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National parks are precious oases of natural beauty and biological diversity. In the Republic of Croatia, there are 8 protected national parks.

By official definition, national parks are extensive, predominantly unaltered areas of land and/or sea of exceptional and multiple natural values, encompassing one or more preserved or slightly altered ecosystems. They are intended to preserve original natural and landscape values, and serve scientific, cultural, educational, and recreational purposes. In national parks, activities and interventions that do not jeopardize the originality of nature are allowed, while the economic exploitation of natural resources is prohibited.

To ensure that these unique natural environments remain intact and accessible to all, it is important to follow certain rules of conduct. The designation of a national park includes regulations and a legislative framework for nature protection. Among other things, the prohibited activities are emphasized in the Nature Protection Act (Official Gazette 80/2013, 15/2018, 14/2019, 127/2019, 155/2023), where Article 139 stipulates that the following actions are particularly prohibited in protected areas:

• Navigating a vessel in the marine area, anchoring and/or mooring vessels outside designated areas,
• Washing vessels or vehicles on the seashore or in the sea,
• Mooring vessels outside areas designated as moorings, anchorages, or ports,
• Taking from nature, capturing, or disturbing wild species that are not strictly protected,
• Feeding wild animals,
• Performing underwater activities,
• Fishing except in zones where recreational fishing is permitted with a license,
• Driving and/or parking vehicles and bicycles outside designated areas,
• Damaging and/or destroying signs, informational boards, or didactic equipment,
• Lighting fires (including the caution that smoking and discarding cigarette butts can cause fires),
• Camping or setting up camps,
• Unauthorized use of drones,
• Moving outside marked hiking trails and areas designated for visiting unless conducting research with a permit,
• Visiting and entering the national park without a ticket,
• Disposing of waste outside designated and marked areas,
• Swimming in areas designated by the relevant public institution as prohibited swimming areas (Rt Barban, Uvala Javorika, Ribnjak, Uvala Verige).

Additionally, each national park in the Republic of Croatia has its own Rules of Internal Order. As a supplement to the Nature Protection Act, based on Article 30, paragraph 1, of the Nature Protection Act (Official Gazette No. 48/99 and 15/00), the Minister of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Spatial Planning issued the Rules of Internal Order for Brijuni National Park (Official Gazette No. 75/2000). According to Article 19, collecting any part of living or non-living nature (mushrooms, asparagus, wild plants, sand, pebbles, pottery fragments, mosaic pieces, shellfish shells, etc.) is prohibited in Brijuni National Park.

By acting responsibly, we help preserve flora and fauna, as well as cultural heritage in Brijuni National Park. Staying in a national park can be an unforgettable experience filled with beauty, peace, and a connection with nature. However, with great privilege comes great responsibility. By respecting park rules, you not only protect natural and cultural resources and wildlife but also allow others to enjoy this unique environment.

Illustrations and Visuals by: Alen Lipuš, LIPUŠ D.S.

Sources:

• Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
• Nature Protection Act, Official Gazette 80/2013, 15/2018, 14/2019, 127/2019, 155/2023
• Rules of Internal Order for Brijuni National Park, Official Gazette 75/2000