In the heart of April, when nature comes back to life, on the island Lošinj begins one of the most important environmental initiatives of the Croatian coast. Over the course of two days, April 5 and 6, 2025, a large eco campaign dedicated to cleaning the coast and seabed is held, symbolically named “More zna, otok pamti”. This commendable initiative gathers hundreds of sea and nature enthusiasts, with the aim of preserving the marine environment and educating the public about the importance of sustainable coexistence with nature.

International Volunteer Cooperation in the Service of the Sea

This year’s edition of the campaign welcomes volunteers and divers not only from Croatia, but also from neighboring countries such as Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, all the way to Germany. More than a hundred enthusiasts, including experienced divers from numerous diving clubs, will actively participate in cleaning key locations: the port of Mali Lošinj, the bay of Čikat, the port of Nerezine and the island of Susak.

Environmental Impact and Figures That Speak for Themselves

In 2024, through the joint efforts of more than 300 participants, over 30 cubic meters of waste were removed from the seabed and coast of Lošinj. This figure testifies not only to the amount of waste that can accumulate at sensitive marine locations, but also to the success of organized campaigns that involve the community, tourists and local organizations.

Support from the Local Community and the Importance of Partnership

The organization of this eco initiative is led by the diving center SUBSEASON in cooperation with the Institute Plavi svijet, institutions that have long been actively involved in the protection of the sea and the study of the marine ecosystem. Crucial support is provided by the City of Mali Lošinj, the City Tourism Community, the company Jadranka kampovi, Municipal Services Cres-Lošinj and the County Port Authority Mali Lošinj. Numerous associations, local clubs and citizens also participate in the campaign, contributing with their involvement to the preservation of the island’s natural heritage.

Inspiration from the Past: The Spirit of Island Solidarity

Although organized in a contemporary and logistically challenging manner, the campaign “More zna, otok pamti” draws its roots from the tradition of islanders. In the past, island communities organized similar work campaigns, known as “Rabota”, through which shared spaces were arranged – from cleaning pastures to maintaining roads and puddles. They were led by the “ancijan”, the village elder, and participation was mandatory and a matter of honor. Those earlier initiatives, although simpler, testify to the strong connection of islanders with their environment and mutual solidarity, which today’s campaign seeks to revive in a modern context.

Education and Promotion of Sustainable Habits

In addition to the cleaning itself, an important segment of the campaign is the educational aspect. During the event, the organizers promote the importance of recycling, proper waste disposal and reducing the use of plastic. Special attention is paid to children and youth who, through interactive workshops, learn about environmental responsibility and the importance of preserving biological diversity.

Lošinj – The Island of Health and Environmental Awareness

Lošinj has long been positioned as an island of health, with numerous initiatives promoting eco tourism and sustainable development. Accommodation on Lošinj, whether in hotels, camps or private lodging, is increasingly adhering to the concept of green tourism. Many facilities are dedicated to environmental preservation through the implementation of eco certificates, reduced energy consumption and the use of local products.

Susak Island: The Pearl That Deserves Purity

One of this year’s cleaning locations is the unique island Susak, known for its sandy structure and isolation. Preserving its seabed and coast is of utmost importance as it is an area not burdened by mass tourism, and at the same time represents a true gem of the Adriatic. The inclusion of Susak in the eco campaign confirms the commitment of the organizers and volunteers to preserve even the most remote parts of the Lošinj archipelago.

Divers – Heroes of the Deep Sea

The success of such initiatives largely depends on the willingness of diving enthusiasts to face the challenges of the seabed. They often dive into conditions of reduced visibility, cold temperatures and demanding terrains in order to retrieve old tires, plastic, parts of ship equipment and other forms of waste that threaten the marine ecosystem. Their dedication deserves special recognition as it is not only a physical task, but also a deep commitment to nature protection.

A Message That Resonates Far Beyond the Island

The message that this campaign sends transcends the boundaries of the island and Croatia – it calls for the responsibility of all who benefit from the sea. Every bottle, bag or piece of net removed from the sea is not just a piece of physical waste, but also a symbol of the collective fight to preserve the planet. The sea may be silent, but the island remembers – and this message should remain etched in all our consciousness.