Blog

Croatia stands ready to support purposeful partnerships for sustainability

}

Jan 15, 2019

With sustainable development at the forefront of global initiatives for positive change, countries around the world have stepped up to the plate through local and global initiatives in support of worldwide sustainability & impact. 

While you may have seen coverage highlighting a number of countries leading the pathway for sustainable development, there are more than 140 nations around the world that have taken the 2015 pledge for a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future, according to the UN

Let’s take a look at a nation that is making (plastic-free) waves in the sustianability industry: Croatia

cjqzbn25x020t8zi52oukmphj sergii gulenok 61955 unsplash

Meet the newest member of the EU: Croatia


cjqxyf9dx015j9fi5x1nzi18e giphy

Known for its beautiful coasts, many islands (more than 1000!), the country has also made an appearance in one of our favorite series: Game of Thrones. Yes, you heard that right! Many of the scenes in King’s Landing were actually filmed in the old town of Dubrovnik, one of Croatia’s most popular travel destinations! In fact, other places throughout Croatia were also used for various filming spots in the popular series [1]. 

We’ll let Peter Dinklage’s eyebrows do the sutainability talking… 

As the newest member of the European Union, the beautiful country has been planning and implementing various growth and sustainable development practices since joining the EU in 2013. You could even say, sustainability is coming. To Croatia.

cjqxy7xia012r8zi5gnxjx2pa cody black 762257 unsplash

Let’s talk: Energy sector

The Croatian Smart Specialisation Strategy 2016-2020 is an EU initiative, detailing the country’s points of focus for economic growth and competitiveness [2]. The section for ‘Energy and Sustainable Development’ of the strategy presents positive goals for sustainable development mainly from an energy point of view, also including plans from various other incentives. The goals present high potential of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), raising the sustainability of the energy sector.

Croatia already had a strong focus on energy sustainability, having drafted the Energy Strategy of the Republic of Croatia (by the Ministry of Economy, Labour and Entrepreneurship) back in 2009. This document outlines the country’s energy goals for 2020, and it includes reducing GHGs by 20%, having 20% renewable energy in final energy consumption and more, while still developing and growing the industry, which is necessary for economic and social development [3]. 

The EU has also recently made available over 1 billion Kuna (equivalent to over 134 million Euros) for energy renewals projects intended for schools, healthcare, and other public services [4]. 

cjqy0fa4x01d88zi5h4adfsud dario veronesi 426322 unsplash

Let’s talk: (Sustainable) tourism

Croatia is well-known for its stunning landscapes, occupying the largest part of the East coast of the Adriatic Sea, in the Mediterranean [5]. While the beaches are fantastic, Croatia has much more to offer, such as great hiking trails, unique museums, and beautiful cities [6], all of these attractions being relatively easy to reach.  Not surprisingly, the country is a very popular destination for tourists, the travel industry gradually growing in the past few years. 

Although the growth of the tourism industry has brought significant economic benefits to Croatia, it’s important to remember that over tourism can eventually bring more harm than good. Locals can be negatively impacted overcrowding, rising rent prices etc. It is therefore important to take steps towards the development of sustainable tourism, in order to protect the natural and cultural resources. 

Thankfully, Croatia’s Minister of Tourism, Gary Cappelli is optimistic, and determined to create sustainable growth in the travel industry. He highlights the country’s gastronomic tourism, cycling tourism, health tourism and nautical tourism, as well as the innovations encouraged and financially supported by the government in these sectors [7]. 

Let’s talk: Involvement 

A small Croatian island named Zlarin is implementing a environmentally friendly project to eliminate all disposable plastic from the island, replacing it with more eco-friendly options. The innovative project is supported not only by the island’s tourist board, but also by the local population [8].

cjqxzl61w01b99fi530japsjr croatia1
Photo via Croatia Vacations 
cjqxzhibe01b29fi5f9ws4hw9 morgan 765304 unsplash

Preserving the beauty of the beaches and reducing sea pollution is also something that Croatia is very active in. Beach and sea clean-ups are being organized regularly, with the Ivica Poljičak, state secretary at the Croatian Ministry of Culture recently engaging in the activity [9]. 

The construction and real-estate market are also on their way to becoming more sustainable, thanks to Croatia Green Building Council (CGBC), a non-profit organization dedicated to working with the public and private sector, offering information, contacts, knowledge and support regarding green economy, sustainable development and green building [10].
 

Croatia stands ready to support purposeful partnerships

While we are Hvar from reaching these sustainability goals, with ongoing changes and improvement for supporting the 2030 Agenda, Croatia is stepping up to the UN’s SDG plate, as the President feels that it is important we all come together to make change happen.
 

“Agenda 2030 is not just another document. It is a blueprint for the future. We must take it to places where peace is constantly being threatened by catalysts of conflict: poverty, hunger, disease or climate change. I believe that we can foster a global community that goes beyond fully embracing the values of the UN charter. That we can learn from each other´s experiences, strengths, and failures and in doing so we can find partners from all over the world.”

Read Another Article

Honoring Kate Slattery & Highlighting the Shine On Scholarship for Women’s History Month

Honoring Kate Slattery & Highlighting the Shine On Scholarship for Women’s History Month

In honor of Women’s History Month, The GREEN Program is happy to highlight Kate Slattery – a mechanical engineer and photovoltaic designer for SolarCity who challenged herself and others to work toward a global mission of renewable energy and sustainability. We are honored to work with Kate’s family and GivePower to share Kate’s story and provide the Shine On Scholarship to TGP students in memory of Kate. 

read more
How an Online Sustainability Program Helped Jaedyn Medrano Become an Intersectional Sustainability Advocate

How an Online Sustainability Program Helped Jaedyn Medrano Become an Intersectional Sustainability Advocate

This blog features the virtual Nepal Ethics of Sustainable Development Alum, Jaedyn Medrano who says, “this program taught me how to think about a project holistically, and it has guided me along the path to being a better cultured and inclusive young professional.” She is set to graduate with a double major in Renewable Natural Resources & Ecological Restorations in December of 2022.

read more
Defending Reproductive Rights in the Battle for Climate Justice

Defending Reproductive Rights in the Battle for Climate Justice

Reproductive Justice is Climate Justice. The GREEN Program stands to defend the reproductive rights of all women and people who give birth to access safe reproductive health care. We must do more to educate others and understand the interconnection between Reproductive Justice and the Climate Crisis. It’s important to draw the connections between climate change, pollution, and reproductive rights.

read more
An International Graduate Student Embraces Nepali Culture by Studying Abroad through Shine On Scholarship

An International Graduate Student Embraces Nepali Culture by Studying Abroad through Shine On Scholarship

On one hand, I believe that every student should be given a chance to study abroad at least once in their life, because it teaches us things that textbooks cannot: adaptability, resilience, curiosity, empathy, just to name a few. Whether good or bad, bursting our bubble and learning about our world will inspire us and open our minds. On the other hand, the people we interact with benefit from the diversity, because all of us bring unique perspectives to the table. Perhaps we share an idea that no one has thought of but could be key to solving a problem; we fuel the aspirations of someone who is facing similar difficulties; or help take down stereotypes.  

read more
Remembering Juneteenth and the Fight for Environmental Justice

Remembering Juneteenth and the Fight for Environmental Justice

n June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX, and announced the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery. It is on this day every year since that we celebrate “Juneteenth” as the end of slavery in the United States. It is a day that we celebrate ancestors and leaders who fought to be liberated. We celebrate their power, resiliency, and tenacity. 

read more
LGBTQ+ Leaders and Organizations in Sustainability to Know About this Pride Month

LGBTQ+ Leaders and Organizations in Sustainability to Know About this Pride Month

The GREEN Program loves to celebrate love, and there is no better way to do that this month than by recognizing a few LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations that are making a difference not just in their own communities but for our planet altogether. Read below to learn more about some people and spaces that are working together to promote a better world that focuses on inclusion and equality.

read more
Meet 8 AAPI Leaders in Sustainability: Across the Globe and At Home

Meet 8 AAPI Leaders in Sustainability: Across the Globe and At Home

The month of May is known to many as the end of classes and the start of Summer, but May is also known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Our team at TGP wanted to take a moment to recognize the contributions and influence of AAPI Americans throughout history, culture, and achievements both on a global scale, and from those who are a bit close to home. We also encourage you to learn more about AAPI Heritage Month and get involved through additional resources.

read more
From a Start Up to a Sustainability Study Abroad Program: How Patrick Applied his Passion for Renewable Energy in Iceland

From a Start Up to a Sustainability Study Abroad Program: How Patrick Applied his Passion for Renewable Energy in Iceland

When Fall 2021 rolled around and I saw the TGP scholarship opportunity, I thought I’d apply not expecting much. When I found out that I actually got it, I was like “I guess I’m actually doing this!”. I was a little nervous and anxious but also so excited for the opportunity! I was also grateful that the enrollment process was very smooth for me with no significant challenges along the way.

read more
Boston University Student Gains a Unique Perspective for Renewable Energy & Sustainability by Studying Abroad in Iceland

Boston University Student Gains a Unique Perspective for Renewable Energy & Sustainability by Studying Abroad in Iceland

Global experiences have definitely shaped me into the person I am today through increased cultural awareness and sensitivity. Getting to really know a great group of diverse individuals from all over the world has not only shaped my perspective on current world issues, but has also allowed me to take a glance at certain topics from another angle and point of view.

read more
A Construction Science Major Turns Lessons into Opportunity after a Sustainability Study Abroad Program 

A Construction Science Major Turns Lessons into Opportunity after a Sustainability Study Abroad Program 

AJ Ewing spent his past Winter Break a little bit differently than most students, by studying abroad on our GREEN Nepal program. As a Construction Science major, AJ notes that he was nervous coming into the study abroad program having no prior experience in sustainability or electrical/solar grids, but he was excited and eager to learn. As soon as he arrived, all his nerves were gone as he was welcomed by our team and ready to dive in. Now, he can honestly say that when he thinks of The GREEN Program, he thinks of “family away from home.”

read more
How a Geologist Made His Sustainability Dream in Iceland a Reality through a Study Abroad Scholarship

How a Geologist Made His Sustainability Dream in Iceland a Reality through a Study Abroad Scholarship

As someone who is in a field with a limited representation of ethnic minorities, TGP created a neutral ground where there was a range of diversity on different levels. My GREEN Program experience in Iceland wasn’t just about the adventures and cultural immersion, but about the education too. I thoroughly enjoyed the lectures because I saw how passionate the different lecturers were about their work and research which is truly inspiring. As a geologist, learning more about the wonder that is Iceland in Iceland was definitely a dream come true.

read more
Get to Know GREENie: Maryam Aida Tidjani

Get to Know GREENie: Maryam Aida Tidjani

Maryam Aida Tidjani got to experience a brand new kind of GREEN Program during the hard times the world was facing, a 100% Virtual and Online experience. Initially planning on traveling to Peru in 2021, the global pandemic continued to shift things around and we had to pivot all travel programs to Online experiences.

read more

Subscribe to The GREEN Program newsletter & updates

Loading...
Skip to content