Croatian Boranka campaign wins prestigious international award

(Photo: Savez izviđača Hrvatske)

The Croatian reforestation campaign Boranka, launched by the Croatian Scout Association, has been awarded the Intercultural Achievement Award (IAA) in the Sustainability category.

The prestigious international recognition was presented in Vienna by Austria’s Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.

Now in its 12th year, the IAA honours innovative global initiatives that strengthen intercultural dialogue and promote cooperation across cultures. This year, more than 300 projects from around the world were considered, with awards presented in categories including Sustainability, Innovation, Media, Technology, Religious Freedom and Integration in Austria.

Boranka’s award was received by Dan Špicer, Business Director of the Croatian Scout Association and the campaign’s chief coordinator, and Igor Mladinović, Chief Creative Director at Imago Ogilvy Group and Director of the creative agency HEARTH. The award was presented by Austria’s State Secretary Sepp Schellhorn.

Croatia’s representatives were supported at the ceremony by the Croatian Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Daniel Glunčić, the Austrian Ambassador to Croatia, H.E. Yvonne Tončić-Sorinj, and members of the Austrian Scout Association.

(Photo: Savez izviđača Hrvatske)

Boranka was launched in 2018 as a volunteer initiative aimed at restoring Croatian forests devastated by wildfires. Supported by Imago Ogilvy and carried out in cooperation with Croatian Forests, HGSS, the Civil Protection Directorate and numerous partners, the campaign has become the largest reforestation volunteer effort in Europe.

To date, more than 13,000 volunteers have taken part in planting activities, resulting in the reforestation of damaged areas with over 130,000 seedlings, seeds and acorns of native tree species. Alongside planting, Boranka promotes environmental education in schools and encourages cross-border collaboration on sustainable forestry.

Since 2021, with the support of Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Boranka has expanded beyond national borders. The campaign has been adopted by scouting organisations in North Macedonia, Montenegro, and, most recently, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its regional growth has turned Boranka into a symbol of cooperation, showing how young people and communities from different cultures can unite for a shared environmental purpose.

“We are extremely proud that a Croatian campaign has been recognised with such an important international accolade,” said Dan Špicer. “Boranka’s success comes from combining environmental action with youth engagement and strong partnerships between civil society, public institutions and the private sector. Its expansion across the region, where support and shared reforestation experience are greatly needed, has helped bring this award to Croatia.”

(Photo: Savez izviđača Hrvatske)

Established in 2014 by Austria’s Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, the Intercultural Achievement Award recognises outstanding local and international initiatives that promote intercultural coexistence. These projects span the fields of art, culture, youth work, human rights, sustainability, integration and gender equality.

Since its inception, more than 2,250 projects from over 110 countries have been submitted, with over 70 initiatives receiving awards. This year’s winners also include projects from Austria, Israel, Kazakhstan, Peru, North Macedonia and Uganda.