Project overview

CAMP Croatia – Kaštela Bay was one of the first area-specific projects implemented under the UNEP/MAP framework. Initially launched as a Country Pilot Project (CPP), it was later integrated into the Coastal Area Management Programme (CAMP).

Located near Split, Kaštela Bay was at the time heavily impacted by urban and industrial pressures. Untreated wastewater discharges and intensive coastal development led to significant marine pollution and ecosystem degradation. The project was designed to improve knowledge of the marine environment and provide a scientific and technical basis for priority actions and long-term management strategies.

 

Key objectives

Building on the initial pilot phase, the project enabled an in-depth analysis of key environmental issues:

  • conduct studies on pollution dynamics and the impacts of wastewater discharges
  • establish monitoring systems to improve knowledge of environmental conditions
  • develop a pollutant cadastre, including an assessment of mercury levels in the seabed
  • analyse climate change impacts on coastal infrastructure
  • determine optimal levels of urban wastewater treatment for the bay
  • develop development scenarios to support future spatial planning

 

Main results

  • policy support: generated data on major pollution problems and ecosystem functioning to guide technical solutions.
  • infrastructure planning: developed a feasibility study for an integrated wastewater system, supported by the World Bank.
  • governance: proposed institutional arrangements to ensure follow-up implementation of coastal measures.
  • stakeholder engagement: increased public awareness and support for environmental investment.

 

Follow-up

After the project concluded, local and national authorities established a dedicated implementing body (“Eco Agency”) to carry forward the wastewater management system. A loan from the World Bank was secured to support its implementation. Although the project was temporarily delayed due to the 1991–1995 war in Croatia, it ultimately laid the foundation for long-term improvements in environmental management and infrastructure in the Kaštela Bay area.

 

Partnership

  • Institute for Oceanography and Fisheries, Split
  • Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Split
  • UNEP/MAP – Barcelona Convention system:
    • PAP/RAC
    • MEDPOL
    • Plan Bleu