On Saturday, October 19th, the first phase of the two-day ecological action was completed ‘The sea merges – #EUBeachCleanup Rijeka 2024", with which Rijeka joined a global initiative dedicated to the conservation of marine ecosystems through the clean-up of seabeds and beaches.
The action gathered a large number of volunteers, divers and local institutions on Grčevo beach with the aim of cleaning the seabed and raising awareness of the importance of preserving the sea and the environment.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the City of Rijeka, including Head of the Health, Social Protection and Quality of Life Directorate Karla Mušković, and Perica Prpić from the Association of Special Police of the Homeland War "Ajkula", a key partner in the coordination of divers and the organisation of underwater cleaning. EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka and our agency was represented by the director of Nenad Antolović.
In the cleaning of the seabed participated about 65 divers from Croatia, Slovenia and Austria, with the support of more than 50 volunteers and members of volunteer fire brigades. It was extracted from the underwater world. more than 5 cubic meters of coarse waste, including plastic items, old truck tires, metal constructions, shopping trolleys and even rusty garbage bins. These scenes emphasize the seriousness of pollution of the marine environment and the need for continuous efforts in the conservation of the sea and the coast.
The Association of the Special Police of the Homeland War ‘Ajkula’ played a key role in organising and coordinating the cleaning of the seabed during the action ‘Sea connects: #EUBeachCleanup Rijeka 2024’. Their experience, professionalism and dedication have ensured the safe and effective implementation of this demanding environmental action. As long-time organizers of such initiatives, the members of the Association not only led and coordinated divers, but also actively participated in every step of the action. The underwater action also involved divers and diving clubs from Zagreb, Crikvenica, Kraljevica, Bakar, Duga Resa, as well as representatives of the Rijeka Special and Intervention Police Unit, the Lučko Anti-Terrorism Unit and the ‘Alfa’ Special Police Unit. The action was carried out in cooperation with the City of Rijeka, KD Čistoća and with the support of the European Commission Representation in Croatia, and it was also supported by the Viktor Lenac shipyard, Adriatic Maritime Service, Eco Kvarner, Pajol bar, HKD volunteers in Sušak and the Coast of our grandchildren association.
The aim of the campaign #EU Beach Cleanup is to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the seas and oceans and to point out the impact of everyday human habits on the marine ecosystem, as well as to raise awareness of how our habits affect our seas and oceans. It is estimated that up to 37 million tonnes of plastic waste will enter the ocean annually by 2040, putting marine life at great risk.
Last year, 555 events were organized in 44 countries in which 45,733 volunteers participated, and judging by the turnout, Rijeka's EU Beach Cleanup will be the most comprehensive in Croatia.
Author of photographs: Tanja Kanazir
