ESC: Solidarity for Natural Heritage

Vransko Lake is the largest natural lake in Croatia, covering the area of 30,2 km². Vransko lake marsh habitats is a remaining of what used to be a much larger Vrana swamp, drained by melioration canals in 18th century. Due to its unique natural values, Vransko Lake with its surrounding area, total area of 57 km², was declared a Nature park on July 8, 1999. Due to wildlife biodiversity, especially birds, an 8.65 km2 area in the northwestern part of Lake Vrana, was declared an Ornithological Reserve in 1983. This area is one of the most ornithologically significant sites in Croatia and is included in the list of important ornithological areas in Europe (Important Bird Areas in Europe). Nature Park Vransko jezero is managed by a Public institution designated by the State. The activity of a public institution includes the protection, maintenance and promotion of an area with the aim of protecting and preserving the authenticity of nature and ensuring the smooth running of natural processes and the sustainable use of natural resources, as well as monitoring the implementation of conditions and measures of nature protection.activities of education and interpretation and cooperation with the local community. The activities carried out by the Public Institution are in cooperation with local primary schools to design and implement an interactive program of teaching in nature and to mark the days of nature protection, in cooperation with local schools. The goals of continuous and well-designed educational activities are to raise the level of awareness of visitors and locals about the importance of nature protection and preservation of the Vransko Lake Nature Park. The goal is also to increase the quality of life of the local population and the protection of natural and cultural values ​​of the area through systematic cooperation with the local community and its participation in the implementation of the activities of the Management Plan. The activity includes protection, implementation of conditions and measures for nature protection, maintenance and promotion of areas in order to preserve the originality of nature and ensure the smooth running of natural processes and sustainable use of natural resources. T