ZAGREB, 22 May (Hina) - Almost half of habitats in Croatia are not in a good state, while the status of more than 60% of wild species has been assessed as unfavourable, the environmental protection ministry has warned ahead of Nature Protection Day in Croatia and the International Day for Biological Diversity.
Among the greatest threats to nature, the Ministry highlighted the loss and fragmentation of habitats, the abandonment of grasslands following the end of traditional grazing and mowing practices, as well as the increasingly severe effects of climate change, waste, and pollution.
“Croatia monitors and analyses the condition of more than 600 species and habitat types under the obligations of European Union directives alone. The latest data show that almost half of habitats are not in good condition, while the status of more than 60% of wild species has been assessed as unfavourable, especially among mammals,” the Ministry stated.
It added that the situation is somewhat better among birds, with more than half of populations remaining stable.
The ministry warned that various pressures on nature often overlap and reinforce one another, which can locally lead to serious disruption of ecosystems and the disappearance of certain plant and animal species.
The pressure of climate change is also intensifying, altering the distribution, area, and quality of habitats for certain species, while waste and pollution pose an additional challenge.
Local activities important for nature conservation
This year’s theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity, “Acting locally for global impact”, emphasises the importance of local initiatives and activities in nature conservation.
The ministry is calling on citizens and all stakeholders to become involved and contribute to the preservation and restoration of nature, stressing that local action creates a lasting impact on biodiversity both in Croatia and beyond.
In order to genuinely improve the state of nature, the ministry is implementing a number of projects, including those focused on nature restoration and the systematic monitoring of environmental conditions.
The project “Nature in Focus” is aimed at the long-term monitoring of species and habitats, while a new national platform for climate change adaptation is developing tools for assessing climate risks and applying nature-based solutions.
Croatia is also participating in the European Biodiversa+ project, as well as in the Improve River LIFE and ReFresh Fish LIFE projects, which focus on the restoration of karst river ecosystems and the conservation of endemic fish species.
The International Day for Biological Diversity and Nature Protection Day in Croatia are observed on 22 May. The United Nations proclaimed the International Day for Biological Diversity in 1993 in order to highlight the importance of preserving biological diversity and promoting sustainable development, commemorating the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted on 22 May 1992.
Nature Protection Day in Croatia has been observed since 2003 following a decision by the Croatian Parliament.
