On the Oleander Terrace of the Esplanade Hotel, preschool children from Čigra Kindergarten joined Chef Ana Grgić Tomić and WWF Adria to learn about the blue crab and marine sustainability
The “Being Green is IN” project this year, through the theme “Protect the Blue”, places special emphasis on marine conservation and the responsible use of marine resources.
Through an educational workshop, seafood tasting and a fun interactive activity, the children learned about invasive species and the importance of preserving the Adriatic Sea.
As part of the “Being Green is IN” project, jointly organized over the past years by the Esplanade Hotel Zagreb, Čigra Kindergarten, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Profil Klett, a special educational and gastronomic gathering dedicated to marine conservation, sustainable fish stocks and responsible environmental practices was held. This year’s event was additionally joined by WWF Adria (World Wildlife Fund), one of the world’s largest nature and environmental conservation organizations.
On the Oleander Terrace of the Esplanade Hotel, preschool children from Čigra Kindergarten had the opportunity to learn more about the importance of preserving the Adriatic Sea, climate change, and the challenges posed by invasive species through engaging workshops, educational activities and tasting dishes prepared for the occasion. Special emphasis was placed on marine sustainability and the responsible use of marine resources.
Renowned Esplanade chef Ana Grgić Tomić, a long-time collaborator on WWF projects, together with her team prepared dishes made from blue crab and other Adriatic seafood for the children, introducing them to the importance of sustainable ingredient sourcing and preserving fish stocks.“Marine sustainability and the responsible use of marine resources are more important today than ever before. As a chef, I believe we have a great responsibility not only towards the ingredients we use, but also towards the ecosystem they come from. The blue crab is a great example of how gastronomy can play a positive role in preserving the balance of nature. It is an invasive species that is still relatively unknown to the wider public, yet at the same time it is incredibly delicious and versatile in the kitchen. That is why it is important to encourage its wider use in gastronomy – because in doing so, we not only create room for culinary creativity, but also actively contribute to preserving the Adriatic Sea and its natural balance,” Ana pointed out.
The children also learned about invasive species, the condition of the sea and the importance of environmental protection from Petra Boić Petrač, Regional Communications Director at WWF Adria. “Our sea is facing several pressures – from overfishing, excessive coastal construction and enormous amounts of plastic waste to climate change, which is causing the sea to become warmer and attract species for which the Adriatic is not their natural habitat. These invasive species are not just passing through – they will most likely stay. They pose a serious threat to our ecosystems as they often cause significant disruptions to the natural balance. We are facing a situation where the blue crab, lionfish and many other species we may not even know the names of yet could drive out native species such as scorpionfish, salema porgy or mussels from their habitats. This is precisely why it is important to raise awareness about the issue of invasive species, and why we were happy to join this wonderful initiative by the Esplanade Hotel, through which we can share these important messages with the youngest generations,” Petra emphasized.
Following the educational session and seafood tasting, the children also took part in a creative workshop where they assembled a large blue crab and symbolically cleaned the seabed, learning along the way about the importance of protecting the sea and the environment. As a reward for their effort and participation, the children received “Little Guardians of the Sea” diplomas at the end of the event.
Martina Petrović, representative of Čigra Kindergarten, added: “At our kindergarten, we strive to teach children from an early age about responsibility, togetherness and caring for the world around them. It is important to provide children with experiences through which they can learn how to care for nature and the environment in a way that feels close to them, warm and enjoyable. When education is combined with creativity, play and real-life experiences, children absorb the message naturally and sincerely. Through this collaboration, the children had the opportunity to learn about the sea, sustainability and invasive species through workshops, social interaction and hands-on activities, which is the most valuable form of learning for them. We are especially happy to see how engaged the children were, how thoughtfully they approached the activities and with how much enthusiasm they embraced their role as little guardians of the sea.”
“For us at the Esplanade Hotel, the ‘Being Green is IN’ project represents an important continuation of our long-term commitment to education and responsible business practices. We are especially pleased that, through cooperation with partners such as Čigra Kindergarten, WWF Adria, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Profil Klett, we are able to introduce the youngest generations to the topics of marine and environmental conservation in a way that is inspiring and easy for them to understand. Our goal is for the Esplanade Hotel, alongside its role as a cultural, historical and gastronomic icon of Zagreb, to also serve as a platform that promotes sustainability. In the future, we plan to further develop projects like this, expand our partnerships and continue creating initiatives that connect gastronomy, education, community engagement and responsibility towards nature,” said Ivica Max Krizmanić, General Manager of the Esplanade Hotel.
Profil Klett, part of the Klett Group – one of Europe’s leading educational publishing companies – actively supported the initiative, alongside the gastronomic association Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, whose President and Director Dalibor Greganić emphasized: “As a leading publishing house and educational company, Profil Klett strongly believes that education is the foundation of social development. Our role in the ‘Being Green is IN’ project stems from the vision of providing children and young people with knowledge, developing their skills and offering experiences that go beyond formal education and become lasting life values. The focus of this project is to build responsibility towards nature from an early age, because it is during this period that we lay the foundations for understanding the world around us. Through learning about marine sustainability and the importance of preserving natural resources, children learn how to achieve the essential balance between human needs and the protection of ecosystems.”
PHOTO DOWNLOAD (Esplanade Archive / Bruno Fantulin): Dječji vrtić Čigra
ABOUT THE “BEING GREEN IS IN” PROJECT
At the beginning of 2024, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Čigra Kindergarten, the gastronomic association Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and the publishing company Profil Klett joined forces on the “Being Green is IN” project. The aim of the project is to encourage children, parents and educational institutions to adopt healthy eating habits while introducing them to diverse, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, their flavours and preparation methods that preserve nutritional value. The project promotes reducing the consumption of highly processed food, sugar, unhealthy fats and artificial additives, while placing strong emphasis on education about the impact of nutrition on health. A special focus is placed on sustainability through responsible food consumption, reducing food waste, choosing local and seasonal ingredients and lowering the environmental footprint of dietary habits. In doing so, the project simultaneously promotes care for human health and the preservation of the environment and natural resources.
CONTACTS:
ESPLANADE ZAGREB HOTEL
Sanda Sokol, Director of PR & Marketing
Mihanovićeva 1, 10 000 Zagreb, T. 01 45 66 036, [email protected]
DJEČJI VRTIĆ ČIGRA
Martina Petrović, Project Manager, Profil Klett & Dječji vrtić Čigra
Radnička cesta 50, Zagreb, M. +385 99 694 6562, [email protected], www.cigravrtic.hr,
Radnička 50, Green Gold; Vrtni put 1, A1 kampus
WWF Adria
Petra Boić Petrač, Regional Director of Communications, Individual and Corporate Resource Mobilization
Boškovićeva 2, Zagreb, Croatia, M. +385 91 2905 976, E. [email protected], www.wwfadria.org
ABOUT THE PROJECT PARTNERS:Top of Form
ABOUT WWF
WWF (World Wildlife Fund) is one of the world’s largest and most respected nature conservation organizations, with a global network active in more than 100 countries. Through projects focused on biodiversity conservation, protection of forests, seas and rivers, and the fight against climate change, WWF promotes sustainable living and the responsible management of natural resources. The organization collaborates with local communities, institutions and partners worldwide with the goal of preserving the planet for future generations. Some of WWF’s well-known global ambassadors include King Charles III and Leonardo DiCaprio.
ABOUT THE ESPLANADE ZAGREB HOTEL
The Esplanade is Zagreb’s iconic hotel, opened in 1925 to accommodate passengers of the famous Orient Express. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is renowned for its art deco elegance, exceptional service and rich history, making it one of Zagreb’s most recognizable landmarks. Today, the Esplanade combines timeless glamour with contemporary luxury and offers award-winning gastronomy alongside its accommodation experience. Throughout its long history, the hotel has welcomed numerous distinguished guests from the worlds of culture, politics and business, and is also recognized for its responsible business practices, including sustainable initiatives, reducing environmental impact and continuous investment in service quality and the local community.
ABOUT ČIGRA KINDERGARTEN
Čigra Kindergarten is a private kindergarten in Zagreb focused on encouraging creativity, independence and healthy lifestyle habits among preschool children. Through a modern pedagogical approach and learning through play, the kindergarten nurtures each child’s individual development and fosters a responsible attitude towards the community, nature and the environment. Special emphasis is placed on education for sustainability – from conscious food choices and waste reduction to understanding biodiversity – with the goal of helping children develop empathy for the environment from an early age and become active participants in preserving natural balance.
ABOUT CHAÎNE DES RÔTISSEURS CROATIA
Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Croatia is part of one of the oldest and most prestigious international gastronomic associations, present in more than 80 countries worldwide. The association brings together professionals and enthusiasts from the world of gastronomy – chefs, sommeliers, hoteliers, winemakers and food lovers – with the aim of promoting culinary excellence, dining culture and outstanding gastronomic experiences. Through numerous events, educational activities and international competitions for young chefs and sommeliers, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Croatia actively contributes to the development of Croatia’s gastronomic scene and the preservation of culinary traditions.
ABOUT PROFIL KLETT
Profil Klett is one of Croatia’s leading publishers of educational content and part of the international Klett publishing group. The company develops textbooks, digital educational content and teaching materials for children, students and teachers, with a strong focus on modern education, creativity and the development of knowledge tailored to new generations.
ABOUT PERMANSIO DELUXE GETAWAYS
Permansio Deluxe Getaways is a boutique travel and concierge brand specializing in the creation of personalized luxury travel experiences. Focused on highly individualized arrangements, the brand combines exceptional service, carefully selected destinations and a discreet approach with the aim of delivering unique and flawlessly organized journeys for discerning clients.
PRESS RELEASE
Zagreb, May 28, 2025
