As part of the Plastic-Free Croatian Island project, we conducted a survey among concessionaires operating in the Telašćica Nature Park and in the northern part of Dugi otok, in the Sakarun area, on the use of single-use plastics in their business in order to reduce plastic waste in protected areas. At the end of August, catching the last waves of the high tourist season, we met tired but smiling tourism workers engaged in various activities – from organizing excursions, catering to selling souvenirs and transportation.
Survey implementation
– The data we obtained from the analysis of the survey results will serve as a basis for determining and adopting a Decision to restrict the use of single-use plastics in protected areas – said Dalka Zanki, project manager. She added that the positive cooperation with the Municipality of Sali, the utility company Mulić d.o.o., tourist boards and the public institutions Natura Jadera and PP Tealšćica will contribute to further steps to reduce the use of single-use plastics in the tourism sector, especially since we now have feedback from concessionaires who are also striving for change.
A total of 31 concessionaires completed the survey, of which 21 concessionaires from the area managed by the Telašćica Nature Park Public Institution and ten concessionaires from the Dugi Otok area managed by the Natura Jadera Public Institution. All concessionaires perform tourism activities including organized tourist boat trips, catering and service activities, nautical services and land transport services.
– Of course we are concerned about the state of nature and the environment, the attractiveness of this area ensures our existence – claim the concessionaires when asked about the state of waste management on Dugi otok. Related to this, 26 concessionaires answered that they regularly warn their guests not to pollute the environment and to properly dispose of their waste.
Survey results
Waste management on Dugi otok
The analysis of the survey responses shows that concessionaires are generally dissatisfied with the existing waste management system. More than 74% of respondents stated that they were not satisfied with the way waste is collected and disposed of. Service providers in campsites were particularly critical, pointing out the problem of waste collection in campsites where even properly separated waste is later disposed of and transported from the island as mixed waste. The majority of concessionaires do separate waste, 79% of them separate plastic, glass and metal returnable packaging. We must emphasize that the majority of concessionaires are shipowners who bring their guests from Zadar, Biograd na Moru, Pretrčane, Ugljan and Pašman. These concessionaires do not leave their waste on Dugi Otok, but transport it back to their ports. On the other hand, 21% of respondents told us that they do not separate waste because there is no separate waste disposal on the island and that there is no point in separating it when everything is disposed of together at the same landfill.
Use of single-use plastic
Unfortunately, single-use plastics still play a significant role in the business of most of the concessionaires surveyed. Although 39% of respondents do not use single-use plastics, the majority (61%) still use it in large quantities. Tourist boats, beach restaurants and campsites consume significant amounts of plastic packaging every day. Among the reasons for continuing to use plastic, concessionaires highlighted technical obstacles such as the lack of infrastructure.
– We in Sakarun have neither electricity nor hot water. We are powered by our own generators, we do not have the possibility to wash reusable glasses – we were told by all the restaurateurs who operate on one of the most famous beaches of the Adriatic. They add that they largely depend on suppliers who have more affordable prices for single-use plastic items.
It can be assumed that the quantities of disposable plastic discarded, given the tourist demand, are extremely large. Only half of the concessionaires gave us an answer to the question of how many disposable plastic cups they use per day, and the approximate answer was that it is about 100 to 200 cups per day and one to four large full bags for municipal waste. It should be noted that as many as 68% of the concessionaires are not familiar with the SUP Directive.
Willingness to change
Despite the challenges of the current waste management system, concessionaires who completed our questionnaire claim that they are ready to acquire new sustainable habits. Some of them are already using alternative solutions, such as metal straws or offering the option to pick up orders in their own food and beverage containers.
Over 93% of respondents said they were willing to reduce their use of single-use plastics and introduce alternative solutions such as paper or reusable cups, plates and take-out containers. However, to facilitate their transition, concessionaires emphasized the need for financial support, education and stronger cooperation with organizations that promote sustainability.
Be part of the change – become a member or volunteer at Sunce! Bring your reusable cup to public events and contribute to reducing waste.
