Croatia is famous for its breathtaking coastline, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. But beyond the postcard-perfect views, nature needs our help. From protecting endangered animals to cleaning up beaches, more people are joining the movement to give back to the environment.
If you love nature and animals, there are plenty of ways to help during your visit to Croatia. Whether it’s volunteering at an animal shelter, participating in a clean-up event, or supporting local conservation efforts, even small actions can make a big impact.
The Growing Movement: More People Are Helping Nature and Animals in Croatia
Thankfully, awareness about environmental and animal protection in Croatia is on the rise. More locals, organizations, and visitors are stepping up to make sure Croatia stays as beautiful and wild as it should be.
In the past, these issues didn’t get much attention, but things are changing. Schools are teaching kids about protecting nature, animal shelters are growing, and eco-friendly tourism is becoming more popular. It’s not just about enjoying nature – it’s about respecting it and giving back.
Who’s Leading the Way? Organizations Making a Difference
Several organizations in Croatia work hard to protect wildlife, fight pollution, and rescue animals in need. If you want to support or even volunteer, here are some of the top groups:
🌿 Green Action (Zelena Akcija) – One of Croatia’s largest environmental organizations, fighting for cleaner air, plastic-free seas, and better protection for nature.
🐾 Animal Friends Croatia (Prijatelji životinja) – A strong voice for animal rights, this group promotes veganism, campaigns against fur farms, and works to protect pets and wildlife.
🐢 Blue World Institute – Focused on marine conservation, especially dolphins and sea turtles. If you love the sea, this is a great organization to support.
🌲 BIOM Association – Dedicated to protecting birds and their natural habitats in Croatia. They also organize eco-volunteering projects.
🐱 Noina Arka Animal Shelter – One of Croatia’s well-known animal shelters, helping abandoned dogs and cats find loving homes.
How Tourists Can Help Nature and Animals in Croatia
Want to make a difference while enjoying your holiday? Here are some simple but effective ways to help:
1. Join a Beach or Nature Clean-Up
Croatia’s beaches are stunning, but unfortunately, some end up covered in plastic waste, especially after stormy weather. Luckily, many clean-up events happen throughout the year. You can join a local group for a morning of collecting trash and enjoy a cleaner beach in the afternoon!
(We’ll cover beach clean-ups in more detail in a separate article, so stay tuned!)
2. Support Local Wildlife Conservation
Many species in Croatia, like the griffon vulture and loggerhead turtle, are endangered. By visiting nature parks and sanctuaries that focus on conservation, you’re helping these animals survive. Just avoid places that exploit animals for entertainment.
3. Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
If you love animals, why not spend a day helping at a shelter? Many shelters allow volunteers to walk dogs, feed animals, or simply give them some love and attention. It’s a small effort that makes a big difference.
The Dark Side: Why Hunting Tourism Should Not Be Promoted
Unfortunately, not all tourism is kind to nature. Some visitors come to Croatia for hunting tourism, which is marketed as an exciting adventure. In reality, it’s anything but.
Hunting tourism involves killing wild animals, often just for a trophy. This includes deer, wild boars, and even endangered species. It’s a cruel and unnecessary activity that threatens wildlife populations.
Even worse, poachers – illegal hunters who don’t follow any rules – are a serious problem in Croatia. They kill protected animals for profit, making conservation even harder.
Promoting ethical tourism means supporting activities that protect animals, not harm them. Instead of hunting, tourists can experience Croatia’s wildlife through eco-tours, birdwatching, and visiting nature reserves.
Small Actions, Big Impact: Every Visitor Can Help
Even if you’re just visiting Croatia for a short time, your choices matter. Here’s how you can help nature and animals in Croatia with simple everyday decisions:
Choose eco-friendly accommodations – Stay at hotels or guesthouses that use sustainable practices, like reducing plastic waste and saving water.
Say no to single-use plastics – Bring your own water bottle, avoid plastic straws, and refuse unnecessary packaging.
Eat sustainably – Support restaurants that use locally sourced, plant-based, or eco-friendly ingredients.
Respect wildlife – Never feed wild animals, and don’t take “souvenirs” like shells, corals, or plants from nature.
Spread the word – Share your experiences and encourage others to travel responsibly.
Croatia Needs More People Who Care
The good news? Croatia is changing for the better. More people, both locals and tourists, are taking steps to protect nature and help animals. The bad news? There’s still a long way to go.
If we want Croatia to stay beautiful and wild, we all need to do our part. Whether it’s joining a clean-up, donating to an animal shelter, or simply choosing ethical tourism, every small action counts.
So next time you visit Croatia, don’t just take in the views – help protect them. The animals, the forests, and the sea will thank you for it.
