Predstavljen natječaj za djecu i edukativna slikovnica koju potpisuje Domagoj Jakopović Ribafish

A new initiative aimed at raising awareness among children about environmental protection has been launched as part of the "Sretno more" project by Telemach Croatia. The initiative includes both an educational picture book titled "Sretno more" and a competition open to preschool and schoolchildren. This effort continues Telemach's broader social responsibility campaign focused on protecting the Adriatic Sea and strengthening ecological consciousness among the youngest members of society.

The picture book was created in collaboration with author Domagoj Jakopović Ribafish, who has previously participated in educational activities with children and joined beach and sea cleanup campaigns. According to Ribafish, the goal was to create a story that would be relatable and engaging for children while encouraging them to think about ocean conservation in a way they can understand. He emphasized that children best absorb knowledge when they are simultaneously interested, amused, and encouraged to reflect. Therefore, this picture book focuses on themes such as friendship, responsibility, and small steps leading to significant changes.

The competition, named "Sretno more u očima djece," aims to promote creativity and artistic expression among children, highlighting the importance of preserving the sea and natural environment. It will run until the end of November and encourages participation from schools and educational institutions. Through these activities, Telemach seeks to involve children across Croatia in discussions about ecology and sustainability.

Mislav Galler, a member of the Board and Chief Commercial Director of Telemach, stated that the "Sretno more" project has evolved beyond its initial focus on cleaning actions into a broader platform connecting environmental protection, education, and local communities. Over the past year, the project has conducted six beach and underwater clean-up actions, removing over seven and a half tons of waste and reaching more than 1,200 children through educational activities and performances. Galler expressed satisfaction that the project has grown beyond just clean-up efforts and now successfully brings together a wider community around a common goal of preserving marine ecosystems.

New clean-up actions continue this autumn in Skradin and Dubrovnik. Increasing interest from schools, associations, diving clubs, and academic communities, along with collaborations with partners such as DIH Innovamare and the Ruđer Bošković Institute, confirms that "Sretno more" has become a long-term initiative. These partners contribute their expertise to strengthen the project’s scientific and educational components.

In addition to its social impact, the "Sretno more" project has received recognition within the industry. It won the Grand Prix for Social Impact and Sustainability awarded by the Croatian Public Relations Association and was also listed among finalists for prestigious international awards such as the PRWeek Global Awards and the IPRA Golden World Awards.

More information about the competition is available on Telemach's website at https://telemach.hr/sretno-more.

Meanwhile, another pressing issue related to the Adriatic Sea involves the threat posed by mass anchoring to the Posidonia oceanica seagrass. This species plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem, providing oxygen, shelter for numerous marine organisms, and helping maintain water clarity and protect beaches from wave erosion. However, the increasing number of boats and yachts during the summer season poses a serious risk to these vital habitats.

According to a professional fisherman interviewed for the article, the damage caused by recreational boating far exceeds that inflicted by commercial fishing. Many boat owners anchor indiscriminately without considering the sensitive nature of Posidonia meadows, which grow slowly and take years to recover from disturbances. These meadows are found in depths ranging from five to forty meters, primarily around the islands in the Adriatic Sea, but are restricted to areas no more than a hundred meters from the shore.

Strategically important, Posidonia is an endemic species of the Mediterranean Sea and is protected under European Union regulations. Despite these protections, parts of the Adriatic have seen significant degradation of Posidonia meadows, with some areas experiencing complete loss and others showing severe decline. Scientists estimate that the rate of loss is accelerating due to human activity and natural factors alike.

Efforts to raise awareness about the importance of Posidonia and the need for its preservation are ongoing. Environmental organizations and scientists emphasize the urgency of implementing stricter regulations and promoting responsible boating practices to prevent further destruction of these critical marine habitats. As the summer season approaches, the challenge remains to balance tourism and recreation with the imperative to protect the delicate ecosystems of the Adriatic Sea.