Restoration and Conservation of Target Habitats and Species in the Protected Areas and Natura 2000 Sites of the Kamenjak Peninsula and the Surrounding Marine Area

The project "Restoration and conservation of target habitats and species of protected areas and ecological network areas of the Kamenjak Peninsula and surrounding waters", (code: PK.3.7.05.0015) was applied for under the Competitiveness and Cohesion 2021-2027 program, aimed at sustainable development and strengthening resilience through investments in environmental protection, infrastructure and natural heritage. The project is aimed at the restoration, conservation and sustainable management of extremely valuable terrestrial and marine habitats of the Kamenjak peninsula and the surrounding waters. The area includes protected areas of nature and areas of the Natura 2000 ecological network, known for its high biodiversity - from grasslands, ponds and coastal habitats on land to sea meadows, reefs and underwater caves in the marine part. The project strengthens the capacities of the Kamenjak Public Institution and, in cooperation with the local community, implements activities to restore habitats, reduce tourism and fishing pressures, control invasive species, reduce fire risk and improve marine protection. Special emphasis is placed on the establishment of a marine special reserve and a floristic special reserve, the restoration of grasslands and ponds, the protection of coastal areas and the preservation of endangered plant and animal species. The project also includes research and monitoring of the state of nature, education of employees and the public, and the development of new, sustainable models of natural values management.

The total value of the project is €2,226,510.19 with co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund of 85%, amounting to €1,892,533.66.

The project implementation period is from 01.01.2021 to 30.06.2029. The contract with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition and SAFU was signed in March 2026.

The aim of the project is to ensure better knowledge, preservation, restoration and sustainable use of the natural values ​​of the area by strengthening the capacities and intensifying and expanding the scope of activities of the Public Institution "Kamenjak", and in cooperation with local stakeholders – heirs/guardians and users of the area. Also, one of the goals is to preserve the biodiversity of Kamenjak in the long term, increase the resilience of the ecosystem to climate change and ensure a balance between nature protection and spatial use.

Project activities:

1. Restoration and conservation of target species and habitat types of the Kamenjak Pas and ecological network area and the surrounding waters
2. Research, identification of conservation status and key pressures and monitoring of management effectiveness related to the target habitats, target species and strictly protected species of the Kamenjak and ecological network area and PAs and the surrounding waters
3. Preparation of project proposal documentation, as well as expert guidelines and project-technical documentation necessary for project implementation
4. Capacity building and awareness raising on natural values ​​in the project area and the importance of their conservation, with a focus on target habitats and target species
5. Project management
6. Promotion and visibility