According to data from the Sunce’s Green Phone, this summer we received 28 cases of marine pollution in Croatia, which is, apparently, a consequence of the tourist season.
The discharge of wastewater, whether originating from ships, septic tanks, sewage systems, or agriculture, has a significant impact on marine ecosystems. The pollution of seawater can lead to changes in nutrient levels, the number and diversity of organisms, the accumulation of organic and inorganic compounds, as well as changes in the food chain.
With the growth of the nautical sector in the Mediterranean, the impact of wastewater from vessels, which further burdens the Adriatic Sea, raises particular concern. This topic is also addressed within the EFFICIENTN2K project, whose activities you can learn about here.
Example of good practice: rapid response by ViK and JUŠO
Unfortunately, out of the 28 cases mentioned, we are still awaiting responses for seven. However, we highlight as an example of good practice the reported bursting of a sewage pipe at the location of bay Zenta, Split.
In June, we received a report about a months-long unresolved issue with a broken sewage pipe that was causing flooding in Zenta, one of Split’s most frequented bays during summer. In addition to causing flooding on-site, over time, feces began spilling into the sea, increasing the risk of endangering the health of swimmers in that area.
Immediately upon receiving the citizens’ report, Sunce’s legal team contacted “Vodovod i Kanalizacija Split”, ViK (Water supply and sewage system Split). On the same day, ViK responded, stating that it was a pressure pipeline managed by the “Javna ustanova Športski objekti”, JUŠO (Public Institution for Sports Facilities). However, since the problem also concerned a part of the public area, they expressed willingness to resolve the issue if they received a work order from JUŠO.
After our parallel communication with ViK and JUŠO, the repair of the sewage pipe began in less than two weeks, which is, compared to our past experiences, truly a short timeframe.
Report environmental pollution to Sunce’s Green Phone
We must emphasize that we are proud of this positive example, that is, that the responsible institutions recognized the urgency of resolving the problem. At the same time, this was a victory for citizens, us as a non-governmental organization, and those responsible for addressing the specific case.
Nadamo se da će ovakvi primjeri postati naša svakodnevica. Ovakve pojedinačne prakse svakako nam daju vjetar u leđa za nastavak onog što radimo.
We hope that such examples will become our everyday reality. Such individual practices certainly provide us with encouragement to continue what we do.
Citizens of Split, do not forget that you have the right to a clean environment and access to information about its condition. If you witness environmental pollution such as water contamination, air pollution, improper waste disposal, or noise, do not hesitate! Report environmental problems!
As part of the The Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund project, Sunce has created a brochure titled “Lend Your Voice to the Environment,“ which is available on our website (LINK). If you have not found all the information in the brochure or need additional assistance, contact Sunce’s Green Phone. Calls are automatically received from the Split-Dalmatia and Dubrovnik-Neretva counties at 072 123 456 or via email at [email protected].
When reporting, please provide us with the following information:
- date and time,
- location (address, land registry or cadastral plot number, or GPS location),
- description,
- photos and/or video recordings.
Your involvement is crucial in encouraging the responsible institutions to effectively address problems and protect our environment. The Green Phone exists to assist you in the fight for a healthier and cleaner environment. We invite you to actively participate in environmental protection. Your report can make a difference. Remedying the consequences of damage is always harder and more expensive than preventing risks in time.
The Green Phone Project – Lend Your Voice to the Environment II! is co-financed by a grant from The Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund.
