Opatija 2023
As part of the underwater environmental cleaning initiative, the “Naša djeca” Society in Opatija proudly joined the effort, highlighting its dedication to preserving the sea and the environment throughout the year. Children, active through the Children’s City Council of the City of Opatija, have repeatedly drawn attention to the issue of sea pollution and regularly collected and analyzed waste from local beaches. In addition to the cleaning activities, an art workshop was organized where young ecologists used previously collected organic waste, such as pieces of driftwood, to creatively express their concern for the environment. The result of the workshop was named “Sea Chats.”
After the successful cleaning, the children contributed to further improving the quality of the sea. They carefully placed eco balls into the water, which were made in collaboration with the company “Efektivni mikroorganizmi originalna tehnologija Rijeka d.o.o.” (EM Technology Rijeka). The eco balls contain effective microorganisms, a natural solution with 80 different microbial groups, including photosynthetic bacteria and lactic acid bacteria. The synergy of these natural microorganisms aims to restore each area to its natural balance. Each tennis ball-sized sphere, made of a mixture of clay and effective microorganisms, cleanses and enriches about one square meter of sea surface. It is important to emphasize that effective microorganisms are a completely natural product, without laboratory cultivation or genetic modifications. After the balls sink to the sea floor, they initiate the process of enriching the seabed.
Through this action, children showcased their creativity by crafting marine animals from twigs washed ashore. Their commitment to environmental conservation and education about the importance of ecology has already become a recognizable hallmark of the Children’s City Council of the City of Opatija.
