Activists in Karlovac Raise Alarm: 'Death Sentence' for 24 Trees
Two citizens' initiatives demand an immediate halt to works, transparency, and expert oversight before the removal of the tree line, citing European environmental protection standards.
Two citizens' initiatives demand an immediate halt to works, transparency, and expert oversight before the removal of the tree line, citing European environmental protection standards.
Citizens' initiatives in Karlovac have once again mobilized in the fight to preserve the city's green spaces, this time focusing on planned works in Fran Kurelac Street. The trigger is project documentation that envisions the removal of 24 trees and the planting of 14 new ones, which has sparked a sharp reaction from activists demanding full transparency in the process.
The 'Ne damo ni lipe' initiative sent a public request to the City of Karlovac and relevant institutions on August 3, 2026, asking that all information about the planned intervention be presented to citizens in a timely manner. According to their claims, this is part of the same ITU project under which the linden tree line on Ban Josip Jelačić Square was already removed in July this year.
In its request, the 'Ne damo ni lipe' initiative proposes initiating an interdisciplinary dialogue that would include experts in urban planning, landscape architecture, biology, climatology, and nature protection. Alongside them, representatives of civil society and interested citizens would also be included in the discussion.
Particular emphasis is placed on the need to consider alternative solutions that would allow for the complete or partial preservation of the existing tree line while simultaneously achieving the goals of the infrastructure project. As an argument, they cite European regulations that prescribe the 'do no significant harm' principle and the obligation of climate proofing for projects financed from cohesion funds.
Meanwhile, the citizens' initiative 'Jablanovi' has drawn public attention to Kurelac Street by installing a striking artistic-activist installation. It features the sign: 'SENTENCE: Sentenced to death.'
In an emotional post on social media, as reported by Radio Mrežnica, the initiative spoke on behalf of the trees: 'When they declared me "guilty," I could not defend myself. My roots do not know how to write appeals. My branches do not know how to raise their voice. My leaves do not know how to shout. But you do. You have become my voice in a world that only listens to what is loud, not what is alive.'
The 'Ne damo ni lipe' initiative also demands concrete steps from the City of Karlovac. Before any decision on removal is made, they ask for an expert and independent review of the trees and their habitats, with the results of that review made publicly available. They also emphasize the need to respect the Nature Protection Act, namely avoiding interventions that would disturb bird habitats during the nesting, feeding, and resting season.
In their message, they conclude that they expect responsible action toward citizens, Karlovac's natural heritage, and European environmental protection standards in this case. Whether the city administration will heed the appeals or whether the excavators will have the final word again remains to be seen.
