Lika, the largest Croatian region, remained among the hundred top green and sustainable destinations in the entire world in 2021. This valuable recognition (which Lika was first recognised for in 2020), was assigned by the Global Green Destination trust fund. The organisation started rating global destinations worldwide seven years ago, and as their website says, they benefit the destinations, representatives, and stakeholders in “green” communities. The end game: making places better and more sustainable.
”Adopting these GREEN values will help destinations to enhance their quality, attractiveness, and competitiveness; it will help attract ”green travellers”, respectful visitors who will spend more in these destinations. These GREEN values are the basis of our programmes for policy improvement, Destination Awards and certification. Green Destinations works together with the tourism business and media partners in order to make the green offer of destinations more visible on the marketplace,” explains Global Green Destination.
The Lika Destination tourist cluster is very much aware of all the benefits which go hand in hand with this recognition for which they worked really hard. As N1 reports, Lika Destination does its work under the motto ”Smart sustainable destination”.
”Lika is special for many reasons. Almost 60% of its surface is protected. There are eight protected areas here, including three national parks, and the pure nature allows for the growth of quality products,” the Lika Destination cluster told N1.
They added that they are proud that international experts recognised their efforts in promoting Lika and building up the region in an eco-friendly matter.
”For this year’s admission, we had to fulfill 30 criteria, which is as twice as much than was necessary last year. In addition, we had to submit a story of good practice which this year, just as before, focused on local products with the mark ”Lika Quality”. Connecting local manufacturers with other tourist actors is something we’ve worked on in this cluster since day one. That’s the main factor of Lika’s development,” concluded Lika Destination for N1.
That progress is definitely needed. As Večernji List recalled, Lika used to be an agricultural Mecca capable of feeding half of Croatia. Sadly, much like Slavonia, the region was devastated during the Homeland War and all of the former industry is now gone. One hundred years ago, Lika boasted over 200,000 residents, and now there are only around 40,000 left.
Naturally, it is expected that the number will be even lower when the 2021 population census is completed.
Speaking of Lika’s many green areas, the oldest Croatian National Park, Plitvice Lakes, is also located there. Learn more in our TC guide.
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