Croatia set to get new nature park in Hrvatsko Zagorje

Croatia set to get new nature park in Hrvatsko Zagorje

Croatia is set to get a new nature park, the 13th in the country, in the northern region of Hrvatsko Zagorje. 

Croatia’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development said today in a statement that it is actively working on protecting the regions of Ivanščica, Strahinjčica, Maceljska Gora, and Ravna Gora, aiming to declare them as nature parks. 

This idea, initiated in 2009, gained momentum in 2021 through the efforts of several MPs, mayors, and county prefects.

In January, a preliminary area exceeding 31,000 hectares for the future park was agreed upon with the Krapina-Zagorje and Varaždin counties. 

Consultations were held with representatives from 14 municipalities to introduce them to the concept of nature parks and gather their opinions.

WHAT IS A NATURE PARK?

A nature park is a large area of land or sea, rich in biodiversity and geological diversity, with valuable ecological, landscape, and cultural-historical features. It serves scientific, cultural, educational, and recreational purposes.

BENEFITS OF A NATURE PARK

Nature parks, like the proposed one in Hrvatsko Zagorje, allow for the protection of natural values while promoting sustainable use. They offer opportunities for tourism development, recreational activities, and accessing EU funds for conservation projects. They also contribute to preserving rural life and combating depopulation trends.

Hrvatsko Zagorje

MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN NATURE PARKS

Public institutions manage nature parks, facilitating local engagement, promoting local products, and revitalising cultural heritage. They create job opportunities and boost local economies. Activities such as forestry, hunting, fishing, and tourism continue under specific guidelines to ensure environmental conservation.

COLLECTING PLANTS AND MUSHROOMS

Plant and mushroom collection for commercial purposes within the park require permits and landowner consent. Strict regulations protect endangered species. Personal collection is allowed with defined daily limits and adherence to conservation measures.

Iris

BUILDING IN NATURE PARKS

Planning regulations guide construction within nature parks. Partnerships between public institutions and local authorities foster sustainable development and access to funding opportunities, enhancing tourism infrastructure and economic growth.

The 12 nature parks in Croatia are: 

Kopački rit
Papuk
Lonjsko polje
Medvednica
Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje
Učka
Velebit
Vrana Lake
Telašćica
Biokovo
Lastovsko otočje
Dinara