Peri-urban Forests and Ecosystem Service Valorisation in Croatia

This case study explores the valorisation of recreational ecosystem services in Croatia’s Nature Park Medvednica, a protected IUCN Category V site near Zagreb. It examines innovative funding mechanisms—such as one-time concession permits and donation boxes—for sustainable forest management and public health benefits. The park, 81% forested and visited by ~1 million annual visitors (90% domestic), leverages new national legislation to monetise ecosystem services. Permit revenues fund conservation, while donation boxes proved ineffective. The study highlights stakeholder collaboration and policy support as key enablers for integrating health and recreation into protected area management.