In the heart of the French Riviera, in the city of Nice, a significant international event is taking place where Croatia proudly presents its rich maritime heritage. As part of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which runs until June 13th, the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) has joined forces with the Cronaves Association from Split to introduce the unique maritime tradition of the Adriatic to the global public. This global summit, organized under the high patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron, brings together world leaders, scientists, and activists with the aim of finding solutions to the burning issues threatening the world's seas and oceans, with an emphasis on sustainability and the blue economy.

At this prestigious event, Croatia is presenting itself through an innovative program called "Blue Croatia – promoting the preservation of Croatian maritime heritage and the Adriatic Sea as a sustainable ecosystem." The central part of the Croatian presentation is taking place on the deck of an authentic traditional fishing boat, the Tartana, which serves as a floating ambassador of Croatian culture and history, anchored in the port of Nice.

Focus on Sustainability and Rich Tradition

The promotion in France is not accidental. It is precisely in this market that awareness of the importance of environmentally responsible travel has been growing in recent years, and Croatia is positioning itself as a destination that offers just that. "Croatia proudly stands out with one of the cleanest seas in Europe, an exceptionally indented coastline, and numerous protected natural and cultural areas. Our long-standing and successful cooperation with the Cronaves Association in promoting maritime heritage is key to presenting Croatia as a country of clean sea, rich tradition, and tourism that develops in synergy with the local community. This is the foundation of sustainable tourism on which we place special emphasis in France, and everything is aligned with the national strategy for sustainable development," said Danijela Mihalić Đurica, Director of the HTZ Representative Office in France. The message is clear: Croatian tourism is not just about sun and sea, but a deep respect for heritage and the environment.

The Adriatic Sea, as Croatia's most valuable resource, is the focus of this promotion. Its cleanliness and biodiversity are presented as examples of good practice in the conservation of marine ecosystems. Through the story of traditional boats and skills, Croatia sends a message about the importance of coexistence between man and the sea, a model that has been nurtured on the Croatian coast and islands for centuries. This initiative is directly linked to the goals of the UN conference, which seeks concrete actions to protect the oceans for future generations, promoting concepts such as sustainable fishing and the protection of marine habitats.

"Tartana" – A Floating Ambassador of the Adriatic

The main star of the Croatian presentation in Nice is undoubtedly the fishing boat Tartana. This is a type of boat that has deep roots in the history of the Mediterranean, including the Adriatic. Over the centuries, tartanas served as versatile vessels, used for fishing, cargo transport, and trade, and are recognizable by their wide hull and characteristic lateen sail. The restoration and preservation of such vessels is the mission of the Cronaves Association from Split, which has dedicated itself to saving the entire fleet of traditional Adriatic boats from oblivion – from leuts and gajetas to falkušas and tartanas.

The presence of the Tartana in the French port is more than just an exhibition; it is a living museum and a platform for interaction. Conference visitors and residents of Nice have the opportunity to step onto the deck of this historic vessel, feel the spirit of the past, and learn firsthand about its role in the daily life of Dalmatian fishermen and sailors. The boat is not just a symbol, but also a powerful tool for education about the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage, which is as fragile as the marine ecosystem to which it belongs.

Interactive Experience of Croatia on the French Coast

The Croatian National Tourist Board and Cronaves have made sure that the program is extremely dynamic and interactive. The goal is to provide visitors with an authentic experience and actively involve them in the story of Croatian maritime tradition. Numerous workshops are organized on the Tartana boat, attracting great attention. One of the most popular is the traditional lateen sail sailing workshop, where interested participants can learn the basics of handling this specific sail that dominated the Mediterranean for centuries. This skill, inscribed in the Register of Cultural Goods of the Republic of Croatia, represents an intangible treasure passed down from generation to generation.

In addition to sailing, visitors can also participate in workshops on tying sailor's knots, mastering skills that were essential for every sailor's survival and work at sea. Through presentations of the program for the preservation of Croatian maritime heritage, experts from the Cronaves Association explain the complex processes of restoring old boats and the importance of documenting old shipbuilding techniques. All these activities together create a complete picture, where Croatian tourism is actively promoted, highlighting Croatia not only as a holiday destination but as one of the world's leading naval and maritime nations.

Grand Parade of Traditional Boats as the Climax of the Event

A special moment and the highlight of the Croatian presentation is taking place today, June 8th. The fishing boat Tartana will participate in a spectacular parade of traditional boats that will sail the sea in front of the main port in Nice. This visually impressive event will attract a huge number of spectators as well as media and journalists from all over the world. As the Tartana proudly sails alongside other historic vessels from different parts of the world, it will be a unique opportunity to promote Croatia on the global stage.

The parade is not just an aesthetic experience; it carries a strong symbolic message of unity and shared responsibility for the preservation of the world's maritime heritage. The participation of the Croatian boat in such an event confirms Croatia's status as a country with a rich and vibrant maritime culture, and sends a strong visual message that will undoubtedly travel the world and further strengthen Croatia's image as an unmissable destination for all lovers of the sea, history, and sustainable tourism.