Management zonation and its implementation at a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a case study for the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park (PLNP) underwent significant management changes to address visitor pressure and infrastructural development. The new Management Plan, implemented after the previous one expired in 2017, introduced a refined zonation system to better conserve biodiversity and geodiversity while enhancing visitor experiences. This approach increased the Strict Conservation Zone by 13.9% but reduced the Active Management Zone due to succession and habitat degradation, particularly in grasslands. The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) methodology was used to define six visitor experience classes, ensuring a balance between conservation needs and recreational opportunities. The study demonstrates how adaptive management strategies can protect fragile ecosystems while accommodating human activities.

Vurnek, M., Brozinčević, A., Rendulić, Ž., Miculinić, K., Vukadin, V., & Škunca, O. (2019). Management zonation and its implementation at a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a case study for the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia. European Journal of Environmental Sciences, 9(2), 87–96. https://doi.org/10.14712/23361964.2019.11