Review article
https://doi.org/10.31298/sl.148.9-10.5
The contribution of environmental interpretation in nature protection: the case of protected areas in the Republic of Croatia
Vladimir Stojanović
; University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Novi Sad, Serbia
Damir Demonja
; Institute for Development and International Relations, IRMO, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Sanja Tišma
; Institute for Development and International Relations, IRMO, Zagreb, Croatia
Maja Mijatov Ladičorbić
; University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Novi Sad, Serbia
Aleksandra Dragin
; University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Novi Sad, Serbia / Faculty of Social and Legal Sciences, School of Engineering of Jaén, University of Jaén, Spain
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The interpretation of natural values and the 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 the interpretation and management of visitors in the 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 centres, 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.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
321506
URI
Publication date:
31.10.2024.
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