Association for Nature, Environment, and Sustainable Development Sunce is dedicated to nature conservation and environmental protection.
Sunce inspires citizens and institutions to take action based on science, expertise, best practices, and years of experience. Through ecological actions organized by Sunce, over six tons of marine litter have been removed, while more than 17,000 participants of all ages have taken part in its educational activities. By developing expert plans, policy documents, advocacy campaigns, and implementing projects in cooperation with EU partners, Sunce has become one of the leading environmental organizations in Croatia.
The Nature Protection Department plays a key role in achieving Sunce’s strategic goals related to biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. It focuses on improving management and monitoring in protected and Natura 2000 areas, advocating for the establishment of new marine protected areas (MPAs) and no-take zones, strengthening nature conservation policies, and raising awareness about the importance of preserving the Adriatic’s biodiversity.
The department has coordinated the development of management plans for 27 coastal and marine protected areas and 70 Natura 2000 sites, all of which have been officially adopted. It has also played a major role in the establishment of Croatia’s Natura 2000, the designation of the Lastovo Archipelago as a Nature Park, and stakeholder consultations for new MPAs such as Rt Stupišće, Pakleni Islands, and Molat.
In recent years, Sunce has actively led advocacy campaigns to promote marine conservation. The “Sea Full of Life“ campaign has focused on the designation of new marine protected areas and the establishment of no-take zones, emphasizing their crucial role in restoring fish populations and protecting marine biodiversity. The “And Where Do You Anchor?” campaign, on the other hand, was aimed at engaging recreational boaters and exploring sustainable anchoring practices, fostering a collaborative approach to protecting seagrass meadows and the broader marine ecosystem.
Sunce actively engages in policy advocacy, pushing for improvements in national and local conservation policies, regulatory frameworks, and strategic documents.The department works to enhance stakeholder participation in decision-making processes, ensuring that conservation efforts are inclusive and science-based. A significant part of Sunce’s work is dedicated to protecting seagrass meadows, particularly Posidonia oceanica, a vital marine habitat crucial for biodiversity and climate resilience. The department has conducted long-term monitoring of Posidonia meadows in MPAs and Natura 2000 sites, analysing pressures and advocating for better anchoring regulations. Sunce promotes eco-friendly mooring solutions to prevent damage to these sensitive habitats and has contributed to the development of the national marine habitat mapping plan, mapping over 500 km² of the Adriatic seabed.
In addition to scientific research and policy development, Sunce raises public awareness through educational programs, public events, and outreach campaigns.
