put it bluntly, I expect next to nothing in this regard from the local population. The same holds for much of Istria and Croatia, for that matter. I expect much more from all the newcomers from Europe and beyond, who are likely to form the first nucleus of civil society in these parts. Once Croatia enters the European Union, the newcomers will have much more clout. In addition to rights, they will have responsibilities, as well. And they will be able to challenge the inept and corrupt administration and political structure that characterizes the region.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank all of you once again for everything you have done for Motovun, as well as everything you have been prepared to do from now on. People like you are the hope of this world, not only this hilltown perched among green hills that have changed little for centuries. I am sure that your goodwill will never desert you, and that you will keep doing your best to make this world of ours a better place. May Obama’s bright example guide us all.