Ecological action in the heart of nature: the volunteer program "Cleaning the Krka River banks" for the preservation of the environment

The volunteer program “Cleaning the Krka River banks” was held from the 26^th of August to the 1^st of September 2024 in the area of the Krka National Park  

As part of the broader project The Unknown Krka: Hidden Treasures of the Middle and Upper Reaches of the Krka River, this program brought together volunteers from the Sava Ecological Diving Research Club (ERIK Sava), who contributed their efforts and enthusiasm to the preservation of the natural beauty of this protected area.

The seven-day adventure involved 34 volunteers. Their task was to visit key locations, such as Brljan Lake, Visovac Lake, and Roški slap waterfall, with the aim of collecting trash. Focused on the preservation and protection of the environment, the volunteers, apart from cleaning the banks of the river, also worked underwater. It was not only a work action, but also an opportunity to enjoy the untouched nature of the Krka National Park and raise awareness of the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.

The volunteer program “Cleaning the Krka River Banks” could not be successfully implemented without the help of local institutions. Members of the Volunteer Firefighting Society (DVD) of Dubravice and rescue staff from the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) of Šibenik Station provided logistical support by making their boats available and ensuring the safety of the participants. Although the highest safety measures were applied during diving, so hence there was no need for intervention, the rescue staff still gained valuable experience in working on the water. Additional support for this environmental project was provided by the employees of HEP/ Croatian Electric Power Company (Hydroelectric Plant Miljacka), who took over the disposal of part of the waste from the area of ​​ Brljan Lake.

The volunteers were accommodated in the modern Titius Volunteer Center at the Krka Eco Campus in Puljane, which offers hostel accommodation and laboratory space for researchers. This modern facility, located near the remains of the Roman military camp of Burnum, provided the volunteers with all the necessary conditions for work and rest. This campus represents part of a broader effort by the Krka National Park to develop educational and research programs in the protected area.

The “Cleaning of the Krka River Banks” program is only one of four volunteer programs developed as part of the project, coordinated with the Law on Volunteering and other relevant regulations. The participants had the opportunity not only to contribute to the preservation of the environment, but also to acquire new knowledge and skills, which is an important step in their personal and professional development. By volunteering in such programs, young people develop a sense of civic responsibility and become more active participants in society, which also makes them more competitive in the labor market.

This program is not only a step towards preserving the natural heritage, but also towards strengthening awareness of the importance of collective responsibility for the environment. Through cooperation with volunteers, the Krka National Park has strengthened its efforts for the protection of nature and education in this field.