Udruga Žmergo

Association Žmergo is a Croatian civil society organisation based in Opatija. It was founded in 1994 by young local enthusiasts driven with desire to protect local environment and way of life. Main aims of the association's activity are preservation of the environment, protection of natural and cultural heritage and promotion of sustainable development, green economy, volunteerism and ecological agriculture. For 25 years now Žmergo has been encouraging citizens to participate in decision-making processes aimed to improve the quality of life in the local community, simultaneously working as on the national level promoting volunteerism in the filed of environment. Most work consist of organising and implementing projects broadly connected to environment, implementing educational activities for various target groups (from children in kindergarten, teachers, youth, (older) citizens and public promotion whose aim is to raise awareness about the environment and change people’s behaviour towards sustainability in general, respecting a holistic approach. Some of the regular activities thus include: - organisation of workshops, round tables, debates, conferences and public events for important ecological dates, exhibitions, lectures, symposiums and various other actions with the aim of achieving a positive change in the society, primarily in the area of sustainable development; - coordinating Green Phone service for citizens in charge of entire Primorje-Gorski Kotar County - creating (online) content for dissemination of knowledge and skills with the aim of changing people’s sustainable habits and "green" way of thinking via web sites, social media, online youth magazine - establishment of a network of connections with similar organisations in the country and abroad; - production of documentaries, feature films and animated movies; - promotion of alternative cultural activities connected with sustainability; - preparation and dissemination of promotional and educational materials. Žmergo is a founder and national coordinator of Zelena čistka, largest national environmental volunteering campaign. Since 2012, 9 annual national cleanup actions have been implemented across the entire country with around 50 000 citizens of all ages and background included in one-day action of cleaning up wild dumpsites every year. Association Žmergo is a member of several relevant national and international networks in the field of environment, influencing positive changes towards sustainability, sharing good practises among colleagues on international level as well as implementing those inspired by results of other stakeholders in our local reality strategically contributing in creating a healthy and active community for current and next generations.