On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, we often talk about freedom of speech, equality, or the right to education. Yet one right is still mentioned far too rarely – the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. This is exactly the topic of a public opinion survey conducted for the Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development Sunce by Ipsos, across four Dalmatian counties, on a representative sample of 603 citizens during August and September 2025.
The results are clear: people in Dalmatia are highly aware of environmental issues, consider some of them urgent, and support the work of organizations that defend the environment every day.
Visible problems: waste, excessive construction, and illegal construction
At the top of the list of concerns for Dalmatian citizens are the problems we all see every day:
- pollution and waste accumulating in nature and the sea
- the degradation of the coastline and excessive construction
- illegal and unplanned building.
These are not abstract topics. They’re things everyone notices: trash in hidden coves, concrete slabs replacing natural pebble beaches, apartment blocks springing up where greenery once grew. Almost everyone has a story about a favorite beach now covered in waste, or a patch of green that vanished overnight. Citizens are sending a clear message: these practices undermine our quality of life and our relationship with the space we live in.
As many as 89% of citizens believe that the problem of waste in nature and the sea must be addressed urgently. A similar number point to the coastal overdevelopment and illegal construction, with more than 80% seeing these as pressing issues.
Citizens also recognize that a lack of knowledge and awareness lies at the root of many environmental problems. This is a strong call for more education – from early childhood and schools to local communities and the media.
Climate change and air pollution rank slightly lower on the list of priorities, but are still seen by the majority as issues that must be addressed. This is likely because climate change is often perceived as something “far away” and global, while trash on the beach or a forest replaced by concrete is uncomfortably tangible. This doesn’t mean people are unaware – far from it – but it suggests we need to strengthen the understanding of how everyday life and the climate crisis are connected.
A system that isn’t functioning
Citizens don’t view environmental problems as unfortunate accidents but as the consequences of poor decisions, weak oversight, and a lack of political will. Behind each visible wound on the landscape, they recognize a deeper cause: a system that isn’t working.
- weak inspection services and poor enforcement of environmental laws
- harmful projects in protected areas
- authorities neglecting environmental issues
The protection of tree alleys, parks, and small green oases in neighborhoods emerges as a very important issue. People feel the difference between a neighborhood with shade, greenery, and space for children and community – and a concrete desert.
At the same time, they are keenly aware of the threats to the sea – the negative impact of nautical tourism, the loss of marine species and habitats, and declining fish stocks. For people in Dalmatia, the sea is more than a resource. As a key part of the region’s identity, citizens see it not only through a tourism lens, but also through tradition, long-term sustainability, and their own future.
Tourism is a particularly sensitive area. Although some people are cautious due to the region’s economic dependence on tourism, the vast majority still believe that the pressure is excessive and needs better regulation. This shows that there is room and support for a sustainable tourism model in which development does not mean destroying the very resources that tourism depends on.
Citizens trust NGOs – but rarely get formally involved
One of the most important findings is the high level of public support for environmental organizations. As many as 78% of citizens believe environmental NGOs are important or very important for the community. This means the public gives clear legitimacy to the work of organizations like Sunce. Support is especially strong among women and retirees.
When we look at how citizens support NGOs, we see a clear “engagement ladder”:
- most common: sharing information and signing petitions
- next: donations and volunteering
- least common: directly reporting problems to NGOs.
Citizens show strong willingness for so-called “light” digital activism – clicking, signing, sharing. One in three has already donated, one in three has volunteered, and more than a quarter have attended an event. These are very valuable indicators, showing that there is an active core of people ready to take the next step.
At the same time, 85% of respondents are not formally members of any association, club, or organization. This means we have a large, positively inclined audience that supports environmental goals, but often remains at the level of “sympathizers.”
Sunce: a very positive image, but still not widely recognized
The results show that Sunce has an extremely positive reputation, but is still not recognized enough. Only 32% of respondents have heard of Sunce. Those who do know the organization see it as an important educator and guardian of the sea.
The main challenge is no longer convincing people that environmental protection matters – they already know that.
The challenge is turning passive support into active participation. As many as 46% of those familiar with the organization say they would like to get involved, but haven’t taken that step yet. This opens a huge opportunity for engagement in 2026.
On International Human Rights Day, Sunce wishes to remind everyone that the fight for human rights and the fight for the environment go hand in hand. The right to clean air, sea, and nature is not a luxury – it is a fundamental right of every person.
Citizens have already sent their message. It is up to us to listen – and turn it into concrete change. One way you can contribute is by becoming a member of the organization (LINK). Together, we can turn a large, quiet, supportive majority into a community of active citizens who are transforming Dalmatia – and society – for the better.
IPSOS: Perception of the Sunce Association in Four Dalmatian Counties – Summary of Key Findings (LINK).