The EUR 20.8 million loan will allow Croatia to establish an integrated ecological network, aligned with the EU Nature Protection Legislation and Habitats Directive.
Upon Croatia's accession to tho EU, some of its protected areas will become part of the EU Ecological Network - Natura 2000.
10 February 2011: The World Bank approved a US$2.8 million equivalent loan to Croatia to establish an integrated ecological network aligned with the EU Nature Protection Legislation and Habitats Directive.
Large areas of Croatia have been designated as special protected areas and special areas of conservation; 47% of Croatian territory and 39% of its sea fall under the National Ecological Network (NEN). Some of the protected areas are home to endangered species and habitats. Upon Croatia’s EU accession, some of the areas within the NEN will become part of the EU Ecological Network – Natura 2000 – following specific EU regulations on nature protection.
Proposed investments in the ecological network will finance small visitor centers, trails, and other infrastructure promoting Natura 2000 objectives. Additionally, fire protection equipment in four coastal Nature and National Parks will be financed, along with priority technical equipment. The World Bank loan of EUR 20.8 million has a maturity of 20 years and a grace period of five years included. [World Bank Press Release]