Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) Station Gospić has once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental protection through participation in the "Clean Adriatic Sea of Pag" project, part of INA's Green Belt 2024 program. This long-term project aims to strengthen ecological awareness and conserve natural resources across Croatia, with HGSS playing a crucial role in the cleanup efforts of two important locations on the island of Pag.

The Green Belt program, funded by INA, focuses on supporting various organizations and communities in their efforts to improve environmental conditions. Over the past decade, this program has implemented 149 projects covering various aspects of ecological protection, from cleaning rivers and seas to reforestation of degraded areas.

HGSS divers and water rescue teams managed to remove a significant amount of waste from the bays of Slanica and Triluka on Pag, using specialized equipment such as boats. This operation made an important contribution to preserving the underwater ecosystem, with a total of six cubic meters of waste extracted, most of which was plastic and other hazardous materials.

A special thanks is extended to the local authorities, including the mayor of Karlobag, Boris Smojver, the MP Ivan Dabi, and the mayor of Novalja, who provided logistical support for this initiative. Support from local communities is crucial for the success of such projects as it enables coordination and better use of resources.

Dario Cindrić, the head of the HGSS Station Gospić, emphasized the importance of ecological actions as part of HGSS's broader mission, with the primary responsibility for saving human lives. According to him, HGSS has been actively involved in nature conservation for many years and will continue to contribute to similar projects in the future.

Alongside successful underwater cleanup operations, HGSS Station Gospić is also known for previous projects such as "HGSS for Clean Rivers," where the rivers Bogdanica and Novčica were cleaned of waste. These initiatives have a long-term effect on environmental conservation and raising awareness among the local population about the importance of ecological responsibility.

HGSS will continue with these and similar projects, ensuring that every contribution leads to long-term protection of natural resources, not only at the local but also at the national level. Through collaboration with institutions and organizations such as INA and local authorities, HGSS continues to make a positive impact on the environment while simultaneously saving lives and helping people in need.