In keeping with the BE Zagreb’s ‘environmental agenda’ , Embassy staff spent a couple of days on the island of Cres to help the Beli Eco Centre in their efforts to protect the majestic white-headed Eurasian Griffon Vultures. The griffons, which are an endangered species in Croatia, are located on the island’s cliffs, near to the sea surface and close to the town of Beli.

On 5-6 October, Embassy staff assisted the Centre in preventing further habitat destruction by re-building dry stone walls, cleaning the Turquoise Path and the areas around the Roman Bridge. Additionally, staff ensured that the Centre’s brochures and other materials were prepared in ‘proper English’, so that future eco-tourists are able to read and better understand the plight of the vultures of Cres.

An interesting aspect of the BE Zagreb’s involvement was the adoption of one of the birds, which staff named 'Louise'. The adoption programme was developed to include as many people as possible in the effort to save the griffons.

According to Dr. Sušić, who has followed the birds since 1993, vulture populations around the world are declining. Europe’s griffon vultures have been hard hit due to a lack of food (which is the result of less traditional sheep farming), hunting, poisons and other dangers created by mankind. At the end of the first day, Dr. Sušić discussed these issues with staff. More information can be found on the website Istraživačko-edukacijski centar za zaštitu prirode. 

The European griffon vulture is an archetypal vulture in appearance with a bald head, broad wings (a wingspan of up to 3 metres) and a short tail. When sitting up, it is approximately 100 cm tall. Like other vultures, the griffon vulture is a scavenger. There are approximately 70 pairs on the island currently. Over the years, many foreign researchers and conservationists have visited Beli and have helped to protect the vultures and their habitat.

This is not the first time that the BE Zagreb has focussed on environmental protection activities. In 2008, the Embassy’s staff went to the to the Veternica cave near Zagreb and the Glavica Hikers’ Home to maintain and clean the natural habitats of the area’s bat population.

This summer, HMA David Blunt hosted a ‘green’ QBP. The Embassy also installed a ‘green roof’ earlier this year and is looking at other initiatives aimed decreasing the negative impacts on the environment and promoting environmental awareness.