The clean-up campaign in Senj took place in April across the wider Senjska Draga area. Participants included members of the Jarebica Hunting Association, Senj Moto Racing Club, BBK Senj cycling club, Uskok Veterans Association, Drača Beekeepers’ Association, Senj Forest Administration, the City Utility Company and Senj Public Fire Brigade, Zavižan Mountaineering Society, Ana Equestrian Club and the Northern Velebit National Park Public Institution, as well as numerous local residents.
“This recognition belongs first and foremost to our volunteers, whose commitment has shown what can be achieved when a local community comes together behind a shared goal. Collecting nearly 32 tonnes of waste is an impressive achievement, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing efforts to protect the environment. We are particularly pleased that the prize money will be invested in something lasting - new trees that will enhance our city and contribute to the quality of life of our residents,” said Željko Tomljanović, Mayor of Senj and Member of the Presidency of the Association of Cities in the Republic of Croatia.
He added that the Senjska Draga area, with its abundance of drinking water springs and natural assets, is particularly important to Senj, emphasising that environmental protection is a shared responsibility of the entire local community.
The prize money awarded through the project was used to plant 50 new trees, primarily European nettle trees and cypresses, species well suited to the challenging local conditions in Senj. Most of the trees were planted near the southern entrance to the city, while additional trees were planted at several other locations, including the area around a children's playground.
“Congratulations to Senj and all its residents whose commitment helped make this achievement possible. At Konzum, we strive to contribute to environmental protection through a range of initiatives, from reducing food waste and systematically donating food to encouraging more sustainable habits among our customers. That is why we are particularly pleased to be part of a project that brings communities together around a shared goal and delivers tangible, positive change,” said Sandra Čičak, Regional Manager for the Western Region at Konzum.
Increasing the number of trees plays an important role in creating more pleasant public spaces in Senj. The newly planted trees will provide shade and help reduce ground temperatures during the summer months, absorb CO₂ and improve air quality, while also creating new microhabitats for birds, pollinators and other small animals.
“From Source to Sea has for years been bringing together practical environmental action on the ground and a long-term commitment to environmental protection. We are particularly pleased that this year, thanks to the achievements of local communities such as Senj, we have been able to take another step forward - moving from waste removal to the creation of new green spaces. Through the strong public response and the results it achieved, Senj has demonstrated just how much a local community can contribute when residents, associations, institutions and public utility services join forces behind a common goal,” said Dalibor Vujnić, Regional Sales Manager for Western Croatia at Coca-Cola HBC Croatia.
