Environmental concerns in Dalmatia with almost 80 reports filed

(Photo: Sunce)

In the first six months of 2025, a total of 77 environmental reports were submitted through the Green Phone service run by the Sunce Association.

Of these, 44 cases (57%) were resolved by the end of June, with many others still pending due to complex administrative procedures.

The most common issues reported were waste management (21 reports, or 27%) and sea pollution (18 reports, or 24%).

Green space concerns also featured strongly, with 12 cases (16%).

(Photo: Sunce)

Other reports addressed water, animals, forests, air and noise, highlighting the breadth of environmental challenges.

The highest number of reports came in January and May, a trend linked to the start of the tourist season, when sea pollution becomes particularly visible.

(Photo: Sunce)

Citizens are urged to promptly report any incidents of marine pollution to port authorities or county emergency centres (112), providing precise details such as time, location, and, if possible, photographic or video evidence.

(Photo: Sunce)

Split chestnut tree removal sparks debate

One of the most notable cases came in January, when six chestnut trees were removed in Gundulićeva Street in Split.

The trees, up to 15 metres tall, were damaged during excavation works linked to the Split–Solin water infrastructure project. Although protected by the city’s urban plan, the company Parkovi i nasadi d.o.o. removed them, citing safety risks.

(Photo: Sunce)

Sunce questioned the decision, noting the lack of clear documentation on how the risk was assessed and whether preventive measures were considered.

The association stressed that urban trees are vital for air quality, noise reduction and climate resilience, and argued that Croatia needs a system to properly value and protect them, similar to practices in Switzerland or the UK where unauthorised tree felling can carry hefty fines.

(Photo: Sunce)

Growing network and support

Most reports (80%) came from Split-Dalmatia County, but there is a noticeable rise from other counties (16%), showing the growing visibility of the Green Phone.

As part of the national Green Phone Network, Sunce forwards reports from outside its area to partner organisations across Croatia.

The project “Green Phone – Lend Your Voice to the Environment!” continues to be co-financed by the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund in 2025, ensuring its sustainability.

(Photo: Sunce)

As Sunce emphasises, every report, photo, or call is a vital step towards a cleaner, healthier environment.