The Eco Heritage Task Force program in Lika-Senj County brings together 24 young people from the diaspora who, until August 16, will strengthen their ties with their homeland through volunteering and education.
On August 3, 2026, the international program Eco Heritage Task Force, organized by the Croatian Heritage Foundation, began in Gospić. Until August 16, it brings together 24 young people of Croatian descent from 12 countries, offering them the opportunity to strengthen their connection to Croatia and their ancestral regions through volunteering, education, and shared experiences.
This year, participants have traveled from twelve countries: Australia, Argentina, Hungary, Spain, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Norway, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Austria, and the USA. During their two-week stay, they will assist in preserving the natural and cultural heritage in the Gospić area and Lika-Senj County, which hosts the program, with the Ministry of Demographics and Immigration as a partner.
Volunteer activities take place at several locations. On August 4, the young people began their first action, tidying up the surroundings of the Home for the Elderly and Infirm in Lika-Senj County. Plans also include cleaning the premises and surroundings of the Gospić Vocational School and its Student Dormitory. Together with the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, they will also participate in cleaning the Novčica River.
In addition to practical tasks, a comprehensive educational program has been organized for all participants. The Croatian language and culture workshop is led by Viktorija Vidović, while Tomislav Jelić is in charge of the culinary workshop "Cooking Around the World." The program is led on behalf of the Croatian Heritage Foundation by Sara Marđetko, with Danijel Kapac and Jurica Žibek as chaperones.
On August 5, 2026, participants marked Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and Croatian Veterans Day at Ljubovo, followed by a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Throughout the program, numerous excursions and field activities are planned to help them discover the natural beauty and cultural-historical heritage.
As part of the program, participants will attend the closing evening of the Summer School of Croatian Folklore in Zadar, take a boat trip from Zavratnica to Rab, celebrate the Feast of the Assumption in Krasno, and visit Karlobag.
The Eco Heritage Task Force is one of the flagship programs of the Croatian Heritage Foundation, offering young people of Croatian descent the chance to further cement their connection to Croatia through tangible contributions to the local community. The program aims to encourage volunteering, social responsibility, sustainable development, and the protection of natural and cultural heritage, while also creating opportunities for new friendships and connecting diaspora youth with the local population.
