A new project with the title "Strenghtening the civil society sector for marine protection in Croatia" has started, funded by the EU, through CARDS 2004 program.

Main project objective is to strengthen capacities of civil organizations (NGOs, diving clubs) active in the field of marine biodiversity data collection and awareness rising and to improve coordination and cooperation with state institutions responsible for marine biodiversity data collection and management.

Adriatic Sea represents one of the most important resources of the Republic of Croatia, yet due to the lack of capacities there is very little information about the distribution of important marine species and habitats necessary for its efficient management. In addition public knowledge and awareness about endangered Adriatic marine biodiversity is on very low level. Main project objective is to strengthen capacities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs, diving clubs) active in the field of marine biodiversity data collection and awareness rising and to improve coordination and cooperation with state institutions responsible of marine biodiversity data collection and management. Project will allow partners to develop structured programme for the education of volunteers in marine data collection, implement research activities, workshops, public lectures, and exhibitions, all on the topic of marine conservation. Project will especially be focused on the area of newly established Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park and Cres-Lošinj Special Marine Reserve.

Overall objectives:

- Increase the capacity and strengthen the position of the marine environment and biodiversity protection NGOs;
- Increase knowledge on the distribution of priority marine habitats and species in the Adriatic Sea.
- Reduce human impacts and halt the loss of marine biodiversity in Croatia's coastal and island zones.
- Efficient management of Lošinj and Lastovo marine protected areas.

Specific objectives:

- Improve collaboration and coordination of work between civil organizations working in the field of marine conservation and data collection and national authorities responsible for protected area management and organizing central national biodiversity data base.
- Develop structured training programme and mobilize volunteers for marine biodiversity data collection.
- Collect marine biodiversity baseline data necessary for the management of two newly established marine protected areas in Croatia Lastovo Park of Nature and Cres-Lošinj Special Marine Reserve.
- Raise public awareness and understanding of the adverse impacts of human actions on the marine biodiversity of Croatia, especially in the priority conservation areas of Lošinj and Lastovo archipelago.
- Develop collaboration with fishermen for reducing fisheries impacts on marine endangered species and habitats of Lošinj and Lastovo archipelago.