Naslov
Vrana Lake in Dalmatia - Water, Surroundings and Protection

Autori
Katalinić, Ana ; Ćuže Denona, Maja ; Rubinić, Josip ;

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u zbornicima skupova, cjeloviti rad (in extenso), stručni

Izvornik
BALWOIS 2012 conference web-site / Morell, Marc ; Popovska, Cvetanka ; Morell, Olivija ; Stojov, Vasko ; - Ohrid : Faculty of civil engineering, 2012

ISBN
978-608-4510-10-9

Skup
BALWOIS 2012, Conference on water observation and information system for decision support

Mjesto i datum
Ohrid, Sjeverna Makedonija, 28.05.2012. - 02.06.2012

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
Vrana Lake (Dalmatia); threats; changes

Sažetak
Vrana Lake in Dalmatia is a cryptodepression located in the coastal karst area of Croatia. Its surface area of 30 km2 makes it the largest Croatian natural freshwater body. Natural values of the lake and its surroundings led to its protection as a nature park, and part of it is distincted as an Ornithological Reserve. Its significance is recognized on an international level as the European Important Bird Area, while also satisfiying all criteria for inclusion on the Ramsar list of globally important wetlands. Being one of few remaining wetland areas in the eastern Adriatic coast, it represents a residue from what used to be a much larger Vrana swamp, drained in the 18 century through the artifical Prosika canal and subsequently brought to agriculture. From the 570 ha of Vrana swamp only 160 ha have kept the natural flooding regime. This includes the lake's coastal area and an isolated locality Jezerine separated from the rest of flooding zone by the road and dyke. Digging of Prosika canal to drain lake water into the sea resulted in sea water also intruding the lake during situations of low lake water levels and sea tides. Sea water also enters the lake through narrow karst ridge dividing the lake and the sea, causing the chloride values to surplus its usual values by manyfold in the dry years such as 2008, but also still actual 2011. This problem set the basis for other negative influences from lake's surroundings. Climate change combined with increased water usage from the catchment area endangered the flooded meadows, most important feeding habitat for birds nesting in the Park area or using it in migration. From 249 bird species recorded in the Nature Park, at least half is dependent on wetland habitats through at least part of their life cycle. Inflow into the lake can become even scarcer if the irrigation of agriculture areas in the catchment intensifies, but also if the realization of the 4 planned golf courses follows through. In the spatial planning documentation the closest golf course is planned exactly by the border of the Ornithological Reserve, and inside the national ecological network important bird area „Vransko jezero i Jasen“ and important species and habitats area „Ornitoloski rezervat Vransko jezero i Jasen“. Second planned golf course, by recent governmental decision proclaimed a project of national interest, will be situated only 100 meters away from the Ornithological Reserve, and inside the national ecological network important bird area „Ravni kotari“. Realization of these projects will put additional strain on Vrana Lake ecosystem and will make active management efforts from all responsible institutions crucial for its sustainament. This paper gives an overview of changes in the lake surroundings starting from 18th century, and evaluates their influence on the ecosystem. Special accent is put on the recent condition of ecological indicative values of the protected lake ecosystem, and existing threats. Paper discusses possible ways to prevent these threats and to adequately evaluate natural values of the area.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Građevinarstvo

POVEZANOST RADA