Sunce held its assembly on April 14, 2026, via Zoom, with 22 members participating, 21 of whom held active membership status. The assembly was opened by Gabrijela Medunić-Orlić, Executive Director of Sunce, who welcomed all attendees and confirmed the quorum, with 21 active members present out of a total of 40. Following the presentation of the agenda, the following key decisions regarding Sunce’s work were unanimously adopted:
- the Work report for 2025 was approved (available here)
- the Supervisory Committee report for 2025 was approved.
Key achievements in 2025
The Work report showed that 2025 was one of the most active and successful years in Sunce’s history. Throughout the year, Sunce continued its strong advocacy for nature and environmental protection, sustainable waste management, and the preservation of the sea and coastline. Particular focus was placed on reducing single-use plastics, protecting marine habitats, and engaging citizens in environmental initiatives.
Among the most significant achievements was the designation of the “Cape Stupišće” Special Reserve, which in 2025 became the first strictly protected marine area in Split-Dalmatia County. In previous years, Sunce contributed to the expert study supporting the protection of this area and actively participated in the designation process. Important contributions were also made through involvement in the designation of new ecological network areas, including the protection of Posidonia seagrass meadows, seabirds, and other valuable marine habitats.
In the field of sustainable waste management, numerous projects and activities were implemented to reduce waste and the use of single-use plastics, particularly on islands and in protected areas. The Together without plastic campaign continued, while international projects developed concrete solutions for reducing waste in local communities, fishing ports, and the tourism sector. Throughout the year, Sunce also continued its intensive work on marine litter through educational activities, clean-up actions, and cooperation with the fisheries sector.
Strong focus on education and volunteering
During 2025, Sunce continued its intensive work with children, youth, students, and citizens through educational programmes, workshops, and public events. A total of 18 educational activities were carried out for more than 1,100 participants, including preschool children, primary and secondary school students, university students, and representatives of educational institutions.
More than 1,340 citizens participated in Sunce’s public events throughout the year. Events included the Sustainability festival, Swap Fairs, the Split Bike Tour, ŠIZIKA workshops, Quizos pub quizzes, and many other activities aimed at promoting sustainable habits and active citizenship.
The year was also marked by growing volunteer engagement and membership. In 2025, Sunce involved a total of 61 international and local volunteers, while the total number of volunteer hours reached 4,875. The work of the SoleSTerra Volunteer Club, established at the end of 2024, also continued. Sunce’s membership grew to a total of 498 members.
Highest revenue since the Association was founded
A major step forward was also made in public advocacy and communications. During the year, Sunce participated in 19 public consultation processes related to environmental and nature protection, as well as in numerous working groups at the local, national, and European levels. A record 378 media features covering the Association’s work, activities, and positions were published in public media outlets.
At the organisational level, 2025 was marked by the continued development of the Association’s capacities, as well as the implementation of an impact assessment of Sunce’s work for the period from 2015 to 2025 in cooperation with external expert Marina Škrabalo. As part of this assessment, IPSOS conducted a public perception survey of Sunce across four Dalmatian counties. The results showed that Sunce enjoys a highly positive image, although the Association is still not widely recognised. Only 32% of respondents had heard of Sunce, while those familiar with the organisation see it as an important educator and guardian of the sea.
Sunce also achieved its highest revenue since its establishment: EUR 1,464,068.47, representing a 52.6% increase compared to the previous year.
We would like to remind everyone that all members of the Association are welcome to participate in Sunce’s assemblies, while voting rights are reserved for active members only. Important decisions regarding Sunce’s work and activities are made during these assemblies, and all members receive an official invitation prior to each meeting. If you would like to take part in the next assembly, support our work, and become involved in Sunce’s activities, we warmly invite you to become our member!