engleski

Management of protected coastal areas in Croatia

Republic of Croatia with land area of 56 594 square km and surface area of territorial sea an interior sea waters of 31 067 square km has one of the most indented coasts in the world. Croatian coast extends for 5835 km (69% on islands), and has a 1185 islands and isles. The legislation was renewed in year 2003 in order to provide proper sustainable development, help environmental protection and protect coastal areas from illegal construction. According to new legislation, State Geodetic Administration is obliged to define border of protected coastal areas (this area includes all islands and spread along 1000 m from coastline and 300 m in sea). They have started a project together with Ministry of Enviromental protection, Physical Planning and Construction. The project resulted with a GIS system, realized using ArcGis software. Another important area in coastal zone is a maritime domain, which is in legislation defined as area enclosed by coastline and a constructed 6-meter line in horizontal direction from the coastline. In maritime domain ownership or any other property right can’ t be acquired, although concessions for commercial activities can be given. GIS of protected coastal areas and regulations on maritime domain are only first step in making a tool for better coastal zone management. GIS with ability to make efficient and visually understandable analysis will greatly improve management and planning in mentioned areas, both for units of regional self-government and other interested stakeholders.

coastal areas; management; legislation

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