Forests for People

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Forest ecosystems in the

Republic of Croatia’s ecological network

Sre

ko Juri

, Ministry of Regional Development, Forestry and Water Management, Republic of Croatia

f all terrestrial ecosystems, forests are the richest reser-

voirs of biodiversity, and as a valuable national resource

and potential, Croatian forests meet economic, environ-

mental and social functions, and contribute to the beauty of the

landscape. Enjoying special protection and significance within

the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia, forests regulate

local, regional and global climate changes, protect the soil from

erosion, regulate drainage basins and hydrological systems and

have a significant influence on the quality of air and water.

Forests and forest-covered areas make for 48.5 per cent of the land

area of the Republic of Croatia, that is, 2.7 million hectares, and

are characterized by rich biodiversity which is a result of a long

tradition of organized sustainable forestry. 78 per cent are owned

by the Republic of Croatia, while 22 per cent are privately owned.

Pursuant to the Forest Act, forests in the Republic of Croatia fall

into three different categories according to their purpose. Ninety

per cent of the total forest area falls into the category of economic

or multi-purpose forests, six per cent in the category of protected

forests and four per cent are special purpose forests

which includes national parks and strict and special

reservoirs with fundamental forest phenomena. The

forestry and wood industry in the Republic of Croatia

accounts for around three per cent of the gross domes-

tic product, employs approximately four per cent of

the workforce and contributes around ten per cent

in exports.

Sustainable management

Forest quality and diversity in the Republic of Croatia

are a result of a long tradition of sustainable forest

ecosystem management. Inventorization on a large

area of Croatian forestry was conducted as early as

the mid-18th century. The first technical textbook

on forest management, entitled ‘Forest Order of

Maria Theresa’ was issued in 1769. The document

had the power of law, and for the first time it intro-

duced sustainable management, prescribed the felling

Photography from the ‘Forest through the Eyes of a Forester’ exhibition. (L) ‘Beginning of the end’; (R) ‘Forest’

Image: Benši

Hrvoje

Image: Domagoj Topi