ESC: NEDS (Nature, Environment, Development and Sustainability)

The Ecological association "Krka" Knin was founded on 15 December 2004 with the aim of environmental preservation and protection in the area of the Town of Knin. The fundamental scope of its activity is the promotion of natural specific qualities of the Town of Knin and its surroundings, as well as the source and course of the Krka River. The association's projects have made contribution in creating a positive image by public, civil and private sectors and media. Krka Knin has become an equal partner in decision making in relation to the environmental protection and sustainable development. The main target group is the general population of citizens, with a focus on children and youth. The vision: Achieve a strong and healthy community by working together. The mission: Protection of the environment and natural resources of the community and improvement of the quality of life of citizens in accordance with the guidelines of sustainable development, strengthening of individuals, development of a democratic society and active citizenship. Our main goals are: • Preservation and protection of nature and the environment • Encouraging environmental and cultural awareness of citizens, especially young people and children. • Encouraging organic agriculture and the development of cultural, rural and ecological tourism. • Encouragement and development of civil society. • Improving the quality of life, development of society and encouraging development processes in the local community. • Promotion and development of volunteerism. • Promotion and development of democratic political culture and culture of non-violence. • Providing all types of assistance to all categories of society, with an emphasis on socially vulnerable categories and with the purpose of improving the quality of life and development of society. • Assistance in the protection of fundamental human and civil rights. • Development and promotion of education for all categories of citizens. The areas of activity of the association in accordance with the goals are environmental protection and nature, democratic political culture, economy, culture and art, human rights, international cooperation, education, science and research, sustainable development, social activities and health protection. In order to achieve the goals, we perform the following activities: • Promotion of natural and cultural features of the City of Knin and Krka river and its surroundings with the aim of preserving especially valuable natural and cultural spaces and water resources. • Organizing environmental actions with the aim of preserving natural heritage. • Care and promotion of sustainable use of forests and soil, water and sea. • Advocating responsible ways of management and governance based on the determinants of sustainable development. • Educating and informing the public with the aim of changing values and behavior and encouraging active participation in the protection of the environment and nature, and by encouraging activities that contribute to reducing waste and increasing recycling. • Development and promotion of sustainable tourism. • Organizing cultural actions and events with the aim of protecting and preserving tangible and intangible cultural assets. • Local community development. • Monitoring public policies and public advocacy. • Promotion and development of democratic political culture and encouraging citizens to participate in decision making. • Civil society development. • Development and promotion of volunteerism and volunteer centers. • Promotion and development of non-profit and social entrepreneurship. • Protection of human rights and anti-discrimination. • Provision of all forms of social assistance and support, and provision of all forms of social services. • Involvement in the life of the local community of people with special needs, the elderly, addicts and other social categories. • Work on improving the quality of life through the organization and design of free time for all target groups, holding and conducting eco workshops, courses, forums, organizing events, concerts, exhibitions and other various forms of rest, entertainment and recreation. • Organization, implementation, development and promotion of all forms of education, including lifelong learning and adult education. Our target group are children, youth and adult citizens including people with fewer opportunities, people from different cultural backgrounds and different socio-economic backgrounds and people living in rural and remote areas, NGOs , local and regional self-government, public institution, tourism boards, media, donors, Croatian government and ministries, visitors and tourists.