KONČAR today carried out its fifth reforestation initiative in Zaprešić as part of its long-term environmental protection programme. Following last year’s activity involving children from the Vrtuljak Kindergarten, this year 45 students from Ljudevit Gaj Primary School joined KONČAR volunteers and experts from Project O₂. During the initiative, around 3,000 seed balls containing native tree species were distributed across an area of approximately 10,000 square metres, while 150 pedunculate oak saplings were planted.

As a technology company whose products and solutions actively support the energy transition and sustainable development, KONČAR Group and its employees continuously invest in initiatives and projects that go beyond business activities and create long-term value for the community. Through numerous socially responsible programmes, particularly environmental protection initiatives, the company demonstrates that sustainability is an integral part of its identity. With its fifth reforestation initiative, KONČAR continues to take concrete steps that contribute to nature conservation and the development of local communities.

“Reforestation is one of the most direct and visible ways we can contribute to environmental protection and create a better living environment for future generations. We are especially pleased to once again carry out this initiative in cooperation with the City of Zaprešić and to welcome students from Ljudevit Gaj Primary School. We believe that educating children about the importance of protecting nature is one of the most valuable aspects of projects like this, as a sustainable future begins with understanding and adopting responsible habits from an early age. Through activities such as these, we want to show that technology, innovation and industry all have an important role in creating positive change for society and the environment,” said Viktor Lučić, Director of Corporate Strategy and Business Development at KONČAR. 

The initiative was organised as part of Children’s Week in Zaprešić, giving it additional educational and social value. Before the reforestation activity began, experts from Project O₂ introduced participants to the importance of biodiversity, the role of forests in mitigating climate change and the opportunities for applying modern technologies in the restoration and preservation of green areas. Particular interest was generated by a drone demonstration and a presentation of how seed balls can be used to efficiently reforest larger and less accessible areas.

“We are proud that this valuable KONČAR Group initiative is once again taking place in Zaprešić, particularly during Children’s Week, when we place special emphasis on investing in the knowledge, development and future of our youngest citizens. We are especially pleased that students from Ljudevit Gaj Primary School joined the initiative. The school continuously promotes environmental protection and sustainable development, encouraging responsible behaviour towards nature through its activities. Projects like this show how much can be achieved when local communities, businesses and educational institutions work together towards a common goal,” said Željko Barun, Deputy Mayor of the City of Zaprešić.

The reforestation was carried out through a combination of drone-based seed ball dispersal and manual tree planting. For this purpose, an Agras T10 drone with a payload capacity of up to 10 kilograms was used, equipped with a system for precise seed dosing and distribution. “Around 3,000 seed balls containing native tree species, including narrow-leaved ash, field maple, black alder and European hornbeam, were distributed across the designated area. Before the activity began, specific micro-locations and flight paths were planned to ensure even coverage of the terrain while preserving existing vegetation. The use of a drone enables a high level of precision and reduces the need for people and machinery to move through sensitive areas,” explained Goran Ladišić of Project O₂.

Following the demonstration flight and aerial seed dispersal, participants continued the initiative by planting 150 pedunculate oak saplings by hand. The next phase will include monitoring the success of the intervention, including seed germination, sapling establishment, the representation of individual species and the development of new forest cover. For the students, the event provided an opportunity to learn through direct experience about environmental protection, climate-related challenges and the importance of preserving natural resources. The Zaprešić initiative forms part of KONČAR’s ongoing efforts to connect technological innovation, employee volunteering and cooperation with local communities. Through projects such as this, the company continues to contribute to the preservation of natural resources and the creation of a better environment for future generations.