The December Assembly is an important moment for Sunce’s members and the wider public, as it provides insight into the association’s direction and its contribution to nature and environmental protection, both locally and across Croatia. On December 18, 2025, the Assembly was held at Sunce’s offices and online via Zoom, bringing together 27 members. The meeting was opened by Executive Director Gabrijela Medunić-Orlić, who welcomed those present and confirmed that a quorum had been reached, with 21 of the association’s 39 active members in attendance.
Program Operational Plan for 2026 presented
The heads of Sunce’s departments presented the Program Operational Plan for 2026. Zrinka Jakl, Head of the Nature Conservation Department, highlighted that special emphasis in the coming year will be placed on strengthening monitoring and enforcement in protected areas, advocating for the introduction of strict protection zones, and preserving Posidonia seagrass meadows. Work will continue on monitoring marine habitats and implementing the BIOPRESSADRIA and ASPEH projects, as well as new Interreg Italy–Croatia projects.
Tea Kuzmičić Rosandić explained that the Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Department will continue working on marine litter and waste management issues, with a particular focus on reducing the inflow of single-use plastics into the environment. The newly launched Loop Zone project places the reduction of single-use plastics on Mediterranean tourist islands at the forefront, with the island of Vis designated as the target area in Croatia.
Strong cooperation with the business sector will continue through the AWASTER project on circular economy solutions, with fishers through the FishNoWaste project, and on waste management solutions for Dugi Otok as part of the Wastereduce project. Members were also reminded that a public consultation is currently underway for the Split-Dalmatia County Waste Management Plan 2024–2029, which unfortunately does not offer adequate solutions for achieving responsible and sustainable waste management in the county (LINK).
Maja Jurić, Head of the Communications and Advocacy Department, announced strengthened efforts in addressing climate change. Following the successful DesirMED Earth Day 2025 competition for primary schools in Split-Dalmatia County, the association plans to organize another call for nature-based solutions, with particular focus on schools located in or near urban heat island areas. In addition to continuing advocacy campaigns such as Together Without Plastic and And where do you anchor?, she also announced Sunce’s first crowdfunding campaign, aimed at closing roads for the 15th Split Biking Tour.
Further advocacy efforts are planned to encourage active citizen engagement in environmental protection, monitor the adoption and implementation of legislation, and promote more accountable work by public authorities through the project Together – our voices and actions for the environment.
Margita Radman, Head of the Education and Information Department, reflected on the completion of the outdoor classroom at Brda Primary School, developed as part of the VolonTERRA—Active Schools Initiate Changes! project. She announced continued monitoring of school garden development through the DesirMED project, as well as ongoing activities within the Sailing into STEM – A Map for 2030 project.
In 2026, greater focus will be placed on educating teachers and education professionals, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to foster sustainable values among students. Margita also praised Sunce’s public events, Šizika and Quizos, which saw excellent participation from citizens, members, and volunteers and will continue in 2026.
Following the presentations, a vote was held and the active members present unanimously adopted the Program Operational Plan for 2026.
Financial plan and organisational development for 2026
Antonela Puljić, Expert Associateat at Finance, Organization and Administration Department, briefly presented the Financial Plan for 2026. It was noted that part of the funding for 2026 has already been secured through contracted projects, while a significant number of project proposals are currently under evaluation. As there were no comments from members, the Financial Plan for 2026 was unanimously adopted. The Executive Director also presented the Organisational Development Action Plan for 2026, which was likewise unanimously approved. In 2026, Sunce plans to develop a new Strategic Plan and a Communication Strategy for the period 2027–2032.
She highlighted achievements related to the external evaluation led by Marina Škrabalo and the organisational image research conducted in 2025 by the Ipsos agency across four Dalmatian counties (LINK). Preliminary findings of Sunce’s impact assessment were presented by external associate Marina Škrabalo.
The findings confirm that over the past decade, Sunce has operated consistently and effectively, achieving visible results in nature and environmental protection, public policy advocacy, and work with citizens and communities. The organisation’s dedicated and highly competent team was particularly recognised for successfully implementing a broad range of programmes aligned with clearly defined strategic goals.
Ipsos research among citizens, along with numerous interviews and stakeholder surveys, indicates that Sunce enjoys a very strong reputation among those familiar with its work. However, one of the key challenges remains increasing visibility and raising broader public awareness.
Following the formal part of the Assembly, members gathered for a reception, where they continued discussions in a relaxed atmosphere about the importance of civic engagement in environmental protection and opportunities for further project development that contribute to quality of life and the preservation of nature and the environment. The decisions adopted at the Annual Assembly are important not only for members but for the wider community, as they shape Sunce’s work in the coming year and ensure the organisation continues to contribute as effectively as possible to nature and environmental protection, in line with its Strategic Plan.
If you are a Sunce member, we invite you to take part in our assemblies, learn more about our work, and connect with fellow members. The next Assembly is planned for early spring, when, among other items, the draft 2025 Annual Report will be presented for adoption.
If you are not yet a member, you can find information on how to join here!