Research has shown that every human activity on the coast and sea is a challenge for marine ecosystems. Last month, we received an expert review by scientist Silvija Kipson on the impact of coastal filling and replenishment of beaches on marine ecosystems, commissioned as part of the SEAS project. The review confirmed that in Dalmatia, the coast filling is a serious challenge in the coast and the sea preservation, and with such activities, we change the e shape of our Adriatic coast, and continue to develop new one that is not characteristic or authentic for Croatia.
Sustainable coastal management should reconcile the demands of ecosystem conservation and community development. For this purpose, the Plan for the Management of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Area of the Split-Dalmatia County was made. The management plan is also a strategic act that will provide a framework for programming and directing development projects in the next EU financial framework for 2021-2027. The plan includes entire coastal belt, considering the pressure of the climate crisis on our environment.
In accordance with the Action Plan for the implementation of the guidelines and recommendations of the Management Plan, an Advisory Council was appointed, which will provide professional information and advice, and provide proposals and projects that contribute to more sustainable, successful, and resilient development of the coastal area of Split-Dalmatia County. In November 2021, besides Sunce, the University of Split – Faculty of Maritime Affairs, the Granum Salis Cooperative, the Croatian Hydrographic Institute, the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, the Directorate of Civil Protection – Regional Teaching Center Split, the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy PAP/RAC were appointed as members.
The Advisory Council held an initial meeting of the Council, where we presented the pressures, we consider important, the direction of action and principle topics were agreed upon. The Sunce, as a member of the Advisory Council, will work on promoting proper implementation of the provisions of the beforementioned management plan.
In addition to participating in the Council, the Sunce advocates the sustainable management of the sea coast through the activities of the SEAS project. The project will soon launch an online campaign on the topic of coastal filling. The environmental regulations are clear, and for the purpose of educating the public, we have listed relevant legal acts that regulate the topic of filling- HERE.
