An even greener Lika for the future

Описание: An even greener Lika for the future

Sustainable tourism refers to wise management of tourist resources, including natural and cultural qualities. While it boasts attractions like the Plitvice Lakes and being the birthplace of Nikola Tesla, the focus is shifting towards responsible resource management and embracing sustainable principles.

As one of the interviewees simply but precisely described to us, the most crucial aspect of the overall sustainability concept is respecting nature and its cycles, the only way that benefits everyone. This holistic approach, although intricate and less predictable, is vital for long-term viability.

Lika is gradually making strides towards positive change. As part of this year's campaign, “Experience the local. Explore rural Croatia!”, we connected with individuals who exemplify environmental concern and a vision for a better world.

A good example is Mrs. Helena Bogdanić from the family farm of the same name. Her dedication sets a compelling example and people like her are worth mentioning. While we may not all influence global issues like power plants or fossil fuels, we can still make an impact. Amid the fields of Lika lies one of Europe’s cleanest rivers, Gacka, where Mrs. Helena cultivates a variety of fruit trees and herbs, which later yield delicious products. The farm is strictly family owned and does not operate with farm machinery. This lifestyle implies constant care of the large land fields. Vacations are rare, but when one really loves what they do, there is no need for escaping your day-to-day life. In addition to telling her agricultural story, Bogdanić also told us about the tourism aspects. What do visitors seek for on her family farm? Peace, greenery, simplicity, nature, inspiration...

On this challenging but wiser path of life, Mrs. Helena is not traveling alone. If you are from Croatia, it is likely that someone has already told you about a small pizzeria in a village next to Otočac. For “Ruspante” the old saying goes a little different and proves that good news travels fast. Ante and his family rejected offers from the “big world” and started the story next to his parents' house, attracting guests to his beloved Lika. Not only will he attract guests, but he will present to them a story that is sustainable and in line with ecological principles, always paying respect to that region. Each pizza celebrates the region by using seasonal ingredients, from which the majority are homegrown, and exclusively from Lika. The flour they use is traditionally milled on a millstone just across the street. The trout they serve is caught in the Gacka river, the škripavac crafted the traditional way, and there is many more details like this that surround the place. While franchise offers loom, Ante resists, valuing the essence of the present setup. Isn't that the best example of sustainable, ecological forward-thinking?

No matter how modernized, what characterizes Lika is good lamb, but certainly good brandy. The family farm “Ivan Vlainić” produces brandy the old-fashioned way, as their ancestors did. Although their ancestors lived a life coexisting with nature, they weren’t aware of it. The younger members of the Vlainić family, keeping traditions, carried on with nature’s collaboration. Today they produce from the fruit to the stone itself. Their intent is not to stop, but constantly derive inspiration and new methods for coexisting with nature. The family points out that there is an increasing amount of guests, who prefer to invest in small quantities of top-tier homemade products, prioritizing quality over quantity.

The Grabovača Cave Park shows that taking care of Lika should not be left to individual effort. Enthusiasts working at this wonderful site protect the Grabovača cave and all other nature within the park as if it were their own backyard. They firmly commit to steering clear of mass tourism, already limiting the number of visitors. While the demand increases, which is pleasing, so does awareness of what people can do to nature. The idea is to welcome fewer visitors but attract those who are aware of and who appreciate nature’s worth.

Lika remains relatively undiscovered for both domestic and foreign visitors (apart from standard well-known locations such as the Plitvice Lakes). An attraction like the Plitvice Lakes spurs construction, posing a threat to sustainability. The protagonist of our story convey the notion that these concerns are unfounded. However, it remains essential to invest effort on all levels; ensuring potential profits are not once again depleted. On a deeper level, this is indeed the most important message of sustainable tourism.