Initiative for the Green Lady: Emergency services 112 support the mulberry tree from Krka National Park

On 11 February, to mark European 112 Day as the unified number for all emergency services in European Union Member States, the operational forces of the civil protection system and the staff of Krka National Park gathered together for a photograph under the Green Lady at Skradinski buk, the mulberry tree that is a finalist in the European 2024 Tree of the Year competition.

This photo shoot brought together the staff of the Civil Protection Directorate, Šibenik Civil Protection Service, Croatian Mountain Search and Rescue, County fire-fighting units in Šibenik-Knin County, Skradin volunteer fire brigade, Šibenik-Knin Police Directorate, Šibenik-Knin County Emergency Medicine Institute, Šibenik branch of the Red Cross, and the rangers of Krka National Park. Their joint presence in this photo represents the different sectors committed to jointly protecting the safety of people and protecting the environment.

“In addition to commemorating European 112 Day, we wanted to give our support to the mulberry tree at Skradinski Buk, which Croatia has proudly nominated for the prestigious title of European Tree of the Year. The operational forces of the civil protection system are committed not only to saving lives, but also to protecting our shared tangible and cultural heritage. That is why we are inviting citizens to cast their vote for the mulberry tree and to join in this initiative, highlighting the importance of conserving nature and promoting ecologically sustainable initiatives,” stated Dražen Bilać, head of the Šibenik Civil Protection Service.

The mulberry tree from Krka National Park is Croatia’s tree of the year, and one of 15 candidates, Europe’s most interesting trees, in the European 2024 Tree of the Year competition. You can cast your vote here and show just how proud we are of our national values and the rich cultural heritage of our country.

“We are exceptionally proud of this gathering here today, to show the unified forces of civil protection and the staff of Krka National Park. The Public Institute of Krka National Park works closely with the operational civil protection forces to nurture good quality and ongoing cooperation to protect people, animals and property. Through this act, we wish to highlight the importance of working together to provide assistance in emergency situations, and to give symbolic support to our mulberry tree in the European Tree of the Year competition,” stated director of the Public Institute of Krka National Park, Nella Slavica.

European 112 Day is dedicated to raising awareness among citizens of the importance of this number, and promoting simple, singular, secure and effective access to emergency services. Accordingly, the Republic of Croatia has joined in the European efforts to raise awareness of the number 112, encouraging citizens to use it in situations that require the intervention of emergency services.

The singular European number 112 enables citizens to easily request the assistance of police, fire-fighters, emergency medical services, search and rescue at sea and roadside assistance. This number is always available within the Civil Protection Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior, enabling a quick and effective reaction to emergency services.