Matko Šišak
Recycled Estate and Natural Building Academy Manager
The initiator and manager of the Vukomerić Recycled Estate and one of the founders of ZMAG. For the last 20 years, he has been researching, practicing and promoting ecological technologies and innovations in the fields of construction, do-it-yourself culture and permaculture. As an educator and a consultant, he systematically shares his knowledge from the aforementioned fields with the general and professional public. He is the author of several books and publications, the editor of a dozen editions from the Green Tools publications. He is the Natural Building Academy Manager.
Dražen Šimleša
Social change and good economy activist
Fascinated by the idea of creating a recycled estate, Dražen has been a part of ZMAG’s story almost from the very beginning. Today he is the coordinator of the Centres of Knowledge program and the Manager of the Cooperative for Good Economy. He is the coordinator of the European Network for Solidarity Economy - RIPESS. Dražen is also teaching far and wide about the practical application of sustainable development and solutions for a better world.
Damjan Čudina Pioker
Damjan is an economist with experience in administrative work, finance, and organizational management. At ZMAG, he is involved in the operational management of the office and provides support in project implementation, with a focus on organization, monitoring, and financial administration. His professional interests include sustainability, ecology, and systems that connect the economy with natural resources, while in his personal time he is developing an interest in organic cultivation and mycology.
Sanja Petković
Coordinator for administrative and organizational tasks and projects
Journalist and primary school teacher with experience in business organization and administration, as well as animation, education and working with groups in various forms of multi-day programs. Since 2008, a participant in ZMAG's education, volunteer and associate, and currently the coordinator of administrative and organizational tasks and projects and workshop manager.
Kristijan Perlić
Builder and designer of massive rocket furnaces
Construction Manager of the Recycled Estate in Vukomerić who has been researching and building massive rocket furnaces for 10 years. For the last 5 years, Kristijan has been building houses from hard baled straw, green roofs and clay mortar, and providing education in these fields.
Ivan Zoković
Expert Associate for the Development of Community-Initiated Renewable Energy Projects
Expert in the development of renewable energy projects initiated by the local community. Co-founder of energy cooperatives in Croatia. He had the opportunity to share his experiences in Central Asia (Tajikistan), where he worked in cooperation with the UNDP as a technical expert on renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. Ivan is currently working on a co-production project and management models for the production of electricity from photovoltaic power plants involving citizens.
Dunja Zbiljski
Food Program Manager and Social Seed Bank Project Manager
Dunja is an urban forester, nature and environmentalist, and permaculture designer who has focused her practice of nature conservation on organic food production. She has worked on her own family farm on several bio-intensive market garden farms for growing vegetables in Croatia, and has been propagating our seeds since 2023 as an active member of DBS. Among the topics she explores are composting and biointensive ways of growing food.
Izabela Novaković
Community Seed Bank project assistant
Master of Ecological Agriculture and an oenologist who directs her work and life toward agroecology, the preservation of cultural heritage, and strengthening the connection between people, soil, and food. She is also interested in the deeper processes that take place beneath the surface—from the role of compost and vermicompost in plant cultivation to understanding soil fertility as a living system. She has gained experience through research and development projects in the field of organic fertilizers and growing media, as well as through the exchange of knowledge with farmers.
Sonja Mikulek
Project Promoter and active member of the Seed Bank
Sonja is an economist who, after completing her studies, chose to work in the non-profit sector. She became involved with ZMAG by assisting in creative recycling workshops and volunteering in the seed garden. She is currently responsible for the administration of ZMAG’s website and the promotion of its projects.
