International recognition: Plitvice Lakes an example of good natural heritage management

Plitvice Lakes National Park has achieved significant international success in the latest cycle of the global assessment of the conservation of world natural heritage conducted by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

According to the new evaluation, the Plitvice Lakes have progressed to higher category of preservation - moved from the status of significant concern to the category of good condition with some concern.

This assessment confirms the effectiveness of management, implementation of protection measures and investments in preserving the unique natural heritage of Plitvice Lakes.

The IUCN analysis covered long-term trends in natural values, management effectiveness, pressures on the ecosystem, and the implementation of conservation measures, with particular emphasis on water system conservation, tufa barriers, biodiversity and controlled visitor management.

Reports on the state of world heritage preservation have been issued every three years since 2014, but the last report was published after five years, in October 2025.

"This is an important international recognition for Plitvice Lakes and for Croatia. The IUCN confirmation shows that it is possible to simultaneously protect nature of the highest category and develop sustainable management in accordance with UNESCO standards. This result confirms the strength of the profession, responsible management and a clear vision focused on preserving the natural heritage that we are preserving for future generations", he stated Tomislav Kovačević, director of the National Park.

The report highlights that the values ​​of the Park, despite years of pressure on the sensitive environment, have been well preserved.

The water quality has remained stable, as confirmed by years of monitoring, and thus the continuity of the process of creating travertine barriers, a unique natural phenomenon that is why the Plitvice Lakes were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In order to relieved the pressure mass visits, the National Park has been investing in infrastructure for years, limiting the number of visitors and introducing an online ticket sales system.

Management was assessed as effective, with clearly defined zoning, investments in scientific research, and cooperation with the local community.

Although challenges such as climate change and increased tourist pressure persist, Plitvice Lakes National Park continues to implement strategic protection measures and develop sustainable tourism and educating the public about the importance of preserving natural heritage.

This result once again confirms that the site not only preserves its unique beauty and ecological value, but also sets high standards for sustainable natural resource management in Croatia and the world.