Petition calls for worldwide support to save iconic Croatian beach

Zlatni Rat

A new international petition has emerged, urging people worldwide to rally behind efforts to save the Zlatni Rat, or Golden Horn, one of Croatia’s most famous natural landmarks.

Situated on the island of Brač, this unique beach is celebrated for its remarkable, ever-shifting triangular shape, which stretches into the Adriatic Sea like a horn.

Known as a jewel of Croatia’s coastline, Zlatni Rat attracts visitors from all over the globe each year.

However, recent years have witnessed dramatic changes to the beach’s iconic form—changes that are not only due to climate forces but also to human activities that are threatening this natural wonder.

This petition underscores that Zlatni Rat is a living, breathing ecosystem—a natural monument that urgently needs protection beyond the existing regulations, which have too often gone unenforced.

With signatures from around the world, the petition hopes to mobilise local authorities, citizens, and the international community to implement stricter, more effective protective measures for this coastal treasure.

What’s Happening to Zlatni Rat?

The petition claims that while climate change undoubtedly influences coastal regions worldwide, Zlatni Rat’s transformation is also tied to tourism, unregulated boat anchoring, and nearby construction activities.

During peak tourist season, boats crowd near the shore, their anchors disturbing the delicate seabed that underpins Zlatni Rat’s unique shape.

Zlatni Rat

Studies have shown that the movements of these boats and their anchors can disrupt sediment layers, ultimately altering the structure of the beach itself.

Furthermore, construction projects in and around Bol have been conducted without sufficient environmental oversight, adding additional pressures to the fragile marine environment.

Years of minimal enforcement of protective measures have only worsened these impacts, and the beach’s signature horn shape has started to bend and shift unpredictably.

Photos reveal how much the beach’s shape has altered in recent years, threatening to turn this Adriatic gem into a shadow of its former self. The petition’s creators fear that without immediate intervention, Zlatni Rat could become unrecognisable, with disastrous consequences not only for natural preservation but also for the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism.

The Petition’s Goals: Protecting Zlatni Rat for Future Generations

The petition, titled “Save the Golden Horn Beach”, outlines a series of actionable steps aimed at safeguarding Zlatni Rat and restoring it to its original form.

Rather than merely raising awareness, these proposed measures offer a concrete path forward:

1. Designated Anchoring Zones: Establishing specific zones for boat anchoring further from the beach to limit disturbance to the seabed. This spatial separation would help maintain the beach’s unique structure by reducing sediment displacement.

2. Stricter Anchoring Regulations: Introducing clear, enforceable regulations on boat anchoring near the beach. Violators would face penalties to ensure compliance with preservation efforts.

3. Alternative Anchoring Methods: Promoting the use of floating pontoons and other less intrusive anchoring methods that safeguard the seabed, which is crucial to the stability of the beach’s shape.

4. Regular Monitoring and Research: Instituting continuous monitoring of the marine ecosystem around Zlatni Rat, allowing authorities to detect emerging threats early and take preventive action.

5. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating both locals and tourists on the environmental impacts of their actions, particularly the importance of adhering to proper anchoring practices and avoiding areas that could harm the beach.

6. Expert Consultation for Construction Projects: Requiring expert and scientific assessments for any future construction near the beach to ensure that new projects will not adversely affect the ecosystem.

These steps are practical, achievable, and represent an immediate way to help Zlatni Rat endure as both a natural wonder and a cultural treasure.

The petition asserts that the beach has given so much to Croatia, its citizens, and countless visitors over the years; now it’s time to give back by ensuring its preservation.

The appeal to the international community is central to the petition’s vision. Zlatni Rat is not just a Croatian treasure but a global one, attracting visitors from every corner of the world who revel in its beauty.

As such, the responsibility to protect it extends beyond Croatia’s borders. The petition calls on everyone, not only Croatians, to stand in solidarity with the local community of Bol. For these residents, tourism is more than an industry—it is a lifeline that sustains their way of life.

Zlatni Rat

If Zlatni Rat’s distinct allure fades, so too might the economic vitality of this community, leading to hardships that extend beyond environmental concerns.

This petition emphasises that Zlatni Rat can be saved, but only if immediate action is taken. The proposed measures aim not only to protect the beach’s form but also to ensure that the Golden Horn continues to captivate visitors and contribute to Bol’s economy for generations to come.

Zlatni Rat beach

“By signing the petition, people everywhere can support this urgent cause. The collective voices of global citizens could be the catalyst needed to drive Croatian authorities and local stakeholders to commit to lasting change. Zlatni Rat is a natural masterpiece that has inspired millions; it is now up to those millions to return the favor and fight for its future,”

You can find the petition HERE.