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Public Institution Aquatika is a plastic-free organization

Public Institution Aquatika – Freshwater Aquarium Karlovac is a plastic-free organization.

Through our activities, we are actively working to reduce plastic waste in various ways, with the most notable initiatives including:

  • We have removed trash bins from our offices and established central waste disposal points with separate recycling bins. This system is implemented both in the office building and at our café bar and information desk at the aquarium entrance.
  • We provide access to tap water for our employees and all aquarium visitors (in the café bar).
  • We have introduced our own glass water pitchers with our logo for use during various conferences held at our premises.
  • We supply our employees with reusable metal cutlery and ceramic dishes.
  • We have banned the use of single-use plastic cups, plates, and utensils (during birthday celebrations and business events), replacing them with paper and wooden alternatives when necessary.
  • We do not use single-use plastic bags in our souvenir shop; instead, we offer paper bags exclusively.
  • Out of 65 suppliers, we strive to ensure that fewer plastic items are used in souvenir production, encouraging the use of natural materials such as wood, stone, ceramics, paper, and metal. Additionally, we have eliminated unnecessary cellophane wrapping.
  • Since 2018, Aquatika has participated in the global campaign against plastic pollution in oceans, seas, and rivers: “World Aquariums #ReadyToChange #BeatPlasticPollution.” This campaign involves 106 aquariums from 33 countries, including 67 from 21 EU nations.

The global coalition of aquariums is coordinated by the European Commission, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme and supported by institutions like the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, the European Union of Aquarium Curators, Zoos and Aquariums, the American Conservation Partnership, and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. The initiative encourages aquariums worldwide to organize permanent activities in their facilities and inspire policy changes, such as removing single-use plastic items in canteens and shops.

Aquatika also minimizes single-use plastic in its operations. For example, in our souvenir shop, we avoid wrapping souvenirs in cellophane and prioritize natural materials. In our café bar, we have eliminated the use of single-use plastic straws, replacing them with paper ones, and replaced single-use plastic coffee stirrers with wooden alternatives. Through these efforts, we aim to inspire others to follow this example of eco-conscious business practices, contributing to the preservation of our environment, rivers, and seas for future generations.

To raise awareness of this issue, we have installed a permanent aquarium exhibit at the entrance to our exhibition, displaying various types of waste to illustrate how riverbeds, lakes, and seas often appear due to pollution. This installation educates visitors on the importance of environmental preservation and pollution prevention.

The campaign aims to involve at least 200 aquariums worldwide in raising public awareness about plastic pollution. Institutions participating in the initiative work with potential partners, such as sponsors and NGOs, to promote best practices in plastic use at local, regional, and global levels.

Aquatika – Freshwater Aquarium Karlovac is the first Croatian member of the Global Network of Water Museums, joining the ranks of the world’s most renowned museums and interpretive centers of this kind. In addition to its educational function and exceptional role in preserving the underwater world of Croatian rivers, Aquatika is now among leading global actors in educating and raising awareness on water-related issues.

The Global Network of Water Museums was established as a synergy initiative within UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme. It focuses on better coordination of communication and educational activities among museums and similar institutions addressing water issues and challenges caused by climate change, such as increasing water scarcity, pollution, resource depletion, glacier melting, flooding, and habitat conservation.

Aquatika’s membership in the network is yet another recognition of its past efforts. The institution has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Sustainable Tourism Award for outstanding contributions to nature and environmental conservation, two prestigious A+Awards in the Architecture + Landscape category, first place in the National Projects category at the Bled Water Festival, and the Blue Flower of Accessibility award in 2017. Furthermore, Aquatika has been recognized as the second most successful local EU project in Croatia and has received an award from the Croatian Public Relations Association in the category of Public Relations in Regional and Local Government.

On Earth Day, we took an additional step by completely eliminating bottled water from our café bar. Visitors are offered exclusively Karlovac tap water, accompanied by a story highlighting the excellent quality of water in the Karlovac region. Through this initiative, we aim to encourage other public institutions, companies, hospitality establishments, and households to reduce single-use plastic usage, particularly bottled water.

This project is developed in collaboration with Karlovac’s utility company, Vodovod i Kanalizacija, which supports the initiative by providing water carafes to Karlovac hospitality venues, encouraging them to participate as well.

In November 2018, we organized an educational lecture titled “Zero Waste” to promote a lifestyle with zero waste. This movement, growing in popularity due to increasing environmental pollution, is based on the idea of eliminating waste sent to landfills and incinerators. It revolves around the five principles (5R): refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, rot. These principles guide individuals who adopt this philosophy, emphasizing durable and sustainable materials, such as stainless steel, glass, bamboo, and plant-based materials.

Aquatika is also part of the Drinkable Rivers project, an international initiative aiming to monitor and improve the quality of European rivers. This collaborative effort involves 30 organizations from 15 countries, with the goal of conducting approximately 1,500 water quality tests. Local schools, such as Banija Primary School and Karlovac High School, participate in the project, measuring physical, chemical, and biological parameters of the Kupa, Korana, Mrežnica, and Dobra rivers over a five-day period.

Through these activities, Aquatika not only educates but also inspires action, fostering a deeper commitment to the preservation of our planet’s precious water resources.

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