In Vlašići, an ecological beach and underwater cleaning campaign was successfully held as part of the informative and educational campaign “For a clean bay”, and ACI’s ambassador Kristijan Gligora also gave his approval.
Volunteers from Croatia, Slovenia and Germany, including ACI’s ambassador Kristijan Gligora, thoroughly cleaned the beach and a large part of the waterfront in Vlašići as part of the informative and educational campaign “For a clean bay”, collecting a significant amount of various waste. On the initiative of the Volim Vlašići association, the goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of the importance of preserving natural resources, especially in light of the increasingly pronounced environmental problems affecting the Vlašići bay. These problems are primarily the result of unauthorized anchoring, the discharge of septic tanks into the sea, and the filling and improper disposal of construction waste on the large waterfront. ACI is one of the sponsors, and with its continuous involvement in such initiatives, it shows its commitment to environmental protection and the sustainable development of nautical tourism.
ACI’s ambassador Kristijan Gligora once again directed his efforts towards a better future for the entire community
The event held is crucial for the preservation of the natural environment of the Vlašići bay, which has been facing increasing pollution pressure in recent years. ACI’s ambassador Kristijan Gligora, who was at the head of the team of divers, along with all the other volunteers who contributed to the success of the initiative, also gave his thumbs up. As the youngest scuba diver, Kristijan is dedicated to preserving the marine environment, and his incredible passion was recognized by ACI, which faithfully follows him and provides support in research and all endeavors. This collaboration symbolizes a shared vision of a sustainable future and conservation of natural resources, and Kristijan’s commitment and ability are an inspiration to others.
“Protecting the environment is our joint task, and actions like this one in Vlašići are proof that we can make a real change when we unite. As an ACI ambassador, I am proud to have their continued support in my research projects, which relate not only to undersea research and conservation, but also to wider environmental initiatives. Thanks to ACI, I have the opportunity to combine my passion for underwater archeology with concrete environmental protection actions. We are working together to raise awareness and motivate the community to take an active role in preserving our natural beauty, and I believe that with joint efforts we can ensure a sustainable and healthier future for all of us,” said Kristijan Gligora, ACI’s ambassador and the youngest underwater researcher in the world.
The action “For a clean bay” relieved large amounts of waste from the seabed
In addition to the goal of the action being the removal of waste and the sea, the locals and visitors were also educated about the importance of preserving the Natura 2000 ecological network, as well as the negative consequences that improper waste management and overexploitation of natural resources can have on the ecosystem of the bay. In the past period, the Volim Vlašići association has carried out a series of activities within the “For a clean bay” campaign, which have already yielded positive results. Among other things, as part of this initiative, an informational and educational campaign was carried out via social networks with the aim of spreading awareness about the importance of preserving the environment and biodiversity.
“Special emphasis in the campaign was placed on the preservation of the Vlašići bay, which in 2014, due to its exceptional biological and landscape diversity, was declared part of the ecological network Natura 2000 under the designation HR2001259. This protected marine area is recognized for its wealth of marine species and habitats that are increasingly threatened by human activity. Through its activities so far, the association has managed to significantly influence the awareness of individuals about the importance of nature conservation, biodiversity and the protection of plant and animal species that are key to the healthy ecosystem of the Vlašići bay”, said Ana Žunić, president of the Volim Vlašići association.
ACI, as the largest chain of marinas in the Mediterranean and a regional leader in the nautical sector, continuously supports commendable initiatives and projects and itself carries out regular sea and underwater cleaning campaigns in its marinas throughout the Adriatic. This support for environmental initiatives reflects ACI’s commitment to preserving the natural environment, which is critical to a sustainable future for all to enjoy.
Photos: Udruga Volim Vlašići