Despite forecasts of bad weather, the 39th environmental initiative “Think Green Kvarner – Kraljevica 2026” was successfully held in Kraljevica on Saturday, May 16, 2026, bringing together nearly 90 volunteer divers from Croatia and Germany.
The diving club “Roniti se mora”, together with the host organization KPA Adria Kraljevica and in cooperation with partners C.I.O.S. Group, Metis d.d., the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, the City of Kraljevica, SEA | Sustainable Ecosystem Adria, and the Port Authority Bakar–Kraljevica–Kostrena, with the support of the main sponsor Kaufland Hrvatska k.d., organized an underwater and coastal cleanup at the locations City Beach Carovo, Lučica, Carovo Promenade, and Cape Nirvana near the Fortica Center.
During the initiative, as much as 2,290 kilograms of waste improperly discarded into the sea was removed, posing a serious threat to the marine environment. All collected waste was properly disposed of thanks to the partners C.I.O.S. Group and Metis d.d., whose logistical support is crucial for carrying out initiatives of this kind.
Among the recovered waste were car and truck tires, old fishing traps and fishing equipment, metal structures, glass bottles, plastic, sports equipment, and even a toilet bowl, which particularly attracted the participants’ attention.
Special emphasis was placed on the area in front of the Fortica Rehabilitation Center – an institution for children with developmental difficulties and adults with disabilities – which was thoroughly cleaned in order to provide its users with a safer and more pleasant stay by the sea.
The dives lasted from 30 to 150 minutes, and despite occasional rain, the initiative was marked by a strong spirit of unity, positive energy, and a shared commitment to cleaner seas.
“One of the most beautiful aspects of Think Green is the people and the sense of togetherness, because without the people who selflessly give their time, energy, and heart for the sea, this story would not exist,” said Katarina M. Mihaljinec, Secretary of RK Roniti se mora and coordinator of the initiative.
It is especially significant to highlight that through two consecutive initiatives — Think Green Ičići 2026 and Think Green Kvarner – Kraljevica 2026 — nearly 4 tons of waste were removed from the sea and coastline in just one week.
This year’s award for the most outstanding diver was once again provided by the company Montre, which donated a Seiko diving watch, and the recipient of the recognition was Robert Boljkovac.
This commendable initiative once again confirmed the power of unity in the fight for a cleaner and healthier environment and demonstrated how much tangible change can be achieved through the joint efforts of citizens, associations, and institutions.
The organizers would especially like to thank all sponsors, partners, and volunteers who contributed to the successful implementation of the initiative: Kaufland Hrvatska k.d., Mares, Garmin, Zagrebačke pekarne Klara d.d., Montre, Seiko, Fast Food Buddy’s, Suza Distillery, ŠRK Škarpina, AqUA – Adriatic Underwater Academy, DVD Kraljevica, the Association Ecology of the City, as well as media partners SCUBAlife, ScubaSkener, and Morski.hr. The following clubs also participated in the initiative: KPA 3. Maj Rijeka, KPA Drava Varaždin, KPA Vodomar Duga Resa, USPDR Ajkula, Jedro&Krilo, and KPA Punat.
Together we protect the environment – co-financed by the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund.
