The Krka connects us: volunteers join forces to preserve nature

The Krka connects us: volunteers join forces to preserve nature
The Krka River Cleaning volunteer program was held from August 22^nd to 29^th in the Krka National Park

Over the course of seven days, twenty-three volunteers, members of diving clubs, the academic community, and nature lovers from Croatia and the broader region, joined forces to contribute to preserving the features ​​of the Krka River.

The clean-up activity was carried out in several locations: around Lake Brljan, at the foot of the Bilušić Buk waterfall, in the broader area of ​​the Roški Slap waterfall, all the way to the rapids and river streams near Marasovine. To remove the waste, volunteers dived, canoed, and hiked along the banks, and the action was monitored and ensured by members of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service and the park nature guards. In some parts of the terrain, such as cold and fast streams, or parts covered with branches and logs, the clean-up was particularly demanding, but perseverance and team spirit displayed the full power of volunteerism.

Their stay at the Krka Eco Campus in Puljane provided an opportunity for socializing and education. After the morning activities, the volunteers visited the natural and cultural landmarks of the area, such as the Bilušić Buk , Manojlovački, and Roški Slap waterfalls, the Archaeological Collection, the Temple of Nature and the Spring of Life, Burnum, Skradin, and the Skradinski Buk waterfalls.

They found motivation in their love for nature, the desire to contribute to its preservation, and a sense of community. “We felt proud to be helping the Krka and were honored by the warm welcome and excellent organization”, said the program participants.

The public institution  of the Krka National Park would like to thank the volunteers and partner institutions – HGSS [Croatian Mountain Rescue Service] Station Šibenik, DVD [Volunteer Fire Department] Dubravice, HEP – HE {Hydro-Electric Plant] Miljacka, and all those who supported this action. Their dedication and positive energy show how we can preserve nature with our joint efforts.

“We invite visitors and locals to follow their example: the Krka River is the lifeblood of our county and therefore we need to be careful where we dispose of waste, because we are all connected by waterways. Only by acting responsibly can we preserve the purity and biodiversity of this river for the generations to come”, emphasized the director of the Krka National Park,  Nella Slavica.

Volunteer programs in the Krka National Park are implemented through the Krka Eco Campus in Puljane, which was developed as an educational and reception center for the inclusion of citizens in actions to protect nature. The programs are based on the Law on Volunteerism, and enable volunteers to participate in environmental conservation, education, and research. This encourages the social, economic, and ecological development of the area as well as the personal and professional growth of volunteers, especially young people.