Re-wilding in Rovinj: success and failure

A visitor to Rovinj in June 2024 found much to admire in the eco-friendly Grand Park Hotel - alongside a major cause for concern.

By email: "I am from Ireland and staying in the Grand Park hotel in Rovinj- it’s June 2nd 2024 They have done amazing work- roof gardens on every level- perhaps 3 or 4 levels. Re-wilding of wild flowers in the gardens. . No single use plastic anywhere - they are an amazing company.
BUT. there are no insects in the gardens. No bees. No butterflies. Nothing. At 6pm in the evening I should be worried about insect bites . I’m not. There is nothing. If I see ‘1’ I am amazed.
I did ask around in Rovinj and some of the answers were that it was perhaps too early in the season - I’m not sure about that. The more people that become aware the better chance we all have.
It is so scary. Please continue your work"
 
Our reply: "It is very kind of you to write to us and thank you for the encouragement.
You are right, the environmental situation in Croatia as elsewhere in our so-called civilized world, is catastrophic. This despite the best efforts of many people to halt and reverse the damage being done in the cause of profit and corruption.
We are continuing our campaigns to improve things at local, regional and national level in Croatia. We believe in the need to bring balance and independently proven information into  public domain, in the hope of influencing at least some of the decision-makers about pesticide permits, bans and usage, while at the same time alerting the public to the dangers of the pollutants which are poisoning our beautiful world. But... we recognize we are largely preaching to the converted. I just hope that all the research I have done over the last several years will act as seeds for future generations to use for the benefit of our planet.
We wish you all the best and thank you again."
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