Cerovac Caves Centre of Excellence – Sustainable Management of Natural Heritage and Karst Subterranean Systems
Project objective: Development of a new, competitive, and integrated tourist offer through the creation of modern visitor infrastructure in the area of Velebit Nature Park; enhancement of the Park’s educational, interpretive, and professional-scientific capacity; and establishment of an effective and sustainable management and operational system for Velebit Nature Park.
Project description: The project was carried out under the Operational Programme “Competitiveness and Cohesion 2014–2020,” within Priority Axis 6 – Environmental Protection and Resource Sustainability, and was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. Implemented in the area of Velebit Nature Park in the Municipality of Gračac, the project aimed to improve one of its most important tourist attractions—the Cerovac Caves.
The project established a state-of-the-art visitor reception centre, reconstructed visitor infrastructure, and created walkways leading to and within the caves in the area already adapted for tourist visits. Municipal infrastructure for pedestrian and vehicle access was installed to accommodate increasing numbers of visitors and vehicles. The entire facility was enriched with modern interpretation and educational content, thematically linked to the phenomena of the Cerovac Caves, the karst landscape, and the natural and cultural heritage of Velebit Nature Park.
During project implementation, various thematic educational and informational workshops, round tables, and professional conferences were organized. These activities aimed to educate and inform the wider public and local community; harmonize current offers with new features in the Park; and foster the development of new tourism products, hospitality and accommodation facilities. The project also stimulated cooperation among tourism professionals, nature protection authorities, and the scientific community to develop an integrated tourism offer and respond jointly to the challenges of nature protection and sustainable tourism development in karst areas.
Ultimately, this project significantly raised public awareness about the importance of preserving the natural and cultural values of this area. The improved infrastructure increased the attractiveness of the Cerovac Caves, enhanced visitor flow and capacity, and ensured their long-term sustainability as one of the key attractions of Velebit Nature Park.
Project Holder: Public Institution Velebit Nature Park
Project Partners: Zadar County, Public Institution Natura Jadera, Zagreb Speleological Association
Project Duration: April 2018 – June 2022
Project Value: €9,085,387.18