Protest in UNESCO Plitvice Lakes in Croatia against mass tourism and construction

Posted on 21 June 2017

New constructions permits have been issued by the Croatian ministry that could endanger the site and cause its deletion from the UNESCO World Heritage List

Zagreb, Croatia – WWF Adria expressed support today for protests by the local community and veterans' associations that were held at the- Great Waterfall – of the world renowned Plitvice Lakes National Park The protesters symbolically stopped traffic at a wooden bridge near Plitvice Sela, that risks to collapse. The bridge has a max capacity of 3.5 tons but is crossed every day by dozens of trucks weighing up to 40 tons that endanger its structure.

The Plitvice Lakes National Park - the only Croatian UNESCO World Heritage Site - could be removed from this list due to overwhelming number of visitors and destructive construction projects. oOvernight stays in the National Park have increased as much as 12 fold compared to 2010 (39,000 over-night stays). and permits for the construction of 35 new private apartments, bed and breakfasts and restaurants have been issued by the Ministry of Construction and Spatial planning during the past year. WWF is deeply concerned about the negative impact these will have on the parkt.

“Due to a series of wrong decisions, Croatia’s most precious natural pearl is critically endangered! The uncontrolled increase of tourists visiting the park and irresponsible construction projects in the area are putting at risk Plitvice’s unique waters and nature. Waste water flows are already affecting the Great Waterfall and the survival of its unique flora and fauna. We cannot risk losing Croatia’s icon of protected nature, and the many jobs entire local communities depend on,” said Irma Popović Dujmović from WWF Adria who joined the protest.

WWF invites the Croatian Ministry of Construction and Spatial Planning to urgently start cooperating with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Energy and jointly prevent the destruction of Plitvice Lakes. In addition to UNESCO listing, the park is also part of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas requiring the Croatian government to ensure legal protection to the site against destructive projects.

“We urge the Government of Croatia to work together with local communities and relevant stakeholder to ensure a more sustainable management of the park. By planning projects that involve local communities and take into consideration the natural values of the Plitvice Park we can ensure its sustainable social and economic development. protecting the natural values of the park we,” concluded Popović Dujmović.

-----End ----

For further information:
Petra Boić Petrač, Communications Manager, WWF Adria, cell. +385 91 2905 976, e-mail: ppetrac@wwfadria.org

Note for editors:
The WWF report “Protecting people through nature: places of world natural heritage as a driver of sustainable development” published last year as part of the “Shared Heritage Sites” campaign, emphasized that nearly half of the world's natural heritage was endangered by harmful industrial activities. These are places that provide vital services for people and the environment, and contribute to economic and social development through the protection of nature. The report also points to failures in protecting these areas of exceptional value and lists five global principles for good governance of the world's natural heritage: fair valuation, investment decisions, management, public policy and implementation. If Plitvice Lakes are guided by these principles, the sustainable development of the region will be the only outcome.

Protest in UNESCO Plitvice Lakes in Croatia against mass tourism and construction

Share This!