ZAGREB, 2 Nov (Hina) - Krka National Park plans to restore 260 hectares of grasslands over the next five years under the €4.8 million “Mosaic of LIFE” project, co-financed by the EU’s LIFE Programme, Croatia's Office for Associations and the Environmental Protection Fund.

The restoration area represents nearly half of the total 560 hectares to be rehabilitated across the Krka and Cetina rivers and the Svilaja and Dinara mountains.

“Grassland vegetation in Krka National Park mainly consists of dry karst meadows and pastures, which are key to biodiversity, covering nearly 35% of the park’s area,” park director Nella Slavica told Hina.

Inspections over the past two years recorded numerous strictly protected and endemic plant species, leading to recommendations to remove woody vegetation, promote livestock grazing and intensify pasture use.

Besides restoring grasslands, the project will rehabilitate three ponds, strengthen cooperation with local farmers, raise awareness of biodiversity and mosaic habitats, and organise a volunteer camp.

The “Mosaic of LIFE” initiative also includes educational activities and promotion of local products and services to support sustainable land management and rural livelihoods.