Croatian
Flora Fauna Program (9AFF Program)
Blessed by its unique geography situation, Republic of Croatia is among
the richest in biodiversity of all Europe. The country is on the crossing
paths of several biological and geographical regions with characteristic
ecology, climatology and geomorphology conditions. Such a rich diversity
in terrestrial and marine (above and under the surface) habitat resulted
in numerous species and subspecies, with lots of endemic ones. So far,
we have approx. 38.000 discovered and cataloged species in Croatia,
however, scientist assume that those undiscovered are significantly
larger in numbers - some estimate between 50.000 to more than 100.000
species. This is an extremely large number of species for such a small
country, with relatively modest area. There is a number of elsewhere
endangered species in Croatia, unlike the rest of Europe. These species
are linked to large protected reserves, in their natural habitat. Despite
proclaimed high value of nature in Croatia, many of its components are
highly endangered.
Joining
the efforts of many Croatia's institutions in protection and promotion
of protected nature and its values, Croatian hams, members of 9AFF
Group (later, transformed into Amateur Radio Club: Croatian Flora
Fauna), have initiated amateur radio program "Croatia Flora
Fauna Program", aka 9AFF Program, with clear intention to promote
wildlife and unspoiled nature through a number of ham activities.
By visiting, activating and operating from these reserves and natural
habitats, 9AFF members encourage worldwide ham community to participate
and join efforts in raising awareness on value of nature, the need
to protect and care for natural habitats and its values, and protection
and care of endangered species in particular.
In order
to promote 9AFF activities in this regard, 9AFF founders established
a special diploma "Croatian Flora Fauna Award" for participants
in 9AFF Program. This in particular applies to those promoting and
spreading worldwide awareness of Croatia's natural reserves and habitats,
in the end helping to preserve the nature.
During
numerous ham radio activities from Croatian Flora Fauna Program, participants
are required to strictly uphold and follow the rules established in
Natural protection law (article 127), as well as other regulations
lined up by specific institutions in charge of natural reserves and
habitats. All ham radio activities by Amateur Radio Club "Croatian
Flora Fauna" are planned and effected with consent and approval
of State bureau for natural protection (its department for protected
areas), within Ministry of culture an/or other public institutions
in charge of specific issues and areas.
***
Thanks for the understanding
and support from:
- Department for Protected Areas of the Directorate
for Nature Protection at the Croatian Ministry of Culture
- Croatian
Association of Technological Culture (CROTEC)
***
Founders of Croatian Flora Fauna Programa: Daki, 9A2WJ,
Franjo, 9A2MF i Emir, 9A6AA
