We are nearing the end of our time with our long-term European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteer, Tetiana Pavlova, from Kharkiv, Ukraine. Tetiana has been with us for a year, contributing her creativity to Sunce in various ways—most notably with her keen eye for detail and graphic design skills. During her time at Sunce, she also dedicated herself to a personal project on a topic close to her heart. Read more about Tetiana’s project in her own words below.

Marine species in the Dalmatia region of Croatia are disappearing at an alarming rate. But there is a way to help—support a project that aims to save them.

Marine species that are disappearing around us

Imagine a world in which all that remains of the creatures we once knew are pixelated images. The sad reality is that many marine species in the Dalmatia region of Croatia are on the verge of extinction. And with them, the delicate balance of our nature is disappearing. The only trace of these once vibrant creatures may be photos stored on electronic devices—mere pixels that are a far cry from what these animals were in real life.

Why is this important? Because despite the ubiquity of technology, the virtual world cannot replace the real world. These creatures play a vital role in the ecosystem, and their disappearance will affect us all. But there is hope, and it starts with awareness.

Why some still don’t understand the seriousness of the problem of the endangerment of Adriatic species

Despite all the information, some may question whether this problem is really that urgent. After all, some believe that species extinction is a natural process that has always occurred on Earth.

While it is true that species are disappearing, the rate of extinction today is unprecedented. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), one in four species is at risk of extinction in the coming decades. This is not a natural phenomenon; it is a crisis caused by human activity, from pollution to climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction.

But the good news is that it is not too late to change something. The Dalmatian region, with its rich marine biodiversity, can still be saved. The key is not only to recognize the problem but also to take action to protect these species before it is too late.

The harsh reality of Adriatic species extinction

Did you know that:

• More than 40% of marine species in the Dalmatia region are at risk of extinction.
• The Adriatic Sea, one of Europe’s most biodiverse seas, is facing a dramatic decline in fish populations due to overfishing and pollution.
• Around 90% of the world’s coral reefs could be destroyed by 2050 due to warming and acidifying oceans.

These figures are shocking, and they should be a wake-up call for us.

Your contribution to conservation of the Adriatic

I started the Keep It Real project with the aim of protecting endangered marine species in the Dalmatia region of Croatia. The initiative aims to raise awareness and give everyone the opportunity to contribute to their conservation.

How does it work?

Starting in early February, stickers and postcards will be available at Sunce’s public events (such as the Swap Fair and Quizos). By donating for stickers and postcards, you support the work of the Association for Nature, Environment, and Sustainable Development Sunce. The project’s website provides links to other Croatian organizations that are also active in the field of protecting endangered species.

Sunce is involved in many environmental initiatives, including education, advocating for sustainable waste management, and combating marine litter. One of their priorities is the preservation of the Posidonia seagrass meadows, a vital element of the Adriatic Sea ecosystem.

Why it’s important to act now

By becoming aware of the problem of species extinction in the Dalmatia region, you become part of a larger and more important movement. Here are some reasons why it’s important to act:

● protecting biodiversity

Every species plays a role in maintaining the balance of an ecosystem. The loss of one can cause a chain reaction affecting everything from marine life to the human economy.

● future generations

By acting now, we will ensure that the next generation of people will not only know these species from photographs or virtual images.

● sustainability

Awareness and action to protect endangered species means adopting a more sustainable and responsible lifestyle that respects the delicate balance of nature.

Imagine a world where children no longer see dolphins in the wild or where coral reefs disappear. These scenarios are no longer fantasy; they are happening right now.

Join the Keep It Real project

We stand at a crossroads. Dalmatia’s marine species are disappearing, and if we don’t take action, they will become nothing more than abstract pixels on a digital file—memories of a world that no longer exists.

But there is hope. By raising awareness, supporting marine conservation initiatives, and encouraging sustainable practices, we can protect these species and ensure that they remain alive not only in photographs but also in the seas where they belong.

You can help! Support the Keep It Real project and make your contribution to preserving endangered marine species in the Dalmatia region. Visit our website, learn more about which species are at risk, and stop by our public events to donate, get your stickers/postcards, and become a part of this important movement.

All proceeds from donations for stickers and postcards will go to support the work of the Association Sunce, which works to protect nature and environmental sustainability in Croatia. Your actions can help prevent the extinction of these amazing creatures and preserve them for future generations.

Your actions matter. Follow Sunce on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) and get your stickers/postcards as soon as available! Protect marine life and preserve the future of our oceans!

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• #Keep it real