Access to information is essential for effective marine protection
28/09/2026
On 28 September, we mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information, which is a reminder that access to information is about more than the right to know. It is a cornerstone of informed public participation, evidence-based decision-making and institutional accountability.
In today’s digital age, access to information is not enough on its own. Information must also be reliable, timely, accessible and easy to understand, enabling citizens and stakeholders to follow how decisions are made and implemented.
Persistent systemic challenges in public administration
These principles are just as important for environmental protection as they are for public governance. The 2025 Annual Report of the Croatian Ombudswoman highlights persistent systemic challenges in public administration, including insufficient transparency, weak coordination between institutions, difficulties accessing and understanding information, inconsistent practices, unclear accountability and a lack of data to support evidence-based decisions.
These challenges are highly relevant to marine conservation. Without reliable information, effective monitoring is difficult. Without transparency, accountability is weakened. And without accountability, the effective management of marine protected areas is at risk.
This is why the ADRIWATCH project focuses on improving the collection, reporting and accessibility of monitoring data in marine and coastal protected areas. By strengthening information systems and supporting better data sharing, we aim to contribute to more transparent, coordinated and evidence-based marine conservation.
Sharing knowledge for better marine protection
In the lead-up to the International Day for Universal Access to Information, our project partner Sunce took part in the Annual Meeting of the Croatian Network of Marine Protected Areas, held on 23–24 September in Sali, on Dugi Otok. Hosted by the Public Institution Telašćica Nature Park, the meeting brought together representatives of public institutions, research and scientific organisations, NGOs, professional organisations and other stakeholders involved in the protection and management of marine and coastal areas.
During the meeting, Matea Špika from Sunce presented ADRIWATCH in a session entitled “ADRIWATCH – Collecting Monitoring Data in Marine and Coastal Protected Areas”, highlighting the importance of high-quality, accessible and comparable data for effective management and the long-term protection of the marine environment.
The two-day programme concluded with a boat excursion through Telašćica Nature Park, offering participants an opportunity to explore the area's outstanding natural and landscape values while exchanging experiences, discussing management challenges and sharing examples of good practice.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen cooperation and underline a shared message: protecting our seas requires not only knowledge and expertise, but also reliable information that can be accessed, shared and used to inform decisions.
Together, through greater transparency, stronger cooperation and better access to information, we can help build a more effective and accountable approach to protecting our seas.
