ZAGREB, October 13, 2018 – The Green Forum, a network of 40 environmental protection organisations in Croatia, has appealed to Prime Minister Andrej Plenković not to abolish the Croatian Environment and Nature Agency (HAOP) as an independent body because its independence gives it a stronger position in protecting the environment and natural resources in the interests of all citizens.
“Regardless of which political group is in power at some point, HAOP’s independence reduces manoeuvring space for groups guided by short-term interests and ensures the sustainable use of resources in the interests of all citizens of Croatia,” the Green Forum said.
It noted that HAOP plays a key role in environmental procedures, especially in assessing eligibility for nature, adding that this is one of the most important mechanisms for environmental protection in the European Union, and hence in Croatia.
The appeal was made following the government decision to reduce the number of agencies, institutes, funds, companies, foundations and other public authorities. It was signed by Marko Pećarević, Protected Areas Program Manager of the World Wide Fund for Nature – WWF Adria.
