Using conservation as a tool to resolve conflict: Establishing the Piran-Savudrija international Marine Peace Park

► The paper examines the dispute between Croatia and Slovenia over Piran Bay. ► The Adriatic Sea is an important shared economic and ecological asset. ► Dispute may be diffused by recognising common interests for both countries. ► The EU provides the frameworks and regional policies to facilitate cooperation. ► A bi-national, cross-border regional management body may help resolve the conflict.