The Croatian Marine Protected Areas Network, CroMPA is an informal platform established in 2021, focused on strengthening cooperation and coordination among stakeholders involved in the management and protection of marine protected areas in Croatia. It brings together 15 public institutions managing protected areas, representatives of ministries and competent authorities, the scientific community, and civil society organizations, including Sunce.
The goal of the network is to improve the management of marine protected areas in the Adriatic through knowledge exchange, joint action, strategic planning, and the strengthening of institutional and professional capacities.
Key areas of activity
CroMPA fosters collaboration and information exchange among stakeholders to achieve better protection of marine ecosystems. Activities include:
- improving the effectiveness of management in existing marine protected areas
- developing joint guidelines and strategies for marine conservation
- promoting science-based planning and monitoring of marine habitats and species
- strengthening capacities through training, workshops, and mutual support
- jointly advocating the importance of preserving marine ecosystems to decision-makers and the wider public.
Why is cooperation with CroMPA important for Sunce?
By participating in CroMPA, Sunce actively contributes to strengthening the management and protection of marine protected areas in Croatia. Membership enables:
- collaboration with key national stakeholders managing marine protected areas
- participation in the development of strategic documents and recommendations for effective sea protection
- exchange of experiences and knowledge with other network members
- active advocacy for sustainable marine management based on scientific and expert data.
Within the network, online meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, focusing on a pre-selected topic, with space for information sharing and discussion.
The network also establishes working groups addressing issues related to protected areas and marine conservation (monitoring, ecological moorings, legislative amendments, and more).
Through cooperation with this network, Sunce contributes to collective efforts to preserve the Adriatic Sea, its valuable habitats, and biodiversity, while simultaneously strengthening its role as an important actor in nature protection at the national level.