“The largest generation in history is stepping up to shape a greener and more sustainable future,” the United Nations emphasize, noting that nearly half of the world’s population today is under the age of 30. And those people are not merely inheriting the planet, they are actively driving the transition toward cleaner technologies, more sustainable resource management, and a pollution-free society. It is therefore no surprise that numerous institutions, foundations, governments, civil society organizations, companies, and schools are investing in youth empowerment through education, participation in decision-making, and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement in environmental protection.
This global message is reflected locally through the FishNoWaste project, within which students of the Split School of Natural Sciences demonstrated in late 2025 how knowledge, motivation, and youth engagement can make a tangible impact in the community.
Students as educators
As part of the international project FishNoWaste – Waste reduction and management in fishing ports of the Adriatic Sea to promote sustainable fisheries, implemented by the Sunce Association together with partners from Croatia and Italy, a series of educational workshops and field activities was carried out with students from the Split School of Natural Sciences.
Within this programme, and under the mentorship of teachers Matilda Jelaska and Andrijana Poljak, students designed and implemented their own mini-projects aimed at raising awareness among peers and younger students about marine and river litter, as well as the importance of environmental protection.
One of these mini-projects was carried out by a group of 4th-grade students, who independently designed and delivered an educational lecture for students at Strožanac Primary School on December 2, 2025. Supported by their teachers, the students stepped into the role of educators, adapting their knowledge and messages to a younger audience.
– Through this project, students had the opportunity to move beyond the traditional role of listeners and become educators themselves. This is an extremely valuable experience, as it helps them develop confidence, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility toward the community, – emphasized teacher Matilda Jelaska.
‘Small changes can make a big difference’
The lecture, entirely designed by the students, consisted of two parts. In the theoretical section, primary school students learned about different types of waste, as well as the causes and consequences of water pollution. Special emphasis was placed on everyday habits that everyone can adopt: proper waste separation, recycling, reducing single-use plastics, and responsible water consumption. The students also presented practical examples of school-based activities through which young people can actively contribute to environmental protection.
– It was important for us to show that environmental protection is not something abstract or unreachable. Small changes in everyday behaviour can make a big difference, especially when knowledge is shared peer-to-peer, – added teacher Andrijana Poljak.
The practical part of the programme included workshops in which participants were divided into four groups. Two groups created functional and artistic items from waste collected on nearby beaches, while the other two expressed their vision of the Earth in 50 years through visual art. The workshops concluded with an exhibition of student works, showcasing both creativity and a strong understanding of environmental challenges.
Field visit to the source of the Jadro River
Another mini-project within the FishNoWaste educational programme was developed by a group of 3rd- and 4th-grade students from the Environmental Technician programme. They organized an educational field visit to the Jadro River site for their peers on December 17, 2025. Students were actively involved in planning the visit, selecting topics, and designing educational activities.
– The aim of this student-led project was to raise awareness about the importance of the Jadro River as a source of drinking water, its role within the natural ecosystem, and the need to protect the softmouth trout, an endemic and endangered species, – explained teacher Jelaska.
During the visit, students learned more about water resource protection, the impact of pollution on sensitive freshwater ecosystems, and the importance of responsible natural heritage management. Particular attention was given to the challenges facing the Jadro River and the measures being implemented to preserve its water quality.
The educational programme concluded with an interactive activity titled “Treasure Hunt”, which combined learning, teamwork, and outdoor exploration. Through the game, students reinforced their knowledge while further strengthening their awareness of environmental protection.
Youth as agents of change
These and other student mini-projects clearly demonstrate that the FishNoWaste project not only contributes to developing sustainable solutions for waste management in Adriatic fishing ports, but also actively empowers young people to become creators, organizers, and agents of change within their communities.
By encouraging students not merely to participate, but to independently design and implement activities, the project helps build a strong foundation for the long-term protection of seas, rivers, and the environment as a whole – echoing the message of the United Nations: the future is in the hands of young people, and they are already ready to take responsibility.
