The Island Movement is a network of professionals with extensive experience in sustainable development, energy transition, community building, and personal transformation. With deep roots in Croatian island life, we understand the complexities, challenges, and opportunities unique to these communities.
Our mission extends beyond systems and energy; we are equally dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering societal change through personal development and transformative practices.
What We Do
Community Development and Empowerment
We empower island communities by building their capacities to become self-sufficient, resilient, and actively engaged in decision-making processes. Our initiatives help communities articulate their needs, seize opportunities, and create sustainable futures.
Project Planning and Implementation
With extensive experience in designing and delivering impactful projects funded by national and EU programs, we enhance the quality of life on islands by addressing environmental, social, and economic sustainability challenges.
Education and Awareness-Raising
We organize workshops, webinars, and conferences covering energy transition, sustainability, and personal development. By combining expert knowledge with practical tools, we inspire change and empower individuals and communities to actively participate in creating a sustainable future.
Personal Development and Transformation
We support individuals and groups in recognizing their unique potential and adopting sustainable habits that foster growth and resilience, contributing to meaningful personal and societal transformation.
Networking and Collaboration
We foster cooperation among communities and connect them with national and EU stakeholders, sharing best practices and innovative solutions. As regional partners of the Clean Energy for EU Islands Secretariat since 2019 and members of ESIN (European Small Islands Federation), we strengthen island collaboration and represent their voices at the European level.
Strategic Planning and Policy Advocacy
Our experts actively participate in drafting legislation, creating strategies, and consulting on long-term plans tailored to the needs of island communities. We contribute to sustainable development and energy transition at local, regional, and European levels.
A Holistic Platform for Growth
The Island Movement platform, both virtual and physical, is a space for individuals and communities committed to positive change. Through the platform, participants can:
- Gain new skills and knowledge.
- Build confidence and resilience.
- Connect with like-minded partners.
- Develop and implement innovative project ideas.
Our Vision
We envision connected, self-sufficient island communities that thrive through personal and systemic transformation. By aligning individual growth with sustainable practices, we aim to foster resilience, energy independence, and economic diversification.
Download our booklet and find out how we came to be and learn about our values.
Join Us
Join us in shaping a sustainable, resilient, and mindful tomorrow.
Our Team and Governance
The Island Movement is driven by a dedicated and diverse team of professionals, volunteers, and expert collaborators, all committed to the sustainable development and empowerment of island communities. With strong personal and professional ties to Croatian islands, our team brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities of island life.
Our governance structure ensures effective decision-making and strategic alignment:
- The Assembly, as the highest body of the organization, meets twice a year to make key strategic decisions. It comprises active volunteers and expert collaborators who contribute to the development and activities of the Island Movement.
- The Board of Directors, consisting of three members, oversees operational and strategic decisions, meeting regularly to ensure smooth implementation of the organization’s goals.
Currently, our team includes four employees, eight volunteers, and numerous external collaborators and partners. Together, we foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and trust, combining local insights with global expertise to create meaningful and sustainable change.
Maja Jurišić
President and program manager
Maja Jurišić, living between Rhodes, Greece, and Croatian islands, serves as the President of the Island Movement and is a driving force behind the self-sustainability of island communities. With over 15 years of experience, Maja is a strategic expert with a focus on sustainable development, energy transition, intersectoral cooperation, and empowering island communities.
She has supported numerous communities, teams, and individuals in creating meaningful change by fostering collaboration and empowering stakeholders to address complex challenges.
Maja is also expanding her work as a transformational coach, aiming to align personal growth with systemic progress. Her leadership continues to inspire innovative solutions and lasting progress within island communities and beyond.
Andreja Baraba
Board Member and Expert Advisor for Island Development and Policy
Andreja Baraba is a Board Member of the Island Movement and an expert advisor specializing in the strategic development of island policies. With over 20 years of experience in the public sector, including education, island development, and environmental protection, she brings invaluable expertise to the Movement.
Andreja has a strong background in budget planning, fiscal responsibility, public procurement, project preparation for EU financing, and strategic planning. She has initiated and implemented numerous projects in education, environmental protection, and island development, fostering active collaboration with local island communities.
A member of the Island Movement since 2017, Andreja played a key role in the working group that drafted the Islands Act, contributing to policy development that supports sustainable growth and resilience for Croatian islands.
Ivan Matić
Board Member and Advisor for EU Strategy and Strategic Partnerships
Ivan Matić, originally from Dubrovnik and now based in Zagreb, is a political scientist with a master’s degree in Nationalism Studies from the Central European University in Budapest. As a Board Member of the Island Movement, he advises on EU policies, strategic partnerships, and sustainable island development, contributing to the strategic positioning of the Movement within the EU and fostering intersectoral collaboration.
An entrepreneur with extensive experience in NGOs focused on sustainable development and human rights, Ivan applies his expertise to advancing the energy transition and supporting island communities. He is actively engaged in the work of ESIN (European Small Islands Federation), serving as the head of the working group on island development.
EMPLOYEES
Ivan Zoković Cola
Project & Community Manager
Ivan Zoković Cola, originally from the island of Korčula, is an expert in community-based project development and renewable energy. He is an active member of the Island Movement and the Green Energy Cooperative, bringing extensive experience in sustainable living and permaculture.
As a creator of innovative projects like Križevci Solar Roofs, Croatia’s first citizen-funded solar power plant, Ivan has been at the forefront of promoting energy communities. In the Island Movement, he focuses on supporting local governments and citizens in planning and developing energy communities, as well as strategic project planning for the energy transition.
Ivan has also worked internationally, collaborating with UNDP in Tajikistan on renewable energy and energy efficiency. His expertise drives transformative projects that empower communities and foster sustainable development across Croatian islands.
Lorena Vukić
Associate for Communication and Marketing
Lorena Vukić loves nature, communication, and personal development. She completed her undergraduate degree in Environmental Sciences and is currently finishing her graduate studies in Business Communication Management at VERN’. During her studies, she participated in projects with the associations BIUS, ZMAG, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, where she learned about sustainability through research, collaboration, and hands-on experience.
She took her first professional steps as a Social Media and Community Manager at the Dutch startup Zielo Studio, where she managed Meta advertising, created content, and planned posts.
She has also worked with other startups in the lifestyle and personal development sectors, where she developed skills in communication and managing online communities.
She is curious and creative, and is primarily driven by the desire to make sustainability accessible to people in an inspiring and empowering way. In her free time, she enjoys nature, books, and learning about topics that motivate her both personally and professionally.
EXPERTS AND PARTNERS
Maja Dragojević Bačić
Expert Associate for Finance and Sustainability
Maja Dragojević Bačić is the head of Synergia Consulting, where she leads business development, financial consulting, and accounting services. With extensive experience advising top management, managing financial processes for companies and non-profits, and implementing EU-funded projects, Maja brings invaluable expertise to the Island Movement.
An active member since its inception, Maja now serves as an Expert Advisor in finance and accounting. She supports strategic planning, financial sustainability, and the dissemination of key financial information, contributing to the Movement’s development and sustainability goals.
Antonio Morić Španić, Hvar
Associate for Project Development
Antonio Morić Španić, a master of geoinformatics and geography teacher, is a passionate advocate for sustainable island development. Since 2017, he has specialized in creating innovative geoinformatic solutions for spatial management, developing scientific studies, and producing GIS and remote sensing (RS) products.
Antonio provides consultancy for project proposal preparation and implementation and conducts training sessions on the application of GIS and RS tools. With extensive experience, he has contributed to around 20 projects focused on sustainable spatial management and is the author of approximately 30 professional-scientific papers and publications, primarily addressing island-related issues.
Krešimir Katušić
Expert Associate for Communication Tools Development
Krešimir Katušić, a son-in-law of Šolta, is an experienced information technology specialist with a focus on website and internet systems development. As the owner of an IT company, he combines his professional expertise and passion for programming to explore and apply new technologies.
Within the Island Movement, Krešimir contributes as a volunteer expert, supporting the development of innovative communication tools and enhancing the Movement’s digital platforms to better connect and engage with island communities.
VOLUNTEERS
Paula Bolfan, Silba
Community Development Associate
Paula Bolfan has been an active member of the Island Movement since its first sailing initiative, “Can You Hear Your Islands?”, in 2016. Her journey with the Movement began with countless volunteer hours contributing to the development of the Otoci.eu portal, eventually leading to her role as the executor of the Klaritac Kulture SOLTA project on Šolta in 2018.
Following the successful completion of the project, Paula continued to support the Movement, transitioning from volunteer roles to positions as administrator and communications manager. She is now focused on community development and actively contributes to initiatives in Zadar County island communities.
Paula is currently completing her graduate studies in Business Economics with a focus on Entrepreneurship at the Faculty of Economics in Rijeka, combining her academic knowledge with her passion for island sustainability.
Dora Vujnović
Volunteer – Associate in the field of communications and public relations
Dora combines skills acquired from journalism, communications, and project management in her work. At HRT – Radio Rijeka, she gained experience in journalism and editing news platforms. She also served as editor-in-chief of the University of Rijeka’s student radio station.
For three years as a project manager, she managed international cooperation projects in the field of energy transition (renewable energy sources and energy efficiency) in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
She graduated in marketing from the Faculty of Economics in Rijeka and in international business from the university in Nuremberg, where she acquired knowledge in sustainable development and business. Through her work with Pokret Otoka (Island Movement), she aims to contribute her experience to the development of energy transition in the context of local communities on the Croatian coast.
Ana-Marija Drljo
Volunteer – Associate in Communications and Public Relations
Ana-Marija volunteers with Pokret Otoka as a communications associate, where she participates in writing articles for the portal, manages the Instagram profile, and actively contributes to the initiative’s marketing and visual activities.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in tourism management, with a certificate in digital marketing and branding from VERN’ University, where she sharpened her digital and marketing skills.
Marketing is her daily practice, and tourism is her life context – a combination that perfectly aligns with the mission of Pokret Otoka.
Through Pokret Otoka, she has found the opportunity to be part of positive change, work on projects with social impact, and collaborate with people who share the same vision – islands as communities full of potential, stories, and authenticity.
Đurđa Baljak
Volunteer – Associate in Communications and Public Relations
Đurđa Baljak is a versatile bachelor’s degree holder in sociology and art history, currently completing her graduate studies in Digital Communication at the Department of Tourism and Communication Sciences in Zadar.
She joined our team in April 2024 with the goal of contributing to changes for a better world.
As a journalist who places great importance on communication, she recognized in our Pokret Otoka the value of gathering and sharing information about Croatian islands.
She loves spending time in nature and capturing moments with her camera. As a member of the Paklenica Mountaineering Society, she regularly hikes, but equally explores the islands that have always fascinated her. Additionally, she enjoys singing and dancing. She loves attending music festivals with her friends, regularly cycles, and practices aerial silk dancing because, as she emphasizes, she loves everything that combines movement, nature, community, and art.
Katarina Ergović
Volunteer – Associate in Communications and Public Relations
Katarina is a graduate journalist who lives and works at a local newspaper in Zadar. Zadar is a city that has provided her with the perfect balance between work, nature, and life by the sea.
Beyond journalism, she is increasingly interested in the digital world, and also works on SEO optimization, where she combines her love of writing with strategic thinking.
She is passionate about cycling – whether it’s a morning ride along the coast, exploring the hinterland, or cycling trips around the islands.
It is precisely these journeys and direct contact with nature that have further connected her to the theme of sustainable tourism, which she considers key to the long-term development of our islands.