President hosts “for a more beautiful Croatia” open day

An Open Doors Day “For a More Beautiful Croatia” was held at the Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia on the topic of waste management.

Apart from pursuing a circular economy and recycling, waste management confronts us with the challenge of effectively protecting our environment and human health – the fundamental issues of our existence and future.

President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović said that the development of a circular economy is one issue that all countries are facing and by the end of 2025 all EU Member States will need to be prepared to reuse and recycle at least 55% of municipal solid waste and at least 65% of packaged waste.

Citing data, the President of the Republic stressed that it is necessary to protect our country from waste pollution. For Croatia – a maritime State with highly developed marine-related activities such as tourism, fishing and maritime transport – it is necessary to effectively address the issue of marine debris as soon as possible.

The President of the Republic noted that intensive cooperation with cities and municipalities has been taking place with a view to securing the necessary infrastructure, but more efforts are needed to systematically inform and educate citizens on the opportunities and importance of responsible waste management, but also to include private companies that have technological and business know-how required for accelerating the process of waste management in Croatia.

The President particularly praised pupils and teachers of Šestine Primary School because their work, extraordinary engagement and a high level of awareness on environmental issues served as an inspiration for today’s Open Doors Day. “Adults can learn from you, and some of them are already certainly aiding your efforts. Therefore, I also thank all teachers and parents who are, along with you, taking care of the environment and developing a culture of caring,” said the Croatian President.

President Grabar-Kitarović recognized all organizations, companies, schools and citizens’ groups for their daily efforts aimed at effectively protecting our environment. In particular, she pointed out the Social Cooperative Humana Nova, which encourages the employment of persons with disabilities and socially excluded individuals through the production and sale of apparel made from ecological and recycled materials, for both domestic and foreign markets, as well as the Croatian Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which is implementing the project “Plastičnim čepovima do skupih lijekova” [“With plastic caps to expensive drugs”].

“Through their activities, these organizations are contributing to building the spirit of understanding, cooperation, respect and tolerance, and environmental awareness as an important prerequisite to sustainable development. Their work is praiseworthy and a key indicator of the readiness among “ordinary people” to protect their environment, and thus their future,” President Grabar-Kitarović concluded.