Journal: Journal of the Forestry (Šumarski list), Vol. 148, No. 9-10, 2024., 477-487 pp
Publisher: Croatian Forestry Society
Year: 2024
ISSN 0373-1332 (print), ISSN 1846-9140 (online)
Abstract
Interpretation of natural values and management of visitors in protected areas are related in multiple ways and are an important link in nature protection activities. This paper examines the basic elements of interpretation and management of visitors in selected protected areas of the Republic of Croatia. Protected areas are one of the main attributes of the tourist image of Croatia, with significant economic effects in the generated traffic of visitors. However, this can also contribute to the degradation of natural values or, on the other hand, can help protect nature. Due to such challenges, it is necessary to better understand the importance of visitor centers, tourist tours and the way in which codes of ethics are applied in protected areas. In this paper the representation of environmental interpretation techniques and tools in seven protected areas in Croatia were investigated, using information that was obtained mainly through survey research. The basic results indicate that Croatia has made progress in the previous period in the field of interpretation of natural and cultural values in its protected areas. Such progress is not only related to regions where tourism has a mass character and where visits are significant, but has also been made in remote continental parts of the country. Such an approach in the development of protected areas also indicates that these areas are not only massive tourist destinations, but also places for a more complex understanding of the concept of nature protection and sustainable development associated with the use of its potentials.
