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Conserving Croatia’s natural heritage

The global significance of the Balkans as a hotspot for grassland biodiversity has only recently been recognised. Croatia’s grasslands in particular are now acknowledged as a national and European conservation priority.

In 2004, Fauna & Flora International and the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research received funding from the Darwin Initiative to bolster the skills of staff working in Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje Nature Park to protect the park's incredibly rich natural and cultural heritage.

Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje Nature Park in north-west Croatia, was declared a protected area in 1999. Of particular value is the mosaic of wildlife rich meadows, sub-alpine pastures and orchards. Created by generations of farmers using traditional farming methods, these semi-natural habitats support an incredibly rich array of plants and animals. For example, 36 orchid species have been recorded in the park.

The project has provided extensive training in grassland conservation and management to park staff through workshops, study visits and staff development initiatives. To ensure the long term survival of the park’s grasslands and other unique aspects such as iron age settlements and historic burial sites, the project has expanded to develop the park’s first ever management plan.

Training workshops in management techniques and grassland conservation are also being held for other protected area staff within Croatia. Training manuals in park management and planning and grassland conservation have also been produced. Using the Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje Nature Park management plan as a benchmark, the project is also facilitating the development of a similar plan for Učka Nature Park.

To find our more about the project or to download training manuals visit the project website at www.ppzsg.org/darwin