The announcement of the construction of a solar power plant and tunnel, which citizens are strongly opposed to, continued industrial exploitation, unplanned construction, illegal landfills - it is the last moment for action, says the association Lijepa naša Kaštela.
The situation on Kozjak is alarming. Unplanned construction, spatial interventions such as the announcement of the construction of a solar power plant that the citizens strongly opposed, neglect and lack of systematic protection are seriously endangering one of the most valuable natural and cultural areas in central Dalmatia. This is precisely why the Ecological Association Our beautiful Kaštela, at the Kaštela City Museum in the Vitturi Castle in Kaštel Lukšić, held a round table under the significant title "Kozjak - Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow".
The message is clear: if no immediate action is taken, the damage could become irreversible!
Society's relationship to space reflects short-term interests
Kozjak is not just a hill above Kaštela, but a complex system of natural habitats, cultural layers and underground phenomena, experts emphasized. Biologist and ecologist Dr. Sc. Juraj Kamenjarin spoke about the floristic and vegetation characteristics of Kozjak, warning about the sensitivity of the habitats and the need for their comprehensive protection. Biologist M. Sc. Ivana Rajčić further explained the importance of Kozjak within the Natura 2000 ecological network, with special emphasis on the fauna that depends on the preserved area.
The cultural dimension of Kozjak was presented by archaeologist and history professor Ivan Šuta, emphasizing that the devastation of nature is simultaneously erasing traces of rich historical heritage – from archaeological sites to traditional paths and dry stone walls. Speleological instructor Tonći Rađa warned of the exceptional wealth of speleological objects on Kozjak, many of which have not yet been systematically processed or mapped, and are already at risk of damage.
An interesting and different perspective was brought by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sc. Ana Šimunić, who spoke about the protection of natural resources from a psychological perspective, emphasizing that society's relationship to space often reflects short-term interests and a lack of awareness of long-term consequences.
Let's take responsibility and stop being silent!
"The goal was not only to draw attention to the problem, but also to offer concrete solutions for the protection and responsible use of space. We raised the issue of sustainable space management and the possibility of harmonizing protection with development needs," said Ivan Vicenco Pensa, president of the Lijepa naša Kaštela association.
All the conclusions of the round table point in one direction: Kozjak needs the highest level of protection in accordance with the Nature Protection Act. The participants emphasized the need for the urgent establishment of an expert working group that would determine the appropriate protection category, prepare an expert basis and initiate proceedings with the competent state institutions. The importance of zoning the area was particularly emphasized, because not all parts of Kozjak are equally preserved or equally valuable, but all require clear management rules.
The message from the roundtable, held with the support of the City of Kaštela, Split-Dalmatia County and the Sveti Jeronim Airport, was clear and addressed to everyone – from local authorities to state institutions and the wider public. Kozjak has been deteriorating for a long time, often quietly and imperceptibly. It is time to stop being silent and finally take responsibility, before it is too late.
Photo: Ivana Topic
This text was co-financed by the Fund for Promoting Diversity and Pluralism of Electronic Media.
