The results from our survey about land usage on the Starigrad Plain (Hora, Ager). The survey was conducted on behalf of LAG Škoji (Local Action Group), Eco Hvar and the Agency for the Management of the Starigrad Plain. The aim was to gain an overview of land usage, and to gather information as to what the landowners think is needed to improve conditions in this historic field layout.
Donkeys grazing on the Plain, 2nd June 2014.Photo: Vivian Grisogono
The information has been gathered anonymously, and we thank everyone who filled in the questionnaire. The survey was completed between 2019 and 2020.
3. Number keeping animals on the Plain: 4: (dog, 1; horses, 1; chickens, 1; goats, 1)
4. Registered farm businesses (OPG): 43
5. Registered (certificated) to use pesticides (so-called "plant protection products"): 43
6. Organic certificated: 3
Herbicide under olive trees, 28th February 2019. Photo: Vivian Grisogono
7. Number using herbicides: 30
Specifically: Cidokor (Roundup), Boomefekt, Uragan/Ouragan (all glyphosate-based); "glyphosate-based"; "Cidokor and other glyphosate-based herbicides";
How often and when? variously: once a year; 1-2 times a year; "as needed"; "once during the season"; "once around the vines to avoid getting scratched"; "once a year in the places the rotavator can't get to"; "a little"
8. Number using insecticides: 26
- including: naturally-based substances according to organic rules; organic teas (nettle etc.); fastac; actara; affirm; bordeaux mix; "against beetles"; "I ask the professionals"; cuprablau (copper with zinc); laser; "various"; "those needed for vines and olives"; rogor; mospillan; yellow sticky traps for olive fly; what's available; nordox
How often and when? variously: as needed; occasionally, according to the season; once a year; during blossom time; twice a year; three times a year; in June, as needed; rarely; a little; very rarely, when needed for a major infestation
9. Number using fungicides: 38
Specifically: naturally-based substances according to organic rules; cuprablau (copper with zinc); sulphur-based products; bordeaux mixture; copper-based products; sulphur; nordox; antrakol; mikal; luna; ridomil; topas; falcon; "everything"; cabrio top; "contact/ copper based / systemic / all types"; "those recommended for protecting grapes"; "various"; "the ones needed for vines"; "contact (sulphur, cuprablau)"; Universalis; pyrus; cadillac; chromosul; "against powdery mildew and downy mildew"; pergardo
How often and when? variously: when needed; occasionally, depending on the season; once a year; twice a year; 5-6 times a year; up to 6 times a year; 6-7 times a year; in May and June; "during the vine vegetation phase"; "during the vine spraying time"; from May to July; "when I have to"; "preventively"; "during the spraying season"; "without them, there's nothing"; "2-4 times spraying during vegetation"; twice a year in May and July; 7 - 10 times during vine vegetation time.
Fungicide on fruit trees, February 2019. Photo: Vivian Grisogono
10. Actively follow information on agriculture: yes: 44; no: 17 (one non-reply)
-Sources of information: Education / courses: 17; from professionals / experts: 23; Internet: 33; advertisements: 11; fellow-cultivators: 38; radio 1;
11. Follow information (including bans) about chemical pesticides: yes 47, no 14 (one non-reply)
12. Follow information about alternative organic plant protection products: yes 42, no 18 (two non-replies)
Organic vegetables on the Plain, 2nd June 2014. Photo: Vivian Grisogono
SUGGESTIONS, CRITICISMS, COMMENTS:
I would be grateful to know where i can obtain information and courses about protecting my olive trees, correct ways to prune them and organic cultivation.
The Ager is shameful, 80% neglected land, only 20% cultivated by my estimate. The rough tracks with no asphalt are a catastrophe (making access to land plots difficult), store sheds should be within set dimensions and proportions (not containers and wooden shacks); they should have stone walls, or be clad in stone. Before, there were stone huts (trimovi) for equipment and shelter, but now that's impossible. Sadly, young people are not going into agriculture, they're not interested in grapes and wine, sadly they drink BEER!
How can farmers be steered towards strimming instead of using chemical pesticides? Organic agriculture should be promoted on the island.
There needs to be a survey about irrigation, according to the National Programme for Irrigation in the Republic of Croatia, i.e. the Croatian Water Board
We want water
Allow the main roadways to be mended, and make it possible to renovate the access paths to the land plots - by widening the paths etc.
A way needs to be found to encourage owners of neglected land plots to tidy them up. The macadam tracks need to be put right to make them easier and safer to use. Encourage people not to allow their animals to roam everywhere, they should take care of them. Find a way of providing water over the whole Ager.
Forbid every form of Herbicide / Fungicide and above all Insecticide!!!
There is lots of uncultivated land and the reason for it is our political policy for agriculture for the islands about which all I can say is that of the grapes which we produce 80% of the producers don't know what to do with them.
I would keep animals on my land, but I am not allowed to make an animal shelter for them!
There should be more support and encouragement for the land users on the Ager, so that it does not get overrun by brambles and trees, then the story about the thriving parcelized Stari Grad Plain will not be a "pipe-dream"!
The roadways and tracks are in a very bad state. Please pave the main roads at least with asphalt.
It should be possible for farmers with a registered business (OPG) to erect on their land a building with at least the minimum technical requirements for wine-tasting.
If restrictions were relaxed and rules were more flexible, it would be better for everyone and there would be less untended land.
I think it is necessary to do a reconnaissance of the situation on the ground. To get to my land I cross other plots where, without let or hindrance, various little buildings have been erected, and old vehicles and rubbish dumped. I think the type of any buildings should be limited. If small buildings for tools are approved, their size and appearance should be precisely defined as a condition for approval.
Motivate owners of neglected land plots to bring them into function. Farmers could be motivated by having a certain market for their produce from the Ager. The tracks across the Ager should be restored.
If you want agriculture on the Stari Grad Plain, pave the tracks across the Ager with asphalt.
The Association responsible for the Ager should be more flexible towards the farmers. We live off our agriculture and our work, we don't live off you.
No earthly use up to now, just plenty of messing around.
I recommend that even on these small land plots we should be allowed to build small buildings.
Traditional stone roundhouse ('trim'). Photo: Vivian Grisogono
In my opinion small buildings should be allowed on the Ager, or at least some kind of appropriate structure for storing tools and sheltering livestock, we can't build stone roundhouses these days but we could have something similar, not wooden portacabins as has sometimes happened, but little stone-clad buildings. And there should be asphalted or concreted access tracks to each land plot.
The road between Stari Grad and Vrboska should be asphalted, - access tracks should be repaired, - land plots should be cleared of weeds, - plant residues should be dealt with ecologically, - soil fertility should be monitored - fertilizer should be recommended according to the state of the soil - conduct research into the international area, - reduce the amounts of artificial fertilizer.
Make a road (from white asphalt or some other permitted material) so that tourists, cyclists and we farmers don't have to swallow dust because the whole Hora is under one big fog of dust.
It would be good if the local authorities considered forming an Association of small-scale farmers, to stop the neglect of the Ager, as it is now it will all be taken over by weeds - this is already happening on the Ager.
Contact the Agency for the Management of the Starigrad Plain for information about all current and future projects.
Brambles are rampant on the Ager, ...trees are growing wild... I hope for a Plan and Programme for the Ager, legalization of the field houses, tours (organized) for visitors across the Ager,perhaps the creation of a branded image related to the Ager (to make it easier to market produce), etc. etc.
There should be more care taken over cleaning the Ager and its lands, and funds should be obtained from the EU to encourage cultivation of crops on the Ager.
Less brambles and more cultivated land
Croatia has only a few locations with the status of international heritage, under the protection of UNESCO. Hvar has the Hora, as well as two non-material assets. We can be proud of this. Unfortunately, not, not as the Hora is looking nowadays. Living or owning land on the Hora in this historical heritage site is not pleasant. No apartments, no concrete structures, no asphalt - that's all right! To make the Hora look like the pearl it was in my childhood would take a lot of effort on the part of the farmers, along with support from the State. Without the work and presence of the farmers there are no tidy, beautiful fields. The question is how to motivate them. I see the Hora as vineyards planted with the grape varieties of Pošip, Maraškina, Bogdanuša and Plavac mali. A qualified person should decide where each variety should be planted, and the State should provide seedlings, organize preparation of the land, and the stakes and wires. Interested farmers would establish a Cooperative and winery, where they could work as volunteers alongside two employed professionals, and where they could sell their grapes. The wine produced in this winery would be sold in Stari Grad, which is also part of our historical heritage, and it would be forbidden to sell any other wines until all the Hora wine was sold. So the shops, restaurant and bar owners would be obliged to sell wine made from grapes from the Hora. In this way farming would be made attractive. Because only the farmers can restore the Hora to its proper appearance, and up to now they are the only people who have only losses from the fact that they own land on the Hora. While those who gain from the Hora are the State, people in the hospitality business, shops and those twisted creations called Agrotourism from which animals roam free to ruin the neighbouring vineyards and kill off what little enthusiasm there is of the people who cultivate them.
Mend the road first of all
Access roads and paths, asphalt
It would be good if local farmers could build small sheds or huts for equipment on the Ager.
The road should be asphalted because the Ager attracts tourists and the drystone walls and stone huts should be preserved as our predecessors preserved them
The existing roads should be repaired. Regulations should be established about what local people can and cannot do!
There needs to be better maintenance of the main roads. Consideration should be given to incentives for tidying abandoned fields.
Asphalt the roads and legalize the buildings.
Asphalt the roads, paths; farm buildings.
1. Our ancestors built huts and stone roundhouses (trimovi in Croatian) for protection against the sun and rain, nowadays that is all consigned to the past and we are not allowed to touch anything, so I wonder what we will be leaving to our successors, a jungle? as young people don't go to the fields any more. The wineries take my grapes and don't pay me, they owe all of use grape-growers about 100,000 kunas, and the State about 4,000,000 kunas. 2. We go to our fields in motor vehicles, macadam is for mules and donkeys.
Essential: asphalt the roads for access to the fields, and allow some buildings for equipment.
Roads should be asphalted. And we need buildings for equipment.
Asphalt the roads, provide grants (financial assistance), allow buildings for agricultural needs, provide education for the farmers.
Give the Ager produce a trade-mark symbol.
The Ager is too neglected, the uncultivated areas should be cleaned up, as it is, it is a disgrace. And the road from Stari Grad should be asphalted.
Overgrown untended field on the Stari Grad Plain, February 2019. Photo: Vivian Grisogono
AN OVERVIEW OF THE CHEMICAL PESTICIDES NAMED IN THE SURVEY. The pesticides in the list marked in red were banned, mostly after completion of the survey.
INSECTICIDES. - ECHA approval code PT18(Insecticides, acaricides, products to control other arthropods)
ACTARA 25WG, ACTARA 240SC active ingredient THIAMETHOXAM. Neonicotinoid, EU: not approvedECHA: approved PT18/01/02.2015 - 31/01/2025..
Thiamethoxam possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to aquatic life, with acute and lasting effects; highly toxic to bees; toxic to earthworms; in humans, can be harmful through skin contact, inhalation, and especially ingestion; can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache; ingestion can cause seizures, coma, hypothermia, respiratory failure, hypotension, ventricular dysrhythmias and death.
AFFIRM OPTI Active ingredient EMAMECTIN BENZOATE. Semi-synthetic derivative of avermectin, derived from soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis, EU: Approved 01/05/2014 - 30/04/2024. ECHA: Emamectin benzoate not approved
Emamectin Benzoate possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to bees, birds, aquatic life, aquatic environment, algae; in humans: can cause organ damage, serious eye irritation or damage; muscle tremors, muscle incoordination, vomiting, pulmonary oedema, unconsciousness; skin allergies; toxic through swallowing, inhalation and skin contact.
Deltamethrin possible adverse effects: Toxic to bees; highly toxic to cats; extremely toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; toxic to fish; also to aquatic herbivorous insects, causing increased algae; in humans can cause ataxia, convulsions leading to muscle fibrillation and paralysis, dermatitis, oedema, diarrhoea, dyspnoea, headache, hepatic microsomal enzyme induction, irritability, peripheral vascular collapse, rhinorrhoea, serum alkaline phosphatase elevation, tinnitus, tremors, vomiting and death due to respiratory failure. Possible allergic reactions: anaphylaxis, bronchospasm, eosinophilia, fever, hypersensitivity pneumonia, pallor, pollinosis, sweating, sudden swelling of the face, eyelids, lips and mucous membranes, and tachycardia.
Alpha-Cypermethrin possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, most aquatic organisms and honeybees; toxic to earthworms; possible human carcinogen; can cause irreversible eye damage; serious water pollutant.
LASER active ingredient SPINOSAD, combination of Spinosyn A and Spinosyn D, derived from naturally occurring soil fungi (naturalyte), EU: Approved 01/02/2007 - 15/03/2025. ECHA: Approved, PT18, 01/11/2012. - 30/04/2025.
Spinosad possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, with long-lasting effects; highly toxic to bees; toxic to fish and earthworms; in humans can cause allergic reactions and eye irritation.
Acetamiprid possible adverse effects: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic
environment; highly toxic to honeybees if mixed with piperonyl butoxide or propiconazole; harmful for populations of pollinating insects; harmful to birds and earthworms; dangerous for the environment; in humans: harmful - toxic if swallowed; can be fatal if inhaled; skin irritant.
NORDOX 75WG, which some respondents use against insects, is a copper-based fungicide (see below)
ROGOR 40 active ingredient DIMETHOATE. Organophosphate, EU: not approved.ECHA: not approved
Dimethoate possible adverse effects. Very toxic to bees and aquatic organisms; possibly toxic to wildlife, including birds, and livestock: possible endocrine disruptor; in humans inhalation, swallowing or excess skin contact can cause breathing difficulties, headache, dizziness, tiredness, slurred speech, blurred vision, a lack of coordination, sweating, slow or rapid heart beat, convulsions, incontinence and in extreme cases unconsciousness and death; when swallowed, can also cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, faecal incontinence; long-term exposure may lead to impaired memory, depression, irritability, confusion and insomnia; possible human carcinogen (USEPA).
Croatia FIS: Registration for Rogor 40 withdrawn 31/12/2019, deadline 30/06/2020.
HERBICIDES (ECHA has no code for herbicide approval)
BOOM EFEKT. active ingredient GLYPHOSATE. There are at least some 750 glyphosate-based herbicides available in the world markets. Eleven of them, including the widely used Roundup (Cidokor in Croatian), were banned in the EU in 2016. Apart from these, Glyphosate is approved in the EU, 16/12/2017 - 15/12/2022.
Glyphosate, suspected possible adverse effects -in humans: carcinogenic; neurotoxic; genotoxic; contributes to antibiotic resistance; influences pregnancy, fertility, and birth defects; endocrine disruptor; damages DNA, gut bacteria, organs including liver, kidneys and spleen; contributes to Parkinson's Disease and autism. Possible environmental ill-effects: damage to water, fish, aquatic organisms, soil, soil organisms, bees, butterflies, gastropods, trees, plants.
CIDOKOR (Roundup), active ingredient GLYPHOSATE.Croatia FIS: Cidokor not approved
CIDOKOR MAX active ingredient GLYPHOSATE. Croatia FIS: Cidokor Max approved 09/06/2015-01/03/2022,
CIDOKOR PLUS active ingredient GLYPHOSATE. Croatia FIS: Cidokor Plus approved 24/11/2015.-01/03/2022
OURAGAN SYSTEM 4 (URAGAN), active ingredient GLYPHOSATE. Croatia FIS: approved 24/01/2012-24/01/2022
OXALIS active ingredient GLYPHOSATE. Croatia FIS: Oxalis not approved
FUNGICIDES (ECHA has no code for fungicide approval)
ANTRACOLCOMBI WP76, active ingredients PROPINEB(substance type: carbamate), EU: not approved, & CYMOXANIL (substance group cyanoacetamide oxime) EU: Approved 01/09/2009-31/08/2021.
Propineb possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life; toxic to bees, birds, earthworms; in humans: can cause organ damage, allergic skin reactions; toxic on skin contact; suspected as possible carcinogen, respiratory tract irritant.
Cymoxanil possible adverse effects: very toxic to aquatic life and the aquatic environment, with long-lasting effects; in humans: highly toxic if swallowed; reproductive toxicity, suspected of damaging fertility and the unborn child; skin irritant; eye irritant; prolonged exposure causes organ damage.
Propineb possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life; toxic to bees, birds, earthworms; in humans: can cause organ damage, allergic skin reactions; toxic on skin contact; suspected as possible carcinogen, respiratory tract irritant.
Croatia FIS: Antracol WG70, Antracol WP70 not approved
BORDOŠKA JUHA (MIX), (BORDEAUX MIXTURE), active ingredients COPPER SULPHATE + HYDRATED LIME / CALCIUM DIHYDROXIDE, EU: Bordeaux Mixture approved 01/01/2019-31/12/2025
Copper Sulphate possible adverse effects:toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic plants, algae, birds, earthworms. In humans: harmful if inhaled, can cause serious eye problems. Associated with increased risk of potentially malignant oral submucous fibrosis, which can lead to oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Calcium dihydroxide possible adverse effects: in humans, causes serious eye damage and skin irritation; may cause respiratory irritation
Croatia FIS: Bordoška juha caffaro 20WP approved 08/07/2004.-31/12/2023; Bordoška juha 20WP manica approved 24/11/2006-31/12/2023.
CABRIO® TOP active ingredients METIRAM (substance group carbamate) EU: Approved 01/07/20016 - 31/01/2021, + PYRACLOSTROBIN (carbamate ester, substance group strobilurin), EU: Approved 01/06/2004 - 31/01/2021.
Metiram possible adverse effects: Moderately toxic to fish; highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates; highly toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; hazardous to the aquqatic environment; moderately toxic to honeybees and earthworms; in humans: can cause skin and eye irritation; can cause anaemia; toxic if ingested or inhaled; can cause abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested; classified as a possible human carcinogen
Pyraclostrobin possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to fish, aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; hazardous to the aquatic environment with long-term effects; in humans: toxic, acutely dangerous if inhaled, can be fatal if swallowed; may cause respiratory irritation; causes eye and skin irritation; causes neurodegeneration; can cause nausea, headache, dizziness, chest pain
Croatia FIS: Cabrio Top approved 07/04/2011.-07/04/2021.
CADILLAC 80 WP active ingredient MANCOZEB (substance group dithiocarbamate), EU: Approved 01/07/2006 - 31/01/2021.
Mancozeb possible adverse effects: toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates; moderately toxic to bees, earthworms, algae; in humans: possible thyroid disruptor; possible effects on reproduction and development; respiratory tract irritant; eye irritant.
CHROMOSUL 80 active ingredient SULPHUR, EU: Approved 01/01/2010 - 31/12/2020.
Product warnings: to be used no more than four times a year, and never when the vine is fully developed; should not be mixed with propamocarb, captan, heptenophos, oils, bupirimate and folpet.
Sulphur, possible adverse effects: if inhaled can cause coughing, sneezing and respiratory impairment; skin contact can cause redness, itching and burning in sensitive individuals; eye contact can cause painful irritation, redness and tears; ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
CUPRABLAU Z, CUPRABLAU Z ULTRA active ingredients COPPER OXYCHLORIDE, EU: approved 01/01/2019-31/12/2025 & ZINC SULPHIDE
Copper compounds, possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates, organisms and plants; toxic to bees and earthworms; sheep, chickens; persists in the soil. In humans can cause nausea, irritation of respiratory tract and skin, eczema. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid lining, excess fluid build-up in the eyelid, clouding of the cornea, cornea tissue deterioration due to ulceration in the eye's mucous membrane.
Long-term, excessive exposure leads to the risk of heavy metal poisoning, including liver disease, brain damage, kidney and intestinal problems, anaemia, mutagenic potential; possible damaging effects on reproduction and development. Symptoms include: a metallic taste in the mouth, burning pain in the chest and abdomen, intense nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, sweating, shock, disrupted urination leading to yellowing of the skin.
Zinc sulphide possible adverse effects: in humans, can be harmful if inhaled or swallowed; can cause skin and eye irritation; can cause headaches and nausea
Croatia FIS:Cuprablau-Z registration withdrawn on 01/01/2020, final deadline for sales of stocks 01/07/2020, final use-by date 01/07/2021; Cuprablau Z Ultra not approved
CUPRABLAU Z 35WG active ingredients COPPER COMPOUNDS, COPPER OXYCHLORIDE, EU: approved 01/01/2019-31/12/2025
Copper compounds, possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates, organisms and plants; toxic to bees and earthworms; sheep, chickens; persists in the soil. In humans can cause nausea, irritation of respiratory tract and skin, eczema. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid lining, excess fluid build-up in the eyelid, clouding of the cornea, cornea tissue deterioration due to ulceration in the eye's mucous membrane.
Long-term, excessive exposure leads to the risk of heavy metal poisoning, including liver disease, brain damage, kidney and intestinal problems, anaemia, mutagenic potential; possible damaging effects on reproduction and development. Symptoms include: a metallic taste in the mouth, burning pain in the chest and abdomen, intense nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, sweating, shock, disrupted urination leading to yellowing of the skin.
Croatia FIS: Cuprablau Z 35WG approved 17/04/2019-01/01/2022.
FALCON FORTE, active ingredients: TEBUCONAZOLE, (substance group triazole), EU: Approved 01/09/2009 - 31/08/2020, SPIROXAMINE (substance group morpholine), EU: Approved 01/01/2012 - 31/12/2021, PROTHIOCONAZOLE (substance group triazolinthione)EU: Approved 01/08/2008-31/07/2020
Tebuconazole possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; toxic to bees, birds, earthworms; in humans: can damage the unborn child; possible human carcinogen; toxic if swallowed.
Spiroxamine possible adverse effects: very toxic to aquatic life; in humans, suspected of causing damage to the unborn child; may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure; harmful if swallowed or inhaled; can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Prothiconazole possible adverse effects: toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic crustaceans and sediment dwelling organisms; very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; hazardous to the aquatic environment; toxic to honeybees and earthworms; in humans: can affect reproduction and development; possible endocrine disruptor; can cause skin irritation; possible irritant if inhaled
Croatia FIS: Falcon Forte approved 20/03/2019-31/07/2020
FALCON EC 460 active ingredients TEBUCONAZOLE (substance group triazole), EU: Approved 01/09/2009 - 31/08/2020. & SPIROXAMINE (substance group morpholine), EU: Approved 01/01/2012 - 31/12/2021, TRIADIMENOL (substance group triazole) EU not approved
Tebuconazole possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; toxic to bees, birds, earthworms; in humans: can damage the unborn child; possible human carcinogen; toxic if swallowed.
Spiroxamine possible adverse effects: very toxic to aquatic life; in humans, suspected of causing damage to the unborn child; may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure; harmful if swallowed or inhaled; can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Triadimenol possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; hazardous to the aquatic environment; causes reproductive disruption in medaka fish and mammals; can harm Eremias argus lizards; causes neurobehavioural effects in rats; in humans: highly toxic if swallowed; may damage fertility; may harm the unborn child; may harm a child being breast-fed; causes eye irritation; causes mild skin irritation
LUNAPRIVILEGE,LUNASENSATION. active ingredients FLUOPYRAM (substance group benzamide, pyramide), EU: Approved 01/02/2014 - 31/01/2024., & TRIFLOXYSTROBIN (substance group strobilurin), EU: approved 01/08/2018-31/07/2033.
Fluopyram possible adverse effects: very toxic to fish, aquatic plants and algae, with long-lasting effects; slightly toxic to bees, birds, earthworms; in humans, can cause serious eye irritation; possibly causes damage to nervous system; affects reproduction, possibly damages the unborn child
Trifloxystrobin possible adverse effects: very toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates and algae; very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; moderately toxic to sediment-dwelling organisms and aquatic plants; moderately toxic to earthworms; low toxicity to honeybees; in humans: can cause problems with reproduction and development; can cause eye irritation and allergic skin reactions
Croatia FIS: Luna Privilege approved 09/02/2015.-31/01/2025.; Luna Sensation approved 09/07/2019.-31/01/2025.
LUNAEXPERIENCEactive ingredients FLUOPYRAM(substance group benzamide, pyramide), EU: Approved 01/02/2014 - 31/01/2024, with TEBUCONAZOLE (substance group triazole), EU: Approved 01/09/2009 - 31/08/2020.
Fluopyram possible adverse effects: very toxic to fish, aquatic plants and algae, with long-lasting effects; slightly toxic to bees, birds, earthworms; in humans, can cause serious eye irritation; possibly causes damage to nervous system; affects reproduction, possibly damages the unborn child
Tebcucozanole possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; toxic to bees, birds, earthworms; in humans: can damage the unborn child; possible human carcinogen; toxic if swallowed.
Croatia FIS: Luna Experience approved 19/01/2015.-31/08/2020.
Folpet possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms; probable human carcinogen; causes developmental effects in animals; toxic if inhaled; causes serious eye irritation; can cause allergic skin reactions; moderately toxic to earthworms. ECHA warnings: hazardous to the environment and human health.
Fosetyl-aluminium (Fosetyl-al) possible adverse effects: toxic to mammals, bees, birds, fish, aquatic invertebrates, algae, earthworms; possible human carcinogen; irritant if inhaled, can cause lung damage; causes serious eye irritation or damage; skin irritant
Croatia FIS: Mikal Flash approved 30/11/2006.-31/12/2023. Mikal not approved
Folpet possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms; probable human carcinogen; causes developmental effects in animals; toxic if inhaled; causes serious eye irritation; can cause allergic skin reactions; moderately toxic to earthworms. ECHA warnings: hazardous to the environment and human health.
Fosetyl-aluminium (Fosetyl-al) possible adverse effects: toxic to mammals, bees, birds, fish, aquatic invertebrates, algae, earthworms; possible human carcinogen; irritant if inhaled, can cause lung damage; causes serious eye irritation or damage;skin irritant
Iprovalicarb possible adverse effects: marine pollutant; very toxic to aquatic organisms; toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates; may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment; moderately toxic to earthworms; in humans: possible carcinogen; corrosive to skin; highly damaging to health if swallowed
Croatia FIS:Mikal Premium F approved 29/11/2007.-31/12/2023.
MODRA GALICA active ingredient COPPER SULPHATE PENTAHYDRATE EU: not listed
Copper Sulphate possible adverse effects:Copper sulphate products are highly toxic to fish, birds, bees and earthworms, toxic to mammals, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic plants, algae, sediment dwelling organisms; highly toxic to the aquatic environment, with long-lasting effects; in humans: possible reproduction and developmental effects; irritant to the respiratory tract; corrosive to skin and eyes; ingestion can cause burning pain in the chest and abdomen, intense nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, sweating, shock, and yellowing of the skin caused by disrupted urination; high doses and prolonged exposure can cause anaemia, also damage to the brain, liver, kidneys and stomach and intestinal linings; people with Wilson's disease (in which copper is absorbed and stored excessively in the body), are at special risk of poisoning from copper-based pesticides; associated with increased risk of potentially malignant oral submucous fibrosis, which can lead to oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Croatia FIS: Modra galica not approved; Modra Galica (Scarmagnan) registration withdrawn on 01/07/2016
NORDOX 75WG active ingredient COPPER OXIDE, EU: approved
Copper compounds, possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates, organisms and plants; toxic to bees and earthworms; sheep, chickens; persists in the soil. In humans can cause nausea, irritation of respiratory tract and skin, eczema. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid lining, excess fluid build-up in the eyelid, clouding of the cornea, cornea tissue deterioration due to ulceration in the eye's mucous membrane.
Long-term, excessive exposure leads to the risk of heavy metal poisoning, including liver disease, brain damage, kidney and intestinal problems, anaemia, mutagenic potential; possible damaging effects on reproduction and development. Symptoms include: a metallic taste in the mouth, burning pain in the chest and abdomen, intense nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, sweating, shock, disrupted urination leading to yellowing of the skin.
Croatia FIS: approved 24/01/2002.-31/12/2023.
PERGADO D active ingredients MANDIPROPRAMID (mandelamide) EU: approved 01/08/2013 - 31/07/2023 & MANCOZEB (substance group dithiocarbamate) EU: Approved 01/07/2006 - 31/01/2021
Mandipropamid possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms; moderately toxic to birds and earthworms; can be harmful to the liver and kidneys; eye irritant.ECHA warning:Hazardous to the environment.
Mancozeb possible adverse effects: toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates; moderately toxic to bees, earthworms, algae; in humans: possible thyroid disruptor; possible effects on reproduction and development; respiratory tract irritant; eye irritant
Croatia FIS: Pergado D approved 28/01/2019 - 31/07/2024.
PERGADO F active ingredients FOLPET (synthetic phthalimide) EU: Approved 01/10/2007 - 31/07/2020, &MANDIPROPRAMID (mandelamide) EU: approved 01/08/2013 - 31/07/2023.
Product Warning: To be used no more than four times during vegetation at intervals of 8 -14 days.
Folpet possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms; probable human carcinogen; causes developmental effects in animals; toxic if inhaled; causes serious eye irritation; can cause allergic skin reactions; moderately toxic to earthworms. ECHA warnings: hazardous to the environment and human health.
Mandipropamid possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms; moderately toxic to birds and earthworms; can be harmful to the liver and kidneys; eye irritant.ECHA warning:Hazardous to the environment.
Croatia FIS: Pergado F approved 26/11/2007.-31/12/2023.
PERGADO MZ active ingredients MANCOZEB (substance group dithiocarbamate) EU: Approved 01/07/2006 - 31/01/2021. &MANDIPROPRAMID (mandelamide) EU: approved 01/08/2013 - 31/07/2023.
Product warning: To be used no more than three times during vegetation
Mancozeb possible adverse effects: toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates; moderately toxic to bees, earthworms, algae; in humans: possible thyroid disruptor; possible effects on reproduction and development; respiratory tract irritant; eye irritant
Mandipropamid possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms; moderately toxic to birds and earthworms; can be harmful to the liver and kidneys; eye irritant.ECHA warning:Hazardous to the environment.
Pyrimethanil possible adverse effects: toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; endocrine disruptor in tree frogs, causes liver and kidney damage in non-target species; toxic to earthworms; in humans, possible carcinogen; toxic through skin contact and inhalation
Mancozeb possible adverse effects: toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates; moderately toxic to bees, earthworms, algae; in humans: possible thyroid disruptor; possible effects on reproduction and development; respiratory tract irritant; eye irritant
Metalaxyl possible adverse effects: toxic to bees, birds, fish, earthworms; in humans: can cause serious eye damage; skin irritant; very harmful if swallowed
RIDOMIL GOLD MZ 68WP active ingredients MANCOZEB (substance group dithiocarbamate) EU: Approved 01/07/2006 - 31/01/2021. and METALAXYL M (substance group phenylamide) EU: Approved 01/07/2010 - 30/06/2023
Mancozeb possible adverse effects: toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates; moderately toxic to bees, earthworms, algae; in humans: possible thyroid disruptor; possible effects on reproduction and development; respiratory tract irritant; eye irritant
Metalaxyl possible adverse effects: toxic to bees, birds, fish, earthworms; in humans: can cause serious eye damage; skin irritant; very harmful if swallowed
Croatia FIS:Ridomil Gold MZ 68WP not approved
RIDOMIL GOLD PLUS 42,5 WP active ingredients METALAXYL M (substance group phenylamide) EU: Approved 01/07/2010 - 30/06/2023, with COPPER COMPOUNDS: COPPER OXYCHLORIDEEU: Approved 01/01/2019-31/12/2025
Metalaxyl possible adverse effects: toxic to bees, birds, fish, earthworms; in humans: can cause serious eye damage; skin irritant; very harmful if swallowed
Copper compounds, possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates, organisms and plants; toxic to bees and earthworms; sheep, chickens; persists in the soil. In humans can cause nausea, irritation of respiratory tract and skin, eczema. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid lining, excess fluid build-up in the eyelid, clouding of the cornea, cornea tissue deterioration due to ulceration in the eye's mucous membrane.
Long-term, excessive exposure leads to the risk of heavy metal poisoning, including liver disease, brain damage, kidney and intestinal problems, anaemia, mutagenic potential; possible damaging effects on reproduction and development. Symptoms include: a metallic taste in the mouth, burning pain in the chest and abdomen, intense nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, sweating, shock, disrupted urination leading to yellowing of the skin. People with Wilson's disease (in which copper is absorbed and stored excessively in the body), are at special risk of poisoning from copper-based pesticides.
Croatia FIS: Ridomil Gold Plus 42.5 WP registration withdrawn 01/01/2020.
RIDOMIL GOLD Ractive ingredients METALAXYL M (substance group phenylamide) EU: Approved 01/07/2010 - 30/06/2023, with COPPER COMPOUNDS: COPPER OXYCHLORIDEEU: Approved 01/01/2019-31/12/2025
Metalaxyl possible adverse effects: toxic to bees, birds, fish, earthworms; in humans: can cause serious eye damage; skin irritant; very harmful if swallowed
Copper compounds, possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates, organisms and plants; toxic to bees and earthworms; sheep, chickens; persists in the soil. In humans can cause nausea, irritation of respiratory tract and skin, eczema. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid lining, excess fluid build-up in the eyelid, clouding of the cornea, cornea tissue deterioration due to ulceration in the eye's mucous membrane.
Long-term, excessive exposure leads to the risk of heavy metal poisoning, including liver disease, brain damage, kidney and intestinal problems, anaemia, mutagenic potential; possible damaging effects on reproduction and development. Symptoms include: a metallic taste in the mouth, burning pain in the chest and abdomen, intense nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, sweating, shock, disrupted urination leading to yellowing of the skin. People with Wilson's disease (in which copper is absorbed and stored excessively in the body), are at special risk of poisoning from copper-based pesticides.
Croatia FIS: Ridomil Gold R approved 11/04/2017.-30/06/2021.
Sulphur, possible adverse effects: if inhaled can cause coughing, sneezing and respiratory impairment; skin contact can cause redness, itching and burning in sensitive individuals; eye contact can cause painful irritation, redness and tears; ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
TILT CB 187,5 FW active ingredients PROPICONAZOLE, (substance group triazole) EU:not approved. and CARBENDAZIM (substance group benzimidamole) EU: Not approved
Propiconazole possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish; in humans, highly irritant to eyes and skin; harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin; can cause skin allergies; possible liver toxicant; possible endocrine disruptor; classified as possible carcinogen by USEPA
Carbendazim possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic organisms and the aquatic environment, with long-lasting effects; toxic to earthworms; moderately toxic to honeybees; in humans, may cause genetic defects; may damage fertility and the unborn child;
Croatia FIS:Tilt CB 187.5FW not approved
TILT 250 EC active ingredient PROPICONAZOLE, (substance group triazole) EU:not approved
Propiconazole possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish; in humans, highly irritant to eyes and skin; harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin; can cause skin allergies; possible liver toxicant; possible endocrine disruptor; classified as possible carcinogen by USEPA
Croatia FIS: not approved.
TOPAS100EC active ingredient PENCONAZOLE, substance group triazole EU: Approved 01/01/2012 - 31/12/2021
Penconazole possible adverse effects: toxic to bees, birds, fish, aquatic invertebrates and algae; suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child; possible endocrine disruptor; harmful if swallowed
UNIVERSALIS, active ingredients AZOXYSTROBIN(substance group strobilurin) EU: Approved 01/01/2012 - 31/12/2024 and FOLPET(synthetic phthalimide) EU: Approved 01/10/2007 - 31/07/2020.
Azoxystrobin possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic organisms and the aquatic environment, with long-lasting effects; highly toxic to hoverfly larvae; toxic to fish, earthworms; in humans, suspected possible carcinogen; toxic if swallowed or inhaled; skin and eye irritant.
Folpet possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms; probable human carcinogen; causes developmental effects in animals; toxic if inhaled; causes serious eye irritation; can cause allergic skin reactions; moderately toxic to earthworms. ECHA warnings: hazardous to the environment and human health.
Croatia FIS: approved 21/05/2007.-31/12/2023.
For a more comprehensive listing of pesticides in common use in Croatia, please refer to 'Pesticide Products in Croatia'; for a list of pesticide active substances together with their possible adverse effects and the scientific sources of the information, also listings of approved products, see 'Pesticides and their Adverse Effects'
Lots of dogs have a tough time on Hvar and in other parts of Croatia. Helping dogs in need can be tricky. These are basic guidelines to help show you what can and can't be done.
Poisons, definitely not! Eco Hvar's campaign against the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides to kill off unwanted insects and other 'pests' began many years ago.
As July progresses, the grapes ripen on the vines, ready to reach their full luscious ripeness later on in August. However, foraging is not recommended.
The Scops Owl is a welcome visitor to Hvar Island every summer. Arriving between the middle of March or beginning of April its persistent single-note call is the hallmark of the warm season.
Reading Steve Jones' report earlier this year, keen birdwatcher Tomislav Sjekloća was inspired to check out the Dračevica pond and other parts of Hvar, and we are delighted he has shared his sightings with us.
In 2023 the honour of celebrating International Bat Night, which aims to raise people's awareness of the vital importance in our ecosystem, fell to the Krka National Park,which organised a superbly imaginative programme beside its exquisite Skradinski Buk Waterfall.
Highlighting Croatia's wild orchids and the need to treat them with love and respect, the highly active and successful BIOM ASSOCIATION published an article in the spring of 2024 with a plea to pay attention to these fascinating and invaluable plants.
In 2023 on Hvar there were two special orchid finds by visiting experts from Zagreb, who located the endemic Ophrys pharia and the Himantoglossum robertianum.
These delicate-looking, exquisite creatures play an important part in the natural chain. They are especially useful to humans because of their voracious appetite for mosquitoes and other biting insects such as midges.
Steve Jones of Dol recounts his observations during June and July 2019, a mixture of some disappointments balanced by unexpected joys, including a couple of bird rescues!
Local dialects are spoken less and less, so every effort to retain their special charm is welcome. From Pitve on Hvar Island, poetess Ičica Barišić has been preserving the particular dialect of her village for many years.
We are delighted to report that the Recycling Yard for the Jelsa Municipality is now functioning, after a long period of 'teething problems'. This is good news for everyone who cares about the environment. We hope all residents and visitors will be encouraged to manage waste of all kinds responsibly.
An appeal from the heart for happy wagging tails! The Bestie Foundation is in urgent need of financial help, and here are twelve good reasons for supporting it.
In an event of huge significance to the Catholic population of the island, relics of St. John Paul II were brought to the parishes of Vrisnik and Pitve in September 2021, thanks to parish priest Don Robert Bartoszek.
"My connection to Croatia is unbreakable. I feel it as a cord of turquoise and rosemary and cicadas and curry plants, from my heart to that island. I feel blessed every single day to have Croatia in my heart."
Church bells are part of daily life all over Croatia. Splitska on Brač Island is one of the few places where the bells are rung by hand and not electronically controlled.
The exhibition of Croatia's cultural heritage as recognized on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List reflects Hvar's wealth of prized assets and traditions.
Jelsa's Elementary School is outstanding in promoting worthwhile extra-curricular activities. Photography is one which gives pupils a special experience of the world around them.
The replanting project to rejuvenate Hvar's woodlands with autochthonous black pines continued at the end of January, backed by a mobile exhibition highlighting the importance of trees for the island.
Dr.Radoslav Bužančić's London lecture entitled ‘Diocletian’s Palace in Split: New Discoveries’ aroused great interest among experts in archaeology, architecture, history of art, museology and the protection of cultural monuments and heritage.
In response to a request from Hvar's registered charity Dignitea, the EC has sent a full explanation of the regulations which should be applied to the proposed oil and gas drilling in the Adriatic.
Eco Hvar is sometimes criticized for doing too little - or even nothing - to help the island's innumerable needy cats and kittens. In fact there are lots of residents around the island, locals and incomers, who consistently do their utmost to help.
Lucky Luki revels joyfully in his explorations of Hvar's boundless beauties. The Galešnik fortress in the hill to the south above Jelsa is one of his regular haunts.
There's nothing Luki likes better than exploring the lesser known areas of Hvar Island. The eastern region is largely overlooked and (mercifully) underdeveloped, so it is perfect territory for Luki and his friends.
This is the story of a pony who has captivated the hearts of all around him in the quiet inland village of Svirče on Hvar. He is a walking symbol of unconditional love!
From Skittish Stari Grad Street Dog to Alpha Canine Queen of Dol, Sveta Ana. Evening Lategano of the Suncrokret Body and Soul Retreat in Dol tells the story of Maza's rescue.
Despite the local authorities' attempts to control mosquitoes with pesticides, many have complained that the mosquitoes on the island are more virulent than ever.
Query: It was a pleasant surprise to come across your article regarding olive oil making in Dalmatia. Me and my husband have taken it up as a serious hobby to be involved in the olive oil process in m...
I am staying at the Hotel Berulia in Brela and have been feeding a mother,father and five kittens about (10 weeks old). Do they get rid of the kittens in the winter when there are no guests?
We are currently visiting your lovely island and are staying in the Amfora Hotel. Since our arrival we have fallen in love with a beautiful stray young cat.
Hello I was staying in Hvar Town for 5 days last week in June 14 and we tried our best to care for the kittens, cats we have seen as they were so very skinny. What is keeping me awake at night back in...
Emma is one of the many animals rescued over the years through Eco Hvar. We are very grateful to Bernie for sharing this happy seasonal photo with us. To see more of his splendid artistic photography visit his website: https://www.hvar-mania.photography/"
Resulting from the successful European Citizens' Initiative Petition, in which 1,1 million Europeans asked for an end to pesticide use, there will be a hearing in the EU Parliament on January 24th 2023.
Due to the effects of the Covid-19 virus, in 2020 the Ministry of Tourism announced financial relief measures for those engaged in the tourist industry.
The novel coronavirus named Covid-19 has ravaged the world. Being new, its spread has been swift and fierce, in the absence of a vaccine or known effective treatment measures.
In memory of one of Hvar's best-loved sons, cultural society Matica Hrvatska is launching Nikša Petrić's book about Hvar's heritage in the Hvar Town Loggia on Tuesday September 8th 2015 at 20:00.
If someone filled a spray can with potentially deadly poisons and went round spraying people at random, everyone, including the police, would react to put a stop to it.
Letter sent to the Public Health authorities on 12th June 2024, following yet another scandalous example of irresponsible poison spraying against insects.
Towards the end of 2023, the European Parliament and the European Commission showed that they are not willing or able to protect European citizens from the ill-effects of chemical pesticides. So what needs to be done?
A listing of selected pesticides which are, or have been in common use in Croatia, with the official warnings of their side-effects and the known side-effects of their active constituents.
Testing people on Hvar Island for pesticides via hair samples is an ongoing project, conducted by Eco Hvar. These are the preliminary results from the Kudzu laboratory which tested for 100 pesticides.
This is a guide to the systems governing chemical pesticide regulation, registers and laws, with an overview of some of the many problems arising from pesticide use.
Chemical poison use is out of control in much of the modern world. Safeguards exist in theory, in practice they are inadequate. At each level of responsibility, practices need to be improved. These are our suggestions for achieving vital improvements.
For several years, the local councils of Jelsa, Stari Grad and Hvar have routinely sprayed the streets against mosquitoes, flies and other 'flying pests'. Is this a good thing?
Would I find myself driving home through a mist of toxic chemicals if I caught the 20:30 ferry back from Split? That was the question on 27th September 2017.
Because we at Eco Hvar are very concerned about the shortcomings of the mosquito liquidation programme on Hvar and around Croatia, we have petitioned the Minister for Health to re-consider the methods used.
Our request to Croatian local and national authorities to review the insect suppression programme has produced a lamentable response so far. It's hard getting the message across, but we will keep trying.
A bee sting can cause a severe allergic reaction in a vulnerable person. Under current Croatian law, insects which cause allergic reactions must be subjected to an annual programme of suppression.
The look of abject terror on the monkey's face is a haunting picture, the stuff of nightmares for anyone with an ounce of empathy for torture victims, whether human or animal. Animals are frontline victims of dangerous chemicals.
From October 1st 2016, the sale of Roundup (Croatian Cidokor) and 11 other similar glyphosate-based herbicides was banned in the European Union. The ban should serve as a wake-up call to all users, supporters and promoters of pesticides.
The manufacturers have claimed that the herbicide Roundup, whose active ingredient is glyphosate, is "safe enough to drink", and many people are naive enough to believe this.
When the World Health Organization defined Glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans”, it should have put an immediate stop to the sale and use of Glyphosate-based herbicides.
Donations can be made in euros, pounds sterling, US and Australian dollars and Swiss francs. All donations, however small, are very welcome. We acknowledge donations by email if we have the donor's address. Please let us know if you require a formal paper receipt.
PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW BANK DETAILS:
ECO HVAR BANK DETAILS
OTP banka d.d. Split, Domovinskog rata 61, 21000 Split;
If the payment slip has a box for 'further details' or 'further information' you should enter the Charity's OIB: 14009858487, and state 'donation' or 'donacija'.
About The Site
The site contains articles and information on topics related to health, the environment and animal welfare.
While the focus is on Hvar Island in Dalmatia, much of the information is relevant to the rest of Croatia, and some to Europe, the United States and the rest of the world.
The main language of the site is English, but articles in Croatian are being added as quickly as possible. Some of the Croatian articles are translations, some original. Book reviews are in the language of the publication being reviewed.
To see all the articles archived in each category, click on the category name which is given below the title of each article (Environment, Highlights, Notices etc).
For further relevant news items and bits of interesting information, please refer to our Facebook page.
Companies can sue governments for closing oilfields and mines – and the risk of huge damages is already stopping countries from passing green laws, ministers say
In the mountains of Transylvania, a Canadian company makes plans for a vast gold and silver mine. The proposal – which involves razing four mountain tops – sparks a national outcry, and the Romanian government pulls its support.
After protests from local communities, the Italian government bans drilling for oil within 12 miles of its shoreline. A UK fossil fuel firm has to dismantle its oilfield.
Boom in fixing rather than throwing away items creates jobs and cuts waste, emissions and costs
There is a pause in the hubbub of conversation in the workshop and everyone watches as a young man plugs in the vacuum cleaner that just minutes earlier had been in several pieces on his workbench.
As the machine whirs into life, the people in the room break out into muted cheers and clapping. There are smiles all round.
Scientists called the news ‘particularly worrying’ because ice reflects sunlight and cools the planet
Global sea ice fell to a record low in February, scientists have said, a symptom of an atmosphere fouled by planet-heating pollutants.
The combined area of ice around the north and south poles hit a new daily minimum in early February and stayed below the previous record for the rest of the month, the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said on Thursday.
Blue Marine Foundation charity asks high court to declare quota decision unlawful amid concern over sustainability of fish stocks
At the start of 2024, Jerry Percy, who led the New Under Ten Fishermen’s Association, dedicated to small boats, said he started to receive lots of calls from members. “They were calling my office to report that a lack of fish in the inshore grounds were putting their livelihoods in peril,” he said.
The fishers said they had noticed a depletion of species such as pollack, typically caught off Britain’s coasts.
Study finds wealthy have larger carbon footprints but are uniquely positioned to have positive effects
Better-off Britons are well placed to accelerate the transition towards low-carbon technologies, but only if they are prepared to curb their excessive consumption to lower their outsized carbon footprints, a study has found.
Researchers found people from the richest 10% in the UK were more likely to invest in electric vehicles, heat pumps and other clean energy alternatives, and were more likely to support green policies.
The collaboration will be outlined at a summit in Liverpool, which aims to reduce trade barriers created by Brexit
The UK and Ireland have announced closer collaboration on subsea energy infrastructure to “harness the full potential” of the Irish and Celtic seas as part of ongoing efforts to reset post-Brexit relations.
The countries will enter into a new data-sharing arrangement to lay the groundwork for connections between the growing number of offshore windfarms and onshore national energy networks. They say it will cut red tape and minimise “the burden of maritime and environmental consent processes for developers”.
Caroline Cotto’s research group taste-tests meat alternatives so plant-based companies can attract new customers – and help the climate
I am sitting in a Manhattan restaurant on a frigid Thursday in January, eating six mini servings of steak and mashed potatoes, one after another. The first steak I am served has a nice texture but is sort of unnaturally reddish. The second has a great crispy sear on the outside, but leaves behind a lingering chemical aftertaste. The next is fine on its own, but I imagine would be quite delicious shredded, drenched in barbecue sauce and served on a bun with vinegary pickles and a side of slaw.
If you peeked into this restaurant, you’d see nothing out of the ordinary – just a diverse range of New Yorkers huddled over plates of food. But everyone present is here for more than just a hot meal. We’re participating in a blind taste test of plant- (or sometimes mushroom-) based steaks, organized by a group of people who hope that better-tasting meat alternatives just might be a key to fighting the climate crisis.
The term ‘polycrisis’ has gained traction as we face one disaster after another. It’s overwhelming – but diagnosing the catastrophe is the first step to addressing it
Two months into 2025, the sense of dread is palpable. In the US, the year began with a terrorist attack; then came the fires that ravaged a city, destroying lives, homes and livelihoods. An extremist billionaire came to power and began proudly dismantling the government with a chainsaw. Once-in-a-century disasters are happening more like once a month, all amid devastating wars and on the heels of a pandemic.
The word “unprecedented” has become ironically routine. It feels like we’re stuck in a relentless cycle of calamity, with no time to recover from one before the next begins.
The sun was shining, people were gingerly paddling in the sea and dogs were being walked up and down the coast – a typical day on the beautiful Dorset coast. But the beachgoers probably didn’t know that just a few minutes inland, history was being made.
On Wednesday, at the National Trust’s Purbeck Heath nature reserve, four beavers were released from crates and crawled into Little Sea, a 33-hectare lake. They are the first beavers to be legally released in England, after 400 years of absence and a fight to return them to the landscape.
Indigenous leaders on the island of Palawan recently signed a landmark deal to establish the country’s first locally owned forest carbon project. The project aims to halt deforestation through the sale of carbon credits
One of the world’s most important places for nature is a small strip of mountainous forest no more than about 40 miles wide. And for want of a relatively small amount of money, its long-term health is in doubt.
The Indonesian government has granted six species of threatened “walking sharks” the highest level of protection — a move experts hope will lead to the conservation of other sharks, whose numbers have plummeted due largely to the shark fin trade.
Earth is teetering perilously close to a tipping point — but it’s not too late to bring us back from the edge, says Conservation International’s Chief Scientist Johan Rockström in a new Netflix film.