{"id":35113,"date":"2025-12-09T16:33:47","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T15:33:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/?p=35113"},"modified":"2025-12-10T07:40:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T06:40:53","slug":"citizens-increasingly-aware-the-right-to-a-healthy-environment-is-a-fundamental-human-right","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/news\/citizens-increasingly-aware-the-right-to-a-healthy-environment-is-a-fundamental-human-right\/","title":{"rendered":"Citizens increasingly aware: the right to a healthy environment is a fundamental human right"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>On the occasion of<strong> International Human Rights Day<\/strong>, we often talk about freedom of speech, equality, or the right to education. Yet one right is still mentioned far too rarely \u2013 <strong>the right to a clean, <strong>healthy<\/strong><\/strong> <strong>and sustainable environment<\/strong>. This is exactly the topic of a public opinion survey conducted for the <strong>Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development Sunce<\/strong> by Ipsos, across four Dalmatian counties, on a representative sample of 603 citizens during August and September 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The results are clear: <strong>people in Dalmatia are highly aware of environmental issues, consider some of them urgent, and support the work of organizations that defend the environment every day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visible problems: waste, excessive construction, and illegal construction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At the top of the list of concerns for Dalmatian citizens are the problems we all see every day:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>pollution and waste accumulating in nature and the sea<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>the degradation of the coastline and excessive construction<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>illegal and unplanned building<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are not abstract topics. They\u2019re things everyone notices: trash in hidden coves, concrete slabs replacing natural pebble beaches, apartment blocks springing up where greenery once grew. Almost everyone has a story about a favorite beach now covered in waste, or a patch of green that vanished overnight. Citizens are sending a clear message: <strong>these practices undermine our quality of life and our relationship with the space we live in<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"33596\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/otpad_zeleni_telefon.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33596\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/otpad_zeleni_telefon.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/otpad_zeleni_telefon-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/otpad_zeleni_telefon-500x667.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"33598\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nasipavanje_plaze_zeleni_telefon.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33598\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nasipavanje_plaze_zeleni_telefon.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nasipavanje_plaze_zeleni_telefon-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nasipavanje_plaze_zeleni_telefon-500x667.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As many as <strong>89%<\/strong> <strong>of citizens <\/strong>believe that the problem of waste in nature and the sea <strong>must be addressed urgently<\/strong>. A similar number point to the coastal overdevelopment and illegal construction, with more than <strong>80%<\/strong> seeing these as pressing issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Citizens also recognize that <strong>a lack of knowledge and awareness <\/strong>lies at the root of many environmental problems. This is a strong call for more education \u2013 from early childhood and schools to local communities and the media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Climate change and air pollution rank slightly lower on the list of priorities, but are still seen by the majority as issues that must be addressed. This is likely because <strong>climate change is often perceived as something \u201cfar away\u201d and global<\/strong>, while trash on the beach or a forest replaced by concrete is uncomfortably tangible. This doesn\u2019t mean people are unaware \u2013 far from it \u2013 but it suggests we need<strong> to strengthen the understanding of how everyday life and the climate crisis are connected<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A system that isn\u2019t functioning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Citizens don\u2019t view environmental problems as unfortunate accidents but as <strong>the consequences of poor decisions, weak oversight, and a lack of political will<\/strong>. Behind each visible wound on the landscape, they recognize a deeper cause: <strong>a system that isn\u2019t working<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>weak inspection services and poor enforcement of environmental laws<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>harmful projects in protected areas<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>authorities neglecting environmental issues<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The protection of tree alleys, parks, and small green oases in neighborhoods emerges as a very important issue. People feel the difference between a neighborhood with shade, greenery, and space for children and community \u2013 and a concrete desert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Zeleni_telefon_Vranjic_Sjeverna_luka-1024x640.png\" alt=\"vranjic-zeleni-telefon-sunce\" class=\"wp-image-27447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Zeleni_telefon_Vranjic_Sjeverna_luka-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Zeleni_telefon_Vranjic_Sjeverna_luka-480x300.png 480w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Zeleni_telefon_Vranjic_Sjeverna_luka-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Zeleni_telefon_Vranjic_Sjeverna_luka-500x313.png 500w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Zeleni_telefon_Vranjic_Sjeverna_luka.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, they are keenly aware of the threats to the sea \u2013 <strong>the negative impact of nautical tourism, the loss of marine species and habitats, and declining fish stocks<\/strong>. For people in Dalmatia, the sea is more than a resource. As a key part of the region\u2019s identity, citizens see it not only through a tourism lens, but also through tradition, long-term sustainability, and their own future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tourism is a particularly sensitive area. Although some people are cautious due to the region\u2019s economic dependence on tourism, <strong>the vast majority still believe that the pressure is excessive and needs better regulation<\/strong>. This shows that there is room and support for <strong>a sustainable tourism model <\/strong>in which development does not mean destroying the very resources that tourism depends on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Citizens trust NGOs \u2013 but rarely get formally involved<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most important findings is the high level of public support for environmental organizations. As many as <strong>78%<\/strong> of citizens believe environmental NGOs are <strong>important or very important <\/strong>for the community. This means the public gives clear legitimacy to the work of organizations like Sunce. Support is especially strong among women and retirees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we look at <strong>how citizens support NGOs<\/strong>, we see a clear \u201cengagement ladder\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>most common: <strong>sharing information and signing petitions<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>next: <strong>donations and volunteering<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>least common: <strong>directly reporting problems to NGOs<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Zeleni_telefon-1024x640.png\" alt=\"green-phone-sunce\" class=\"wp-image-27059\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Zeleni_telefon-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Zeleni_telefon-480x300.png 480w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Zeleni_telefon-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Zeleni_telefon-500x313.png 500w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Zeleni_telefon.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Citizens show strong willingness for so-called <strong>\u201clight\u201d digital activism <\/strong>\u2013 clicking, signing, sharing. One in three has already donated, one in three has volunteered, and more than a quarter have attended an event. These are very valuable indicators, showing that there is <strong>an active core of people ready to take the next step<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, <strong>85% of respondents are not formally members of any association, club, or organization<\/strong>. This means we have a large, positively inclined audience that supports environmental goals, but often remains at the level of \u201csympathizers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sunce: a very positive image, but still not widely recognized<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The results show that<strong> Sunce has an extremely positive reputation, but is still not recognized enough<\/strong>. Only <strong>32% <\/strong>of respondents have heard of Sunce. Those who do know the organization see it as<strong> an important educator and guardian of the sea<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The main challenge is no longer convincing people that environmental protection matters \u2013 they already know that.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The challenge is turning passive support into active participation. <\/strong>As many as 46% of those familiar with the organization say they would<strong> like to get involved<\/strong>, but haven\u2019t taken that step yet. This opens a huge opportunity for engagement in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Zajedno_glasom_i_djelovanjem_za_okolis_Sunce-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"ljudi-bacvice\" class=\"wp-image-35000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Zajedno_glasom_i_djelovanjem_za_okolis_Sunce-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Zajedno_glasom_i_djelovanjem_za_okolis_Sunce-480x300.jpg 480w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Zajedno_glasom_i_djelovanjem_za_okolis_Sunce-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Zajedno_glasom_i_djelovanjem_za_okolis_Sunce-500x313.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Zajedno_glasom_i_djelovanjem_za_okolis_Sunce.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On International Human Rights Day, Sunce wishes to remind everyone that <strong>the fight for human rights and the fight for the environment go hand in hand<\/strong>. The right to clean air, sea, and nature is not a luxury \u2013 it is a fundamental right of every person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Citizens have already sent their message. It is up to us to listen \u2013 and turn it into concrete change. One way you can contribute is by <strong>becoming a member of the organization (<a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/join-in\/become-a-member\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LINK<\/a>)<\/strong>. Together, we can turn a large, quiet, supportive majority into a community of <strong>active citizens <\/strong>who are transforming Dalmatia \u2013 and society \u2013 for the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IPSOS: Perception of the Sunce Association in Four Dalmatian Counties \u2013 Summary of Key Findings (<a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Percepcija_Sunca_sazetak_kljucni_nalazi_19_9_25.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LINK<\/a>).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Citizens of Dalmatia are calling for urgent environmental protection: waste, overdevelopment, and illegal construction are the region\u2019s biggest issues, according to research by Ipsos and Sunce.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":35000,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[1125,1408],"class_list":["post-35113","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-environmental-law","tag-human-rights-day"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35113","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35113"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35113\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35133,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35113\/revisions\/35133"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35000"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35113"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35113"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35113"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}