Last Friday, KONČAR carried out another major reforestation initiative using drones and manual planting, reaffirming our commitment to reducing carbon emissions, preserving the environment, and enhancing the quality of life in local communities. For the fourth consecutive year, KONČAR organized this volunteer-driven activity, selecting Zaprešić as the location for this year’s effort. Employees were joined by children from the Vrtuljak Kindergarten, who actively participated in the planting process. 

In addition to passing on important values of care for people and nature to the youngest members of the community, KONČAR also made a symbolic donation to the kindergarten, presented by Management Board Member Petar Bobek. The reforestation initiative was once again carried out in collaboration with experts from Project O₂, who deployed 3,000 seed bombs – biodegradable balls containing self-germinating seeds of native, non-invasive tree species – via drones.

As a company deeply engaged in the global green transition and a trusted partner to the world’s largest energy systems, KONČAR is well-versed in the principles of sustainable development. We continuously invest in technological innovation and new business models that contribute to building a cleaner, healthier, and safer future. Through initiatives like drone-based reforestation, KONČAR further emphasizes its identity as a modern and innovative technology company, demonstrating that sustainability is not just a trend, but a core value rooted in tangible contributions to society. Following previous efforts in Grubišno Polje and two consecutive actions in Vukovar, KONČAR continued this important socially responsible initiative in Zaprešić.

“We are grateful to the City of Zaprešić for allowing us to carry out this year’s reforestation initiative near the business zone where we plan to expand our production capacities. These activities hold great significance for us, as they represent an opportunity to give back to nature while showing that industry can – and must – be a key ally in environmental protection. We are especially pleased that children participated in this initiative, as we believe that awareness of sustainability begins at an early age. In that spirit, we made a symbolic donation to the Vrtuljak Kindergarten in Zaprešić as a token of appreciation and support for their work. We believe that moments like these – where knowledge, community, and environmental responsibility come together – lay the foundation for a greener and brighter future for all of us and generations to come,” said Petar Bobek, Member of the KONČAR Management Board.

The reforestation took place at the Novi Dvori site in Zaprešić, covering a total area of 8,881 m². Prior to the planting, Project O₂ experts held an educational session on the importance of biodiversity and reforestation, showcasing drone technology as an efficient tool for afforestation – especially in hard-to-reach areas such as fire-damaged or inaccessible terrain. The session was particularly valuable for forty preschoolers from the Vrtuljak Kindergarten and was further supported by Deputy Mayor of Zaprešić, Mr. Željko Barun, and his team.

“We are pleased that KONČAR, a company expanding its manufacturing capacities in our city’s Falečnjak business zone, has initiated the greening of Novi Dvori. This initiative connects the new economic momentum with the legacy of economic activity from the time of Ban Jelačić. In Zaprešić, we are working on several urban green renewal projects, and this is a welcome addition. I am especially glad that our youngest citizens – children and educators from Vrtuljak Kindergarten – are part of this reforestation effort. Projects like this are particularly valuable because they bring together youth, educational institutions, industry, and the environment. Our youngest residents are learning about the importance of nature conservation and sustainable development, and this innovative approach to reforestation was surely a memorable experience for them,” said Deputy Mayor Željko Barun.

During the initiative, carried out in collaboration with KONČAR volunteers, 3,000 seed bombs were deployed via drones. These biodegradable packets, made from a mix of clay, sand, and substrate, contained self-germinating seeds of native tree species such as ash, hawthorn, alder, and dogwood – typical of the local ecosystem. Following the drone deployment, participants continued with manual tree planting, with active involvement from the children, making the experience both educational and inspiring.

Through initiatives like this, KONČAR continues to build a sustainable future – step by step, tree by tree, together with those to whom that future belongs.