February the 14th, 2026 – The iconic members of Depeche Mode were quick to recognise the importance of the environment and have supported the clean up of the Adriatic Sea.
As Poslovni Dnevnik/Katarina Kusec writes, if there’s any country that could spend a considerable amount of time boasting about its abundance of natural wealth, then it’s Croatia. Mountains, rolling hills, flat fertile plains, valleys, rivers, and the jewel of it all – the Adriatic Sea. All of this and more is a stunning package that very many countries envy and is why their preservation is a top priority. The rich Dalmatian archipelago alone encompasses hundreds of gorgeous islands, islets and cliffs scattered across the Adriatic Sea, representing one of the richest and most valuable natural areas in Europe and as such requires systematic, careful and long-term protection.
investment and unfolding innovation
Climate change and the over-exploitation of natural wealth worldwide are increasingly affecting the environment and everyday life of island communities. It’s therefore far from surprising that commendable initiatives such as the Dalmatian Islands Environmental Foundation are very much needed. Founded back in 2023 and dedicated to preserving the nature and biodiversity of the whole area, it is planning to organise an event this March where participants will have the opportunity to hear how knowledge, innovation and investment can be directed towards the sustainable protection of nature and creating concrete results on the ground.
One of the main guests will be none other than Ben Goldsmith, founder of the global network Conservation Collective, which aims to support nature conservation projects in local communities. Today, this network brings together over 20 institutions from around the world, including the Dalmatian Islands Environmental Foundation. Goldsmith is a huge advocate of taking a progressive approach to the proper protection of nature and its restoration based on leaving ecosystems to undergo their natural processes. This involves the return of native animal and plant species and minimal human intervention. He will talk more about this at the upcoming event itself. In addition to him, Alex MacDonald will also be present. MacDonald is a well-known entrepreneur, active investor in more than 60 startups and venture funds. He’s also a donor to the Dalmatian Islands Environmental Foundation.
“With this event, we want to engage in a dialogue about long-term solutions for the preservation of the Dalmatian islands and show how successful models of nature protection can be applied in the local context. The focus will primarily be on carrying out socially responsible projects and strengthening cooperation with island communities, which are key to lasting environmental protection,” stated the President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Vladimir Maoduš.
depeche mode and the adriatic sea
What’s particularly important to emphasise is the Foundation’s hard work itself, which is focused on taking concrete steps such as reducing plastic waste, preserving water resources, and protecting marine and terrestrial ecosystems. This was duly recognised and supported by various Croatian companies such as the Croatian hotel group Adriatic Luxury Hotels, InterCapital, Končar, as well as the gigantic tourism company Valamar.
The work of the Foundation was noticed and recognised by the famous rock band Depeche Mode, as well as by the Swiss watch manufacturer Hublot, who supported plastic waste reduction projects that established a network of public faucets on both Dugi otok and Hvar.
