project background - world bank · web viewthe republic of croatia has received a project...

OIKON d.o.o.Av. Dubrovnik 6-8, Zagreb

EU NATURA 2000 INTEGRATION PROJECT(NIP)

- ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT -

GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR EU NATURA 2000 INTEGRATION PROJECT

General overview of potential impacts and related mitigation measures for thirty five protected area and

ecological network investments

Zagreb, September 2010

E2552

Content

1. PROJECT BACKGROUND.......................................................................................3

2. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................4

3. LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS.............................................53.1. National legislation and procedures.............................................................5

3.1.1. Environmental Protection......................................................................53.1.2. Nature Protection...................................................................................53.1.3. Physical Planning and Building..............................................................73.1.4. Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage...................................93.1.5. Other regulations.......................................................................................9

3.2. Institutional framework...............................................................................10

4. THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN.......................................114.1. General information about the EMP............................................................114.2. EMP implementation responsibilities..........................................................124.2. General overview of potential impacts and related mitigation measures for the proposed protected area and ecological network investments.......................13

Investments listed by groups.............................................................................14Potential impacts and mitigation measures for each group of investments.......20

5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.......................................................................................40

APPENDIX 1 LIST OF LAWS, REGULATIONS AND ORDINANCES.................................42APPENDIX 2 PUBLIC CONSULTATION MINUTES AND LIST OF PARTICIPANTS.............44APPENDIX 3 WRITTEN COMMENTS...........................................................................50

EU Natura 2000 Integration ProjectGeneral Environmental management plan

2

1. PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Republic of Croatia has received a Project Preparation Facility (PPF) Advance from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to support the preparation of a proposed EU Natura 2000 Integration Project (NIP), (old title of project is Nature Protection Investment Project - NPIP). The NIP is intended to be a key vehicle for a multi-year program to help expand and support Croatia’s preparation for European Union (EU) integration in the Nature Protection Sector. The Ministry of Culture (MoC), as governmental body responsible for nature protection in Croatia will implement the PPF.

The overall objective of the proposed project is to help support National Parks, Nature Parks and County Public Institutions to integrate Natura 2000 objectives in investment programs; strengthen capacity for EU-compliant biological reporting and monitoring; and introduce programs to involve a wider group of stakeholders in Natura 2000 network management. The project is comprised of three project components:

1. Ecological Network Investments include protected area and future Natura 2000 site-driven investments to help demonstrate and strengthen the integration of Natura 2000 objectives. Consultant services will also support nature interpretation design and engineering services. Priority technical equipment will also be financed for park rangers, the State Institute for Nature Protection, and the Ministry of Culture Nature Protection Directorate; and fire protection equipment for coastal protected areas.

2. Ecological Network Data Systems include consulting services to help plan, prioritize, and organize biological inventory and monitoring and populate data systems; field work to perform biological inventory and monitoring services; consultant services to harmonize data systems with the EU INSPIRE Directive requirements, and computer hardware and software upgrades and licenses.

3. Ecological Network Capacity Building includes consultant services to help promote Inter-sectoral Cooperation; and initiate Pilot Programs to (a) develop agri-environment measures for Natura 2000 sites, (b) improve protected areas boundary demarcations, (c) introduce a park volunteer program, and (d) diversify protected areas finance. It will also support training to protected areas staff, CPI and their local communities on access to EU grant and other donor programs for nature protection, and tools to improve park management; learning through study tours and seminars; a public information campaign; and project management and operating costs.

The first component of the project includes 35 protected area and ecological network investments. Example investments involve building re/construction (into info and educational centers), trails re/construction, caves reconstruction, construction of facilities at freshwater/sea shores, construction of facilities at sea, as well as other simple facilities for various purposes (classrooms in nature, children playgrounds, view-point facilities).

One of the tasks within the EU Natura 2000 Integration Project was to carry out an Environmental Assessment (EA) for thirty five protected area and ecological network investments. The purpose of the EA is to produce an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for known investments, including this document that


3

determines the way in which each site specific EMP will be prepared, so that in case list of investments changes, site specific EMP could be prepared according to World Bank procedures.


4

2. INTRODUCTION

This document concerns EA; and presents general overview of potential impacts and related mitigation measures for thirty five protected area and ecological network investments. Based on this overview, the overall updated environmental impacts specifically related to all proposed project investments will be generated. Although the EMP is not obligatory according to the Croatian national legislation, this document is made on request of the World Bank. The purpose of the EMP is to ensure that the proposed investments implemented through the Project comply with the existing environmental protection laws, regulations and standards in Croatia as well as with the World Bank’s Operation Policies and Practices; and will not have a lasting adverse impact on the country’s population, the natural environment or assets of particular cultural heritage value.

This document includes: overview of legislation and regulations regarding nature protection,

environment protection, as well as protection and preservation of cultural heritage in process of spatial planning and construction

procedures for obtaining location and building permits, as well as special conditions of nature protection

overview of institutions responsible for implementation of the proposed investments

main features, purpose and content of the EMP, as well as EMP implementation responsibilities

list of 35 protected area and ecological network investments grouped by similar characteristics

general overview of potential impacts and related mitigation measures public involvement in the decision making process


5

3. LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

3.1. National legislation and procedures

The main legislation that regulates protection of environment, nature and cultural heritage in relation to proposed investments (objects, facilities and infrastructure) comprises:

Environmental Protection Act (Official Gazette no. 110/07) Nature Protection Act (Official Gazette no. 70/05, 139/08) Physical Planning and Building Act (Official Gazette 76/07, 38/09). Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Act (Official Gazette no.

69/99, 151/03; 157/03 Correction, 87/09, 88/10) Regulation on environmental impact assessment (Official Gazette 64/08,

67/09) Regulation on proclamation of the ecological network (Official Gazette no.

109/07) Ordinance on Appropriate Assessment (AA) (Official Gazette no. 118/09)

3.1.1.Environmental Protection

Environmental Protection Act is the fundamental regulation defining general principles of environmental protection and sustainable development. The Act also regulates protection of all themes of the environment and sector pressures, environmental monitoring, environmental subjects and instruments, administrative and inspection supervision. The Act includes number of principles and institutions generated from international conventions on environmental protection and Environmental Protection Declaration of Republic of Croatia (OG 34/92) and principles on sustainable development from Rio de Janeiro (1992).

The EIA procedure is prescribed according to the Environmental Protection Act and Regulation on environmental impact assessment. Such successive legislate regulates the procedure and ensures compliance with relevant EU Directives. The Regulation on environmental impact assessment prescribes interventions that fall under EIA procedure, the way of conducting the procedure, roles of authorized persons, public informing and participation etc. The Regulation also separates interventions under competence of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction or administrative county / city of Zagreb authority. The EIA procedure follows at the beginning of the planning phase of interventions inevitably before obtaining the location permit or other approval when the intervention doesn’t fall under loaction permit obligation.

3.1.2.Nature Protection

Nature Protection Act is the fundamental legislation governing the conservation of biological and landscape diversity in Croatia. The Ministry of Culture is the competent authority responsible for implementation of the Act.


6

By virtue of the prescribed subordinate regulations, the Nature Protection Act is aligned, on an ongoing basis, with the relevant directives and regulations of the EU environmental acquis which relate to protection of natural habitats, wild flora and fauna. The Act also defines categories of protected areas, methods for their management including the basic relevant documents, appropriate assessment procedure etc. The Act lays down nine categories of protected areas.

Protected areas are managed by public institutions. National parks and nature parks are managed by public institutions established by the Croatian Government. Other protected areas and/or other protected natural assets are managed by public institutions established by the regional self-government units or the City of Zagreb. According to the Nature Protection Act all protected areas should have the Ordinance on internal order. Strict and special nature reserves, national parks, nature parks, regional parks and important landscapes are also obliged to prepare management plans. The management plans are adopted by the public institution’s Governing Board after securing consent from the Ministry of Culture and technical approval by the State Institute for Nature Protection, for a period of 10 years. The management plan is implemented in practice through annual programs of conservation, use and promotion of the protected area. Considering national parks and nature parks so far 7 management plans were adopted, 3 management plans are in the process of public hearing and 9 management plans are under preparation.

The Ministry of culture determines special nature protection requirements in the procedure of granting a location permit for construction works inside the area of national park, special nature reserve, nature monument, nature park, as well as outside the limits of a building plot for structures that falls under the procedure of obtaining the location/building permit according to the particular regulation issued by main state administration for physical planning, environment protection and construction. The state administration office of the county or administration body of the City of Zagreb competent for nature protection activities determines special nature protection requirements in the procedure of granting a location permit for construction works inside the area of regional park, important landscape, forest park, park landscaping monument, as well as outside the limits of a construction plot. Projects and actions in a protected area which do not require the securing of a location permit or a nature impact assessment procedure are granted authorisation. Authorisation for projects and actions in a strict nature reserve, special nature reserve, national park, nature park and monument of nature is issued by the Ministry. Authorisation for projects and actions in a regional park, important landscape, forest park and park landscaping monument is issued by the competent state administration office.

Ecological network

In 2007 the Regulation on proclamation of the ecological network of Republic of Croatia was adopted to establish the system of ecologically important areas and corridors for protection of threatened and rare habitats and/or wild species. Ecological network of Republic of Croatia (national ecological network - NEN) covers terrestrial and marine habitats and species covering in total 47% of the land and 39% of the marine territory of the Republic of Croatia. Among other ecologically important areas, NEN includes all Croatian national parks, nature parks and special nature reserves. Ordinance on Appropriate Assessment (AA) defines the procedure used to assess whether there is a probability that the implementation of a plan, programme or intervention in the ecological network


7

area, which by itself or in combination with other plans, programmes or interventions, may have a significant impact on the conservation objectives and integrity of the ecological network. According to the article 2 paragraph 2 of the Ordinance, the AA is not to be performed if plan, programme or project is directly related to the management of the ecological network area or if the constructions are inside the settlement area. Since the majority of interventions proposed by the NIP project are identified in physical plans, management plans and annual programs of protected areas, they can be considered to be related to the management of the ecological network area. In the process of obtaining the necessary permits from the competent authorities, if necessary the AA will be performed as well.

3.1.3.Physical Planning and Building

Building and the process of physical plans preparation are regulated by Physical Planning and Building Act (OG 76/07, 38/09). Physical planning documents are adopted on national, regional and local level and they regulate organization, use and purpose of space (area) of the specific region. According to the Nature protection Act (NN 70/05, 139/08), spatial arrangements, the way of use, planning and protection of space in national parks and nature parks should be regulated by physical plans of the areas of special features. These physical plans are adopted by the Parliament and they constitute fundamental legal documents for organization, protection, purpose and terms of space usage of national parks and nature parks in Croatia. Since physical plans for some of the parks are still in the process of preparation, until their adoption the provisons of the county physical plans are applied in these areas.

The Physical Planning and Building Act is the basic document for the issuing of location permit, building permit (confirmation of the main design) and consent on building conditions which are obligatory for some of the investments in course of the NIP program.

Ownership issues and the right for use of land and objects

According to available information, most of the land and the objects included in NIP project are in the state or local authority ownership. County’s Public institutions for protected areas and other protected natural values management, as well as Public institutions of National Parks and Nature Parks management use the land or the objects based on diverse documents that regulate the right of use.Prior to the process of obtaining documentation needed for the beginning of construction works, the documentation that proves the legal interest (for location permit or consent on building conditions), or right for building (for building permit) should be obtained (according to Physical Planning and Building Act). Furthermore, where applicable (primarily investments at sea), granting a concession is also needed prior to construction works.

Location and building permit (confirmation of the main design), consent on building conditions

According to Physical Planning and Building Act (OG 76/07, 38/09), all projects/developments planned to be constructed in the space have to be performed according to physical planning documentation, special regulations and location permit (as an administrative act granted based on this law). This refers to all buildings and developments, except following:


8

Buildings with gross surface less than 400 m2

Buildings for performing agricultural activities with gross surface less than 600 m2

Simple buildings and works

Construction works can be performed after obtaining the following permits: Consent on building conditions – for buildings with gross surface less than

400 m2, and buildings for performing agricultural activities with gross surface less than 600 m2

Building permit - developments and buildings planned to be constructed in the space, that are listed in the Regulation on projects in space and construction works for which the location and/or building permit is issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction (OG 116/07), as well as all projects planned to be constructed on the territory of two or more Counties, or on the City of Zagreb territory

Confirmation of the main design – construction of all other buildings.

Exceptionally, Act on procedures and building requirements for investment stimulation (OG 69/09) regulates (until 31.12.2010.) construction and granting permits for construction, use and removal of buildings that require location permit and confirmation of the main project (according to Physical Planning and Building Act), as well as conducting related administrative supervision and site inspections, so construction may begin based on Consent for construction works (location permit as a separate document is not required for obtaining of this document).

Construction of previously mentioned simple buildings and works is defined by Ordinance on simple buildings and works (OG 21/09, 57/10). This ordinance defines simple buildings and works that can be performed without consent on building conditions, confirmation of the main design or building permit (hereinafter - an act authorizing the construction) and/or location permit.

According to the obligation of obtaining an act authorizing the construction works and/or location permit, protected areas and Natura 2000 investments can be divided into three groups:

1. Re /construction of info-centers with associated infrastructure2. Re/construction of trails (with, or without infrastructure)3. Special buildings (bridge, anchoring system).

According to articles 2 and 3, as well as amended article 4 of the earlier mentioned Ordinance on simple buildings and works (OG 21/09, 57/10), most of the NIP project investments can be categorized as simple buildings and works. The articles of special importance are:

Article 2, paragraph 12 that allows construction without “an act authorizing the construction and location permit…” for buildings included in category of “walking trails, lookout points, info-tables with surface less than 12,00 m2 and other protected areas equipment, according to decisions of public institutions in charge for protected areas management

Article 3 allows construction works without “an act authorizing the construction and location permit…” for number of construction works that can be considered as maintenance or reconstruction of existing objects.

Ordinance on simple buildings and works (OG 21/09, 57/10) does not make the investor or the designer free from obligations of producing all necessary project


9

documentation (complied with the provisions of the valid physical plans for the area where the intervention is performed, as well as with other specific regulations). Besides, a right for use of the land/objects has to be obtained for all investments, as well as special requirements for such works issued by the bodies/persons appointed by special regulations.

A location permit, confirmation of the main design or consent on building conditions has to be obtained only for the minor part of the NIP investments. In these cases, competent authority (on the county level) will go through the standard procedure of obtaining a location permit, confirmation of the main design (building permit) or consent on building conditions. Procedure includes providing all necessary project documentation, as well as special requirements issued by the bodies/persons appointed by special regulations, whereas competent authority, as a part of its official duty, obtains special requirements during the process of issuing of location permit or consent on building conditions.

Contacting competent authorities for issuing of location permit, confirmation of the main design or consent on building conditions in early phase of project documentation preparation is advisable in both of the previously mentioned cases, in order to define all necessary obligations and implement adequate solutions in project documentation on time. Stated also includes appropriate assessment and/or environmental impact assessment for specific investment (if needed based on special regulations).

Operation permit

Constructed/reconstructed buildings can be used after the competent authority (the same body that issues location and building permit/confirmation of the main design) issues an operation permit based on technical examination of the building.

Constructed building, whose gross surface is less than 400 m2, can be used after the investor submits final report of the supervising engineer to the competent authority. Stated does not exclude the possibility for issuing operation permit also for this type of buildings if the investor applies for it and conducts adequate procedure.

Even though Physical Planning and Building Act (OG 76/07, 38/09) does not proscribe obligation of obtaining operation permit for simple buildings, in the case of NIP project investments (that are all public buildings), issuing of operation permit or final report of the supervising engineer is advisable for all building re/constructions.

3.1.4.Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Act defines types of cultural goods, establishes their protection and regulates liabilities and rights of owners of cultural properties. If construction works are to be performed in the area that is considered a protected cultural good (objects of historical and cultural importance, landscapes with characteristic historical structures made by men, archaeological sites in cave, etc.) special requirements or approvals for such works issued by the local conservation department has to be provided.


10

3.1.5. Other regulations

Except for the above mentioned regulations that constitute the main legislative framework, physical investments have to comply with other environmental regulations (that deal with waste management, air and noise protection etc.), as well as with other sectoral regulations from the field of water management, coastal zone management, forestry, agriculture, traffic etc. (the complete list of relevant regulations is given in annex 1.). For example Public Roads Act (OG 180/04) regulates connection to the public road network, Forest act (OG 140/05, OG 82/06) regulates construction in the forest, Waters act (OG 153/09) regulates the use of waters, etc. All regulations relevant for the implementation of certain investment will be listed in the corresponding environmental management plan (EMP).


11

3.2. Institutional framework

As stated in previous chapters, realization of planned investments includes numerous institutional participants (depending on type of investment, as well as protected area category and NEN site determines which of these institutions will be involved).

Regarding the NIP project, head institution is Ministry of Culture (in both, nature protection and protection and preservation of cultural heritage), its directorates and county public institutions for protected areas and other natural values management, as well as public institutions for management of National Parks and Nature Parks. MoC is therefore (independently, or as a founder of certain institution) involved in this project in two ways (as a user and a supervisor), which gives many possibilities for interventions in investments through mitigation measures and supervision.

Other bodies and institutions involved in realization of investments are listed below:

Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction (together with county institutions responsible for issuing acts authorizing the construction)

Ministry of Rural Development Forestry and Water Management Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Ministry of Tourism State Institute for Nature Protection Republic of Croatia State Geodetic Administration Croatian Waters, Croatian Forests, Croatian Electricity Company, other public

companies and providers of utility services


12

4. THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

4.1. General information about the EMP

Production of the EMP includes analysis of proposed investments project documentation and planned activities, analysis of chosen site area (its physical and socio-cultural environment), determination of the potential impacts (positive and negative), that may occur during preconstruction and construction phase of the proposed facilities, as well as during their operation phase. Based on that, mitigation measures for preventing or reduceing possible environmental impacts are proposed, as well as costs affiliated with proposed mitigation actions and the institutions responsible for their implementation (Mitigation plan). Finally, a plan of feasible actions to monitor the implementation of the mitigation measures is proposed (Monitoring plan).

Ultimately, the EMP will be a part of the Operation Manual, and is prepared in order to integrate environmental concerns into the design and implementation of the proposed investment.

The EMP contains following chapters / paragraphs:

1. GENERAL PROJECT AND SITE INFORMATIONDESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

Project titleProject locationProject purposeScope of project and activity

LEGISLATION and ADMINISTRATIONNational legislation

COMPLIANCE OF THE PROJECT TO THE STRATEGIC DOCUMENTSStrategic documentComplianceReference to the part of the strategy documentDescription of reference to the strategy document

STATUS OF PROJECT DESIGN DOCUMENTATION AND PERMITSOwnership of the land or the objectType of document or permit

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT (BASELINE CONDITIONS)DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT (BASELINE CONDITIONS)

General description of project site environmentPhysical environmentSocio-cultural environment

3. DETERMINATION OF THE POTENTIAL IMPACTSPOTENTIAL IMPACTS on ENVIRONMENT and NEN (related to the preconstruction, construction, operation and maintenance phase of project activities)


13

POTENTIAL IMPACTS on SOCIO-CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT (related to the preconstruction, construction, operation and maintenance phase of project activities)

4. MITIGATION AND MONITORING PLANMITIGATION PLAN

Proposed Mitigation MeasuresInstitutional ResponsibilityCost Estimates

MONITORING PLANWhat Parameter is to be monitored?Where is the parameter to be monitored?How is the parameter to be monitored? When/By who is the parameter to be monitored?Costs

4.2. EMP implementation responsibilities

Civil works contractor and supervising engineer (employed by the investor) will be responsible for the implementation of EMP mitigation measures during construction. Both of them are supervised by several inspections (construction works inspection, environmental inspection, nature protection inspection, etc.). Inspections are usually conducted separately (in accordance with their standard work plan, or upon call), but sometimes they are conducted together in a coordinated way as well.

According to the article 186 of the Physical Planning and Building Act (OG 76/07, 38/09) supervision for simple buildings / construction is not obligatory. Although most of the NIP project investments can be categorized as simple buildings, supervision is advisable because all of the investments are public buildings.

The operator (user) of the object will be responsible for the implementation of EMP mitigation measures during operation and maintenance phase. The operator will be controlled by adequate inspections as well.

The operator (user) will also be responsible for environmental monitoring (if prescribed) during both, construction and operation phase. In order to avoid any conflict of interests, it is common to engage an independent authorized company to perform environmental monitoring. Environmental monitoring company is obliged to submit reports (to the operator and to competent authorities) and takes responsibility for the accuracy of the results. Central authorities for data collection on environment and nature are the Croatian Environmental Protection Agency and the State Institute for Nature Protection.

An independent supervising engineer is usually employed on projects financed by the World Bank. In case of the NIP project, proper implementation of mitigation measures will be ensured by this supervising engineer. He is obliged to submit reports on the implementation of the mitigation measures and monitoring plan to the project implementation unit (PIU), as well as to propose additional measures if necessary. For the most of the NIP project investments (concerning the type of construction works,) it is recommendable that during construction phase supervising engineer visits the construction site once a week. During the operation and maintenance phase surveillance will be conducted in Public institutions usual pace. Ministry of culture /WB will contract this supervision for all of the NIP project


14

investments, bearing in mind different dynamics of each investment realization, as well as their spatial distribution across entire territory of the Republic of Croatia.

Project implementation unit (PIU) is responsible for project implementation, procurement, as well as monitoring of the performance of contracts and payments. Regarding the number of planned investments (35) and reserved funds provided for possibly new investment, PIU will hire procurement specialist (civil engineer or other related professions) responsible for contracting, monitoring of the performance of contracts related to EMP implementation, in coordination with supervising engineers. PIU will regularly submit progress reports to the World Bank on EMP implementation status.

4.2. General overview of potential impacts and related mitigation measures for the proposed protected area and ecological network investments

This document presents general overview of potential impacts and related mitigation measures for thirty five protected area and ecological network investments. Based on this overview, the site specific EMP will be produced for each investment.

According to similar types of facilities, as well as related similar impacts they will potentially generate, thirty five investments have been classified into following groups:

1. Buildings (re/construction of bigger facilities equipped with sanitary system, electricity, heating, such as info and educational centres, accommodation facilities for scientists or visitors etc.) 2. Trails (re/construction of pedestrian trails with supporting infrastructure – benches, info tables, sheds, fences)3. Caves (cave reconstruction)4. Facilities at freshwater/sea shores (construction of bridges and docks)5. Facilities at sea (anchoring system)6. Other (construction/setup of simple facilities for various purposes such as classrooms in nature, children playgrounds, view-point facilities)

All thirty five investments are listed by groups below (list includes name of the institution, name of the project and type of the works and facilities included in project), as well as the general overview of potential impacts and related mitigation measures for each group of investments.

In case of NIP, mitigation measures and monitoring plan will be a part of EMP, regarding the fact that stated investments are not obligatory to environmental impact assessment or appropriate assessment (according to Ordinance on Appropriate Assessment OG 118/09 article 2, paragraph 2). Some of mitigation measures are a part of project documentation (e.g. construction of septic tank), others are added through specific conditions determined by responsible authorities or / and environment management plan, that will be a part of tender documentation for construction.


15

Investments listed by groups16

Investments listed by groups

Buildings

INSTITUTION PROJECT NAME TYPE OF WORKS TYPE OF FACILITYPublic institution “National park Brijuni”* The boathouse* BUILDING RECONSTRUCTION INFO CENTERPublic institution “National park Risnjak”

Improvement of visitation and information system of Risnjak National Park – Kupari BUILDING RECONSTRUCTION INFO CENTER

Public institution “National park S.Velebit”

Establishment of basic infrastructure for park management BUILDING RECONSTRUCTION INFO CENTER

Public institution “Nature park Papuk” Eco-point Jankovac NEW INFRASTRUCTURE INFO CENTERPublic institution „ Nature park Žumberak i Samoborsko gorje”

Visitor center Budinjak and Educational - visitor center Slani dol

BUILDINGS RECONSTRUCTION INFO CENTER

“Natura Histrica” - Public institution for the management of protected areas and other protected natural values of the Istra County

Info center Limski bay NEW INFRASTRUCTURE INFO CENTER

Public institution for the protected natural values management in the Krapina-Zagorje County

Educational center Radoboj BUILDING RECONSTRUCTION INFO CENTER

Public institution for the protected natural values management in the Virovitica-Podravina County

INFO-Educational Center (IEC) in Noskovačka Dubrava BUILDING RECONSTRUCTION INFO CENTER

Public institution for the protected areas and other protected natural values management in the Zagreb County

Adaptation of ''Posavski štagalj'' info-desk BUILDING RECONSTRUCTION INFO CENTER

SINP Large Carnivore Educational-informative Centre BUILDING RECONSTRUCTION INFO CENTER

*Besides building reconstruction project includes construction at sea shore



Trails

INSTITUTION PROJECT NAME TYPE OF WORKS TYPE OF FACILITY

Public institution “National park Krka” *

Sustainable management of visitors in the Krka National Park TRAIL RE/CONSTRUCTION EDUCATIONAL TRAIL

Public institution “National park Paklenica” * Classroom in Nature TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION,

SETUP OF SIMPLE FACILITIES EDUCATIONAL TRAIL, CLASSROOM IN NATURE

Public institution “Nature park Telašćica” Visitor signaling and trail Dugo polje TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION EDUCATIONAL TRAIL

Public institution “Nature park Velebit”

Restoration of “Premužićeva staza” trail and visiting needs adjustment TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION EDUCATIONAL TRAIL

Public institution for the protected natural values management in the Koprivnica-Križevci County

Educational trail marking and construction of the viewpoint at the significant landscape Kalnik

TRAIL EQUIPPING EDUCATIONAL TRAIL

Public institution for the protected natural values management in the Osijek-Baranja County

Educational trail in the significant landscape Erdut TRAIL CONSTRUCTION EDUCATIONAL TRAIL

Public institution for the protected natural values management in the Split-Dalmatia County

Educational trail „Imotska jezera Gaj“ TRAIL CONSTRUCTION EDUCATIONAL TRAIL

Public institution for the protected areas and other protected natural values management in the Šibenik-Knin County*

Walking trail along channel St. Ante* TRAIL CONSTRUCTION, PIER RECONSTRUCTION EDUCATIONAL TRAIL, PIER

*Besides trail re/construction project includes construction at sea shore



Buildings and trails


Public institution “National park Plitvička jezera”

Presentation center of forest ecosystems - "Čorkova uvala'' BUILDING AND TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION INFO CENTER

Public institution “Nature park Biokovo”

Provision of information centers in Biokovo Nature Park

BUILDINGS AND TRAILS RECONSTRUCTION INFO CENTER

Public institution “Nature park Kopački Rit”* Improvement of visiting system* NEW INFRASTRUCTURE

INFO CENTER, TRAIL, PLATEAU FOR SMALL BOATS

Public institution “Nature park Vransko jezero”*

Construction of the bird watching tower with educational trail and restoration of Crkvine port*

NEW INFRASTRUCTUREINFO CENTER, EDUCATIONAL TRAIL, SMALL SPORT HARBOUR

Public institution for the protected natural values management in the Brod-Posavina County

Info center ''Stan na Gajni'' with educational trail

BUILDING RECONSTRUCTION AND TRAIL EQUIPPING INFO CENTER

Public institution for the protected natural values management in the Međimurje County

Partial adaptation of the Križovec visitor center with educational trail BUILDING AND TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION INFO CENTER

Public institution for the protected natural values management in the Varaždin County

Info-desk and education trail Trakošćan

BUILDING RECONSTRUCTION AND TRAIL EQUIPPING INFO CENTER

*Besides info center and trail construction projects include construction at freshwater shores



Caves


Public institution for the protected natural values management in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County

Adaptation of Nakovana cave (Pelješac) CAVE RECONSTRUCTION CAVE

Public institution for the protected natural values management in the Karlovac County

Vrlovka cave CAVE RECONSTRUCTION CAVE

Public institution for the protected parts of nature management in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County

Adaptation of Lokvarka cave CAVE RECONSTRUCTION CAVE

Facilities at freshwater/sea shores


Public institution “National park Mljet” Bridge at the Veliki Most locality BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION BRIDGE

Other projects classified under “Buildings”, “Trails” or “Buildings and trails” which contain elements of construction of different facilities at freshwater/sea shores (marked with “*”)

NEW INFRASTRUCTURE / RECONSTRUCTIONS

PLATEAU FOR SMALL BOATS,SMALL SPORT HARBOUR, PIER



Facilities at sea (anchoring system)

INSTITUTION PROJECT NAME TYPE OF WORKS TYPE OF FACILITYPublic institution “National park Kornati” Buoys and pontoons system NEW INFRASTRUCTURE ANCHORING SYSTEM

Other simple facilities (for various purposes)

INSTITUTION PROJECT NAME TYPE OF WORKS TYPE OF FACILITY“Lonjsko polje” Nature park public institution Historic 'čardaci' viewpoints NEW INFRASTRUCTURE VIEWPOINT FACILITY

“Učka” Nature park public institution

Arranging an outdoor educational display - "Eye of Učka" NEW INFRASTRUCTURE CLASSROOM IN

NATUREPublic institution for the protected natural values management in the Sisak-Moslavina County

INFO-points on the territory of Ecological Network – of Una River Dale NEW INFRASTRUCTURE REST AREA

Public institution for the protected parts of nature management in the Zadar County

Una - Spring of Life TRAIL EQUIPPING TRAIL RAILING

Public Institution “Nature Park Medvednica” Info-desk Bliznec NEW INFRASTRUCTURE INFO CENTER


Potential impacts and mitigation measures for buildings22

Potential impacts and mitigation measures for each group of investments

Buildings

Potential Impacts Mitigation measuresPositive Impacts Negative Impacts

Pre-construction phase

-

If planed reconstructions of protected buildings are not in accordance with cultural heritage protection standards, historical and cultural values of protected buildings may be diminished.

Building reconstruction has to be approved by responsible authority - Ministry of Culture, Directorate for Cultural Heritage Protection, local Conservation Department.

-

If planned building re/construction is situated in protected area or outside the limits of construction plot and it is not in accordance with nature protection standards, natural values may be diminished.

Special nature protection requirements have to be set out by the Ministry of Culture or the state administration office of the county (competent for nature protection) in the procedure of granting a location permit or within the authorization (in cases where project does not require the securing of a location permit).

If protected plant and animal species (especially bats, owls and dormice) inhabit existing objects and / or construction site, reconstruction works may additionally endanger them.

Before reconstruction works begin, a biologist – ecologist expert, or legal entity authorized for conducting activities in the field of biology-ecology, should:- determine whether protected plant and animal species (especially bats, owls and dormice) inhabit existing object and / or construction site- according to determined condition obtain instructions on construction method and period of construction from MoC (and include them in special nature protection requirements)

Constructi If planed reconstructions of protected



on Phase objects are made in accordance with cultural heritage protection standards, state of protected objects will be improved.

Generation of waste.

Before reconstruction works begin, determine whether existing building contains hazardous waste materials.

Waste should be sorted immediately at the construction site and collected separately by waste type.

Generation of waste.Places for temporary storage of previously separated types of waste must be determined at the construction site.

Hazardous waste (e.g. package with remains of hazardous materials, paint, and varnish) must be collected separately, temporarily disposed in impermeable and marked containers, and submitted with consignment note to the person authorized for the collection of hazardous waste.If waste contains asbestos it must be managed according to Ordinance on the method and procedures for managing waste containing asbestos (OG 42/07).

All generated waste has to be submitted to the person authorized for the collection of waste.

Construction site has to be equipped



with containers for litter. Containers should be regularly emptied and waste transport contracted with authorized firm.




Construction Phase

Soil compaction and damage of lawn by use of mechanization.

Existing (or planned) access roads and parking surfaces should be used for mechanization maneuvering and car parking.

In comparison with current conditions, state of some protected areas will be improved.

Possible damage of surrounding park trees.Preventing physical contact of mechanization with trees (e.g. by setting fencing facilities or even massive obstacles when appropriate).

Noise, light and dust emission.

Due to noise and light emission, construction works should only be done by daytime.Dust emission should be minimized by spraying water on construction site where needed.

Possible pollution of air, soil and underground waters due to improper site organization.

Burning of waste at the construction site has to be strictly forbidden.

Construction site should be equipped with sufficient number of:

- trashcans for communal waste

- chemical toilets with tanks for sanitary waste waters which will be emptied by authorized legal entity



Potential Impacts Mitigation measuresPositive Impacts Negative ImpactsOperation and Maintenance Phase

Improvement of waste waters treatment by constructing impermeable septic tanks of an adequate capacity or other equivalent solutions.

Increase of sanitary waste water quantities.

Appropriate septic tank (impermeable septic tank of an adequate capacity) or other equivalent solutions (e.g. waste water treatment plant) is to be designed and constructed. Afterwards, septic tank has to be regularly discharged (facility maintained).

Alternatively, chemical toilets for temporary or permanent use should be provided.

School children, local residents, visitors and institutions will have an opportunity to increase their knowledge about importance and values of protection and preservation of certain protected area and other sites that are parts of NEN and Natura 2000 network. Public awareness will be raised and bad practices caused by lack of knowledge will be prevented or reduced. That will result in overall better protection of natural and cultural values.

Increased number of cars, as well as noise emission during the daytime (more vehicles, more conversation), due to increased number of visitors.

Provide enough parking places, and make sure that not all visitors are present in the site area at the same time by separating them in several smaller groups during the day.

Generating economical benefits for local community by:

- creating possibilities for development of rural tourism and related activities (authentic Croatian products manufacturing)

- possibly creating new work places (e.g. need for seasonal or

Increased quantity of litter due to increased number of visitors.

Equipping the site with sufficient number of trashcans. Ensure they are being regularly emptied, as well as waste transported and disposed at landfill by authorized local firm.



permanent new employees in Public institutions)




Level of safety and comfort for users will be increased.

Irresponsible behavior of visitors may occur (vandalism, wildlife disturbance).

Responsible behavior of visitors will be stimulated by setting info-panels with information about natural values and need for their protection, warnings and park rules and regulations.Unique system of visiting, maintaining, surveillance and control of the area should be established by public institution.

If objects are planned to be illuminated with environmentally non-friendly lightning, light pollution is possible.

In order to reduce light pollution, the full or semi cut-off lighting fixtures should be used because they direct the light where needed - directly down or sideways, not up.


Potential impacts and mitigation measures for trails29

Trails

Potential Impacts Mitigation measuresPositive Impacts Negative ImpactsPre-construction phase

If planned trail re/construction is situated in protected area or outside the limits of construction plot and it is not in accordance with nature protection standards, natural values may be diminished.

Special nature protection requirements have to be obtained from the Ministry of Culture or the state administration office of the county (competent for nature protection activities) in the procedure of granting a location permit or within the authorization (in cases where project do not require the securing of a location permit). Construction works have to be done in accordance with nature protection requirements.

If planned trail re/construction is situated in economic forest, water protection area or similar, and it is not in accordance with required sectoral standards, damage to natural resources could be done.

Special sectoral requirements have to be obtained from competent authorities and construction works have to be done in accordance with obtained requirements.

If protected plant and animal species inhabit trail route and / or surrounding impact zone, construction works may additionally endanger them.

Before reconstruction works begin, a biologist – ecologist expert, or legal entity authorized for conducting activities in the field of biology-ecology, should:

- determine whether old trees inhabited with protected species (especially bats) are present on trail route and / or surrounding impact zone, as well as other protected plant and animal species

- according to determined condition obtain instructions from MoC (and include them in



special nature protection requirements)



Potential Impacts Mitigation measuresPositive Impacts Negative ImpactsConstruction Phase

Possible disposal of waste found on the route of proposed trail in the surrounding nature or caves (in the initial phase of field cleaning).

All waste found on the terrain before the beginning of construction have to be removed and disposed at appropriate landfill.It is particularly important to ensure that waste is not disposed in caves or in their vicinity.

Organic waste generation (by removing nearby plants and trees), as well as soil and rock dumps, in the initial phase of field cleaning and preparation.

Natural material (rocks, wood) removed from the field should be used as much as possible for the construction of new trail. The excess material which is not suitable for re/construction should be properly disposed.

Soil compaction and damage to surrounding vegetation by use of mechanization.


Possible damage of access roads by use of mechanization and transport vehicles (creation of holes and gullies, erosion)

After the construction works are finished the access roads have to be checked for possible damage and repaired if needed.

Generation of waste. Waste should be sorted at source and different types of waste should be collected separately.Places for temporary storage of sorted waste should be determined at the construction site.It is particularly important to ensure that waste is not disposed in caves or in their vicinity.



Generated waste should regularly be disposed at appropriate landfill.




Construction Phase


To reduce disturbance caused by noise emission and to avoid light pollution, construction works should only be done by daytime, as well as outside the tourist season.Dust emission should be minimized by spraying water on construction site where needed.

Possible damage to geological substrate (especially in karstic areas), flora and fauna

All works should be done under the supervision of park staff to ensure that special nature protection requirements are being implemented and potential adverse impacts to wildlife and habitats reduced to minimal extent possible.


Burning of waste at the construction site has to be strictly forbidden.

Construction site should be equipped with sufficient number of:

- trashcans for communal waste- chemical toilets with tanks for

sanitary waste waters which will be emptied by authorized legal entity.




Operation and Maintenance Phase

School children, local residents, visitors and institutions will get an opportunity to increase their knowledge about importance and values of protection and preservation of certain protected areas, as well as other sites that are parts of NEN and Natura 2000 network. Public awareness will be raised and bad practices caused by lack of knowledge (introduction of invasive species, water pollution by inappropriate waste management) will be prevented or reduced. That will result in overall better protection of natural and cultural values.


Responsible behavior of visitors will be stimulated by setting info-panels with information about natural values and need for their protection, warnings and park rules and regulations.

Unique system of visiting, maintaining, surveillance and control of the area should be established by public institution.

Easier and safer access to currently unreachable areas (better fire management, possibility for habitat preservation, etc.)

Increased quantities of litter due to increased number of visitors.

Equipping the trail with sufficient number of trashcans (placed on strategic places such as resting areas, info points, etc) and their frequent emptying. In cases where placing trashcans is not advisable (the trail is too long and the access difficult, number of institution's staff is low) visitors should be educated about park rules and regulations on garbage control by spreading information at the info points, installing signboards on strategic places, etc.

Light pollution is possible if trails are planned to be illuminated with environmentally non-friendly lightning.

In order to reduce light pollution, the full or semi cut-off lighting fixtures should be used because they direct the light where needed - directly down or sideways, not up.







- possibly creating new jobs (e.g. need for seasonal or permanent new employees in Public institutions)

Possible disturbance of wildlife if number of visitors exceeds carrying capacity of the specific site area.

Carrying capacity should be established and according to it specific measures implemented (e.g. organization of guided tours in smaller groups, preventing groups from passing by each other).


Potential impacts and mitigation measures for caves36

Caves



If planed reconstructions of protected caves are not in accordance with cultural heritage protection standards, historical and cultural value of this protected object may be diminished.

Object reconstruction has to be approved by responsible authority - Ministry of Culture, Directorate for Cultural Heritage Protection

If planned reconstructions of protected caves are not in accordance with nature protection standards, natural values may be diminished.

Special nature protection requirements have to be set out by the Ministry of Culture. Determine the presence and abundance of protected bat species and whether the gates (grilles) on caves entrances are in accordance with standards for determinated species. If gates are not in accordance with standards, they should be adapted to ensure unhindered passage for bats.

Construction Phase

Renovation of cave infrastructure Possible damage of cave decorations (speleothems)

All construction works should be monitored by Public Institution staff and speleologist. Movement of workers will be limited to working area.

Impact on cave fauna/habitats

All construction works should be monitored by Public Institution staff and biospeleologist. Site organization will be limited to working area.

Noise and dust emissionOnly necessary construction works are allowed in caves. Other construction works should be conducted outside the cave.

Usage of inappropriate construction materials

Metal fixtures must be maintained by water-based anti-corrosives (without



organic solvents) or even replaced if completely worn.




Construction Phase

Improperly installed electrical lines

Electrical installations must be maintained with construction and installation materials adequate for corrosion category 4. Construction of electrical installations and lighting must be implemented under plans drawn up and approved in advance.The maximum allowable temperature of the paint on installed sources must not exceed 3200 K; the recommended limit is 3000 K, and the optimum is The maximum allowable temperature of the paint on installed sources must not exceed 3200 K; the recommended limit is 3000 K, and the optimum is 2700 K. The minimum light on the trail must exceed 1 lx.2700 K. The minimum light on the trail must exceed 1 lx.

Generation of construction waste. Waste should not be temporary disposed near water habitats in caves.

All waste created in the course of permitted works in the caves must be disposed outside of the caves as prescribed by law.

Increase in air temperature and illumination during works

Number of persons should be monitored during works.Air temperature should be measured in places where workers will work longer.


Tourist visiting Malfunction of electrical installations can reduce level of safety for visitors

Before visiting season the rectitude of protective electrical devices must be tested and grounding resistance has to be verified by a person or company registered to monitor of electrical devices.





Increase of number of visitors can have impact on:

A) Increase of air temperature and light intensity(growth of l lampenflora-algae and moss)B) Changes in the content of gases (Under conditions of intense use of air in the cave, the O2 content can diminish while CO2 grows.)C) generation of litterD) Impact on cave fauna/habitats

A) For monitoring of the air temperature in caves thermometers must be installed. In case of reaching higher air temperatures, visitors are halted and lighting is switched off until the air cools to allowable temperature. B) Monitoring of CO2 in cavesC) All waste created in the course of regular maintenance and activities in the cave must be disposed outside of the caves as prescribed by law.D) Monitoring of cave fauna/habitatsBased on biospeleological research, maximum number of visitors in group, duration of visit, and period of visiting during the year should be establish according to presence of bats. Caves should have tour organization and guidance in accordance with general code of conduct.


Potential impacts and mitigation measures for facilities at freshwater/sea shores40

Facilities at freshwater/sea shores



If planned re/construction of facilities at freshwater/sea shores is situated in protected area or outside the limits of construction plot and it is not in accordance with nature protection standards, natural values may be diminished.

Special nature protection requirements have to be obtained from the Ministry of Culture or the state administration office of the county (competent for nature protection activities) in the procedure of granting a location permit or within the authorization (in cases where project do not require the securing of a location permit). Construction works have to be done in accordance with nature protection requirements.

Construction Phase

Possible damage to freshwater/sea bottom and changes in environmental conditions due to installation of scaffolds, underwater excavations and anchoring.

Underwater works should be done on the minimum necessary bottom surface and should enable the normal flow of water (e.g. scaffolds should not disturb fish migrations).

Possible damage to freshwater/sea bottom and changes in environmental conditions (e.g. bottom characteristics) due to land-slides, accidental falls or erosion of building materials.

Building material (sand, pebbles) should be kept far from the shores to prevent it from falling into the water. Construction works on the shores should be performed with special caution to prevent land-slids and accidental falls of construction parts into the water.All the construction waste should be removed from the location on the regular basis and properly disposed.




Construction Phase

Possible physical and chemical changes of water environment which may have adverse effects on water quality and water organisms (e.g. changes caused by poured concrete spill).

When pouring concrete under the water surface construction formwork should be set carefully to prevent leaking of concrete into the water.The works should be done with materials that contain as less as possible fine particles (dirt, mud).

Possible pollution of water/sea by oils, fats and fuels due to faulty machinery and/or inadequate use of it.

Prior to start of construction works technical validity of machinery should be checked.Refueling and servicing of machinery should be performed off the construction site on the place designated for that purpose.

Possible pollution of water/sea by sanitary waste waters due to improper construction site organization.

Construction site should be equipped with sufficient number of chemical toilets with tanks for sanitary waste waters which will be emptied by authorized legal entity.


Re/construction of piers/docks will contribute to safe and controlled mooring (visitors/fishermen), regulation of poaching and improvement of tourist offer that will allow exploration of hidden parts of protected areas without endangering habitats or species (organized boat trips).

If parking lot construction is planned near freshwater/sea shores (to meet the needs of increased number of visitors), pollution of water ecosystems may occur due to precipitation and runoff waters.

The oil separator should be installed for water runoffs.

The reconstruction of the old bridge will enable local farmers to access easily their currently abandoned fields



and restart using them which will contribute to habitat preservation. Bridge will also provide quick access in case of fire.


Potential impacts and mitigation measures for facilities at sea43

Facilities at sea



Lasting negative impacts are possible if the research work is not in accordance with nature protection standards and marine navigation safety.

Special protection requirements have to be set out by competent ministries. To determine the state of marine habitats at the planned locations for anchoring.

Construction Phase

Laying concrete moorings on sea bottom will damage very small areas of marine habitats

Concrete moorings should be positioned using cranes and/or underwater parachutes. Possible replacement of moorings should be performed by lifting from the bottom and not by dragging.


Controlling a number of visitors / implementation of carrying capacity in NP Kornati.

Wastewater discharge from moored watercrafts directly into the 1st category sea -degradation of the sea quality and habitats.

Forbid wastewater discharge from watercrafts.

Safe mooring and anchoring.Inform visitors about the closest marinas with facilities for collecting sewage from the watercrafts.

Prevention further degradation of marine habitats. Build compost toilets in selected coves.

Recovery of marine habitats. Monitoring marine habitats


Potential impacts and mitigation measures for other simple facilities44

Other simple facilities (for various purposes)



If planned construction is situated in protected area or outside the limits of construction plot and it is not in accordance with nature protection standards, natural values may be diminished.

Special nature protection requirements have to be set out by the Ministry of Culture or the state administration office of the county (competent for nature protection activities) in the procedure of granting a location permit or within the authorization (in cases where project do not require the securing of a location permit).

If protected plant and animal species inhabit construction site, construction works may additionally endanger them.

Before reconstruction works begin, a biologist – ecologist expert, or legal entity authorized for conducting activities in the field of biology-ecology, should:

- determine whether protected plant and animal species (especially bats, owls and dormice) inhabit construction site

- according to determined condition obtain instructions on construction method and period of construction from MoC (and include them in special nature protection requirements)

Construction Phase

Generation of waste.Waste should be sorted immediately at the construction site and collected separately by waste type.

Places for temporary storage of previously separated types of waste



must be determined at the construction site.



Potential Impacts Mitigation measuresPositive Impacts Negative ImpactsConstruction Phase

Hazardous waste (e.g. package with remains of hazardous materials, paint, and varnish) must be collected separately, temporarily disposed in impermeable and marked containers, and submitted with consignment note to the person authorized for the collection of hazardous waste.All generated waste has to be submitted to the person authorized for the collection of waste.

Generation of waste.

Construction site has to be equipped with containers for litter. Containers should be regularly emptied and waste transport contracted with authorized firm.

Soil compaction and damage of lawn by use of mechanization.


Possible damage of surrounding trees (especially protected species) that inhabit construction site.

Preventing physical contact of mechanization with trees (e.g. by setting fencing facilities or even massive obstacles when appropriate).


Due to noise and light emission, construction works should only be done by daytime.Dust emission should be minimized by spraying water on construction site where needed.


Burning of waste at the construction site has to be strictly forbidden.Construction site should be equipped with sufficient number of:

- trashcans for communal waste



- chemical toilets with tanks for sanitary waste waters which will be emptied by authorized legal entity.





School children, local residents, visitors and institutions will have an opportunity to increase their knowledge about importance and values of protection and preservation of certain protected area and other sites that are parts of NEN and Natura 2000 network. Public awareness will be raised and bad practices caused by lack of knowledge will be prevented or reduced. That will result in overall better protection of natural and cultural values.

Increased number of cars, as well as noise emission during the daytime (more vehicles, more conversation), due to increased number of visitors.

If needed, make sure not all visitors are present in the site area at the same time by separating them in several smaller groups during the day.



- possibly creating new work places (e.g. need for seasonal or permanent new employees in Public institutions).

Increased quantity of litter due to increased number of visitors.

Equipping the site with sufficient number of trashcans. Ensure they are being regularly emptied, as well as waste transported and disposed at landfill by authorized local firm.


Responsible behavior of visitors will be stimulated by setting info-panels with information about natural values and need for their protection, warnings and park rules and regulations.Unique system of visiting, maintaining, surveillance and control of the area should be established by public institution.

If facilities are planned to be illuminated with environmentally non-friendly lightning,

In order to reduce light pollution, the full or semi cut-off lighting fixtures should



light pollution is possible.be used for lightning (because they direct the light where needed - directly down or sideways, not up).


50

5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Informing and including the public into decision-making processes during the planning phase of building the structures/objects is an important precondition to highly protect the environment as well as to protect interests of local communities. Private investors, designers and EIS - authorised persons pay respect to all environmental and socio-cultural characteristics during their project work. Sometimes, in case of inadequate understanding of local conditions or just physical distances certain aspects were neglected and hence not included in final version of documents. Therefore before final realization of NIP - field projects, it is planned to introduce all project documentation to representatives of State Authorities, NGOs, interest groups and local communities.

Introducing documentation is planned at two levels – national and regional/local. National level of public consultation concerns representatives of competent ministries (e.g. Ministry of culture, Ministry of environmental protection, physical planning and construction), state professional institutions (e.g. State Institute for Nature Protection) as well as appreciable NGOs engaged in environmental issues. Process of public participation consists of two phases. First phase includes public disclosure (public insight into documentation) while second covers public consultation (public presentation followed by discussion). During the first phase, the General Environmental Management Plan together with individual Plans for single cases is announced on the web site of the Ministry of culture. Information on the web announcement together with invitations for public consultation is then addressed to each institution recognized as interest group during the decision making process. It is the common way institutions have opportunity to become familiar with documentation and to prepare their comments and suggestions. Single hard copy of complete documentation is archived in Ministry of culture; in case of Internet approach failure. Institutions are invited to introduce their opinions during the public discussion or to prepare a letter response if they are not able to attend public consultation. Questions and issues identified within the process of public consultation are included into documentation thus modifying problematic parts and specifying issues as an annex to the document (within the public consultation minutes and received written comments).

Process of public participation on regional level runs the same way except the announcement on public consultation and the whole project documentation (EMPs) could be found on the official web sites as well as in offices of regional/local authorities (counties, municipality). Consultation is placed inside county/municipality offices. Interest groups involved in the decision making processes are representatives of regional/local authorities, professional institutions, NGOs engaged in environmental issues on local/regional level and other stakeholders (inhabitants, owners and authorized persons of wider area of interventions). Questions and issues identified within the process of public consultation are included into documentation as modifications of problematic parts, as well as specified in the annexes to the document.

5.1. Public consultation at national level in September 2010

General Environmental Management Plan for EU Natura 2000 Integration Project, as well as the invitation to a public consultation have been published on September 17 on the official webpage of the Ministry of culture. In addition to public


51

announcement, the invitation was sent directly to both e-mail and regular addresses of thirty relevant institutions and organizations. Public consultation was held on September 22, 2010 in the big meeting room of Ministry of culture. All stakeholders had also been invited to send their written comments until September 21 to both regular mail address of Project implementation unit (Ministry of culture, Nature protection directorate) and e-mail address of Project procurement specialist ([email protected]). Public consultation minutes, as well as received written comments are attached in annexes 2 and 3 of the document. In accordance with the comments certain parts of General EMP were modified.


mailto:[email protected]

52

APPENDIX 1 LIST OF LAWS, REGULATIONS AND ORDINANCES

1. Nature Protection Act (OG 70/05, 139/08)

2. Regulation on proclamation of national ecological network (OG 109/07)

3. Ordinance on Appropriate Assessment (OG 118/09)

4. Environmental protection act (OG 110/07)

5. Regulation on environmental impact assessment (OG 64/08, 67/09)

6. Noise protection act (OG 20/03)

7. Ordinance on highest permitted levels of noise in areas where people work and live (NN 145/04)

8. Ordinance on protection measures from outdoor noise sources (OG 156/08)

9. Forest act (OG 140/05, 82/06, 129/08, 80/10)

10.Ordinance on forest management (OG 111/06, 141/08)

11.Regulation on the forests fire protection (OG 26/03)

12.Physical planning and construction act (OG 76/07, 38/09)

13.Act on procedures and building requirements for investment stimulation (OG 69/09)

14.Ordinance on construction waste management (OG 38/08)

15.Ordinance on simple buildings and works (OG 21/09, 57/10)

16.Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Act (OG 69/99, 151/03, 157/03, 87/09, 88/10)

17.Agricultural land act (OG 152/08)

18.Ordinance on protection of agricultural land (OG 15/92)

19.Waste act (OG 178/04, 111/09, 60/08, 87/09)

20.Regulation on categories, types and classification of waste with a waste catalogue and list of hazardous waste (OG 50/05, 39/09)

21.Ordinance on waste oil management (OG 124/06, 121/08, 31/09, 156/09)

22.Ordinance on the method and procedures for managing waste containing asbestos (OG 42/07)


53

23.Instruction on handling waste containing asbestos (OG 89/08)

24.Ordinance on waste batteries and accumulators management (OG 133/06, 31/09, 156/09)

25.Waters act (OG 153/09)

26.Air protection act (OG 178/04, 60/08)

27.Regulation on designation of zones and agglomerations according to categories of air quality (OG 68/08)

28.Regulation on limit values of pollutants in air (OG 133/05)

29.Public roads act (OG 180/04)

30.Regulation on information and participation of the public and public concerned in environmental matters (OG 64/08)

31.Regulation on the planning and protection of the coastal area (OG 128/04)

32.Regulation on the classification and categorization of nautical tourism ports (OG 72/08)


54

APPENDIX 2 PUBLIC CONSULTATION MINUTES AND LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

N I PEU Natura 2000 Integration Project

PUBLIC CONSULTATION MINUTES

Public presentation of General Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for EU Natura 2000 Integration Project was held on September 22, 2010 at 2 p.m. in the big meeting room of Ministry of Culture. 37 people attended the presentation, representatives of relevant ministries, expert institutions acting at national level, public institutions for management of protected areas, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for environment and nature protection (the complete list of participants is given in appendix to the minutes).

The introductory word was given by Ana Kobašlić from Ministry of Culture, head of Department for Strategic Planning in Nature Protection and European Integration. Then followed the presentations:

1. EU Natura 2000 Integration Project was briefly presented by Nino Gunjača, procurement specialist of the Project Implementation Unit

2. General analysis of environmental impacts for proposed investments in protected areas was presented by Željko Koren head of Environment Protection Division of the consulting company Oikon Ltd.

3. Overview of legislation and mitigation measures related to resource access restriction in protected areas and areas of ecological network was given by Vladimir Kušan PhD head of Natural Resources Division of the consulting company Oikon Ltd.

The presentations were followed by discussion. Several participants spoke, expressing their opinion on documents presented, but also on the project itself and the things that should be taken into account in its implementation. Speakers and the basic ideas of their presentations are listed below in chronological order:

Andrea Štefan (Tragus, WWF MedPO) expressed her discontent with too short deadline for submission of written comments to the document. In accordance with her remark, the deadline for comments was extended until September 24.Danijela Hamidović (Croatian Biospeleological Society (CBSS)), spoke about the General EMP and impact mitigation measures for planned projects. She believes


55

that assessment of impacts on nature values needs certain improvements and sets out concrete proposals in this regard. A detailed overview of the proposed measures and related explanations was submitted in writing by CBSS and the integral written comments are given in appendix to the minutes. Neven Trenc (State Institute for Nature Protection) talked about the need for assessment of acceptability of proposed investments to the ecological network (appropriate assessment – AA). He thinks that the EMP document due to the fact of being general possesses a level of uncertainty to be able to ascertain whether proposed investments need implementation of AA procedure or not. He explained that the list of interventions in need of AA is not defined by law, and only those interventions that are directly related to the management of the ecological network area are not in need of AA. Therefore, although in his opinion the majority of proposed investments will not need AA, it will still have to be decided on a case by case basis. Andrea Štefan (Tragus, WWF MedPO) referred to the previous comment and said that the General EMP (page 6) does not clearly explain the AA procedure. She thinks that more detailed description of the procedure is needed, as well as clarification on who decides whether AA is needed or not. She also commented on the presentation of Vladimir Kušan PhD, emphasizing the difficulties of drawing conclusions based only on analysis of the regulations since a large number of regulations exist only at the level of the document without elaborated procedures, funding, etc. (cites the example of analyzed regulations on compensation fees, of which only one is actively pursuing the practice). She also thinks that the model of boundary determination set for the process of ecological network proclamation could not be simply applied to the boundary demarcation of protected areas. Among other things, she sees the problem in determining the boundaries in border areas. Loris Elez (Ministry of Culture (MoC)) responded that Project does not intend to declare new protected areas or to change existing borders. MoC and State Geodetic Administration (SGA) are currently working on finding the most acceptable solution for entering the boundaries of existing protected areas in the cadastre.Darko Rajhenbah (Ministry of Regional Development, Forestry and Water Management) commented on the terminology used in the General EMP, pointing out that the sanitary waste water is not «disposed of» but rather «treated». He also stresses that water management regulations related to protected areas should be taken into account while planning and implementing the interventions.Loris Elez (MoC) replied that water regulation conditions will be obtained in the process of issuing the necessary permits (location permit, consent on building conditions).Željko Koren (Oikon) explained that although for a large number of interventions there is no obligation for issuing a location permit, Oikon's recommendation is to apply for special sectoral requirements anyway. Ana Kobašlić (MoC) emphasized that the purpose of the entire Project is to invest in nature protection and all proposed interventions aim at improving conditions in protected areas or areas of ecological network.Daniela Hamidović (CBSS) remainded of cases of bad practice that happened during construction works in protected areas in the past. In regard to that she finds it extreamly important to elaborate all the aspects of impacts on nature and to build them in the protection measures. Andrea Štefan (Tragus, WWF MedPO) raised the question of maintenance / operation costs of the facilities after their construction. She is interested in how the planned interventions will contribute to the protection of nature / NATURA 2000 species and habitats (aside from the fact that they will increase visitation in the protected areas). She asked for clarification of the project name, or clarification of the word «integration» in the given context.


56

Ana Kobašlić (MoC) explained that the principal objectives of the project are - strengthening the capacity of public institutions, public involvement and education of visitors (public) which will facilitate communication between institutions and local communities/visitors and thus indirectly contribute to better nature conservation (NATURA species and habitats).

Minutes compiled by Sonja Desnica, B.Sc. Biology, September 24, 2010, in Zagreb.


57

N I PProjekt integracije u EU Natura 2000EU Natura 2000 Integration Project

Public presentation of General Environmental Management Plan for EU Natura 2000 Integration ProjectMinistry of Culture and Institute for Applied Ecology (Oikon Ltd.)

Zagreb, September 22, 2010

No. Name Institution E-mail Tel/Fax

1. Ana Kobašlić Ministry of Culture [email protected] 01/4866-125

2. Ivna Vukšić Ministry of Culture [email protected] 01/4866-186

3. Marin Grgurev State Institute for Nature Protection [email protected] 098/1859-479

01/6060-2794. Sanja Tišma Institute for International

Relations [email protected] 098/224-217

5. Miljenko DeškovićMinistry of Regional Development, Forestry and Water Management

[email protected] 01/6002-962, 01/6002-865

6. Srećko Juričić Ministry of Regional [email protected] 01/6002-931, EU Natura 2000 Integration Project

General Environmental management plan







58

Development, Forestry and Water Management 01/6002-865

7. Doc.dr.sc. Sven Jelaska Croatian Biological Society 1885 [email protected] 01/4895-568

8. Darko RajhenbahMinistry of Regional Development, Forestry and Water Management

darko . rajhenbah @voda.hr 01/6307-348, 01/6151 821

9. Ivana PleštinaMinistry of Regional Development, Forestry and Water Management

[email protected] 01/6307-569, 01/6151-821

10. Milica ŠimićMinistry of Regional Development, Forestry and Water Management

[email protected] 01/6307-318

11. Egon Vasilić Public Institution Nature Park Učka [email protected] 051/293-753,

091/252-940312. Sanja Vurin State Geodetic Administration

IISZA project [email protected] 098/466-645

13. Irena Magdić State Geodetic Administration [email protected] 01/6165-437,099/218-9937

14. Zoran Vujić State Geodetic Administration [email protected] 01/6165-466

15. Tatjana Arnold Sabo Public Institution of Virovitičko-podravska county [email protected] 033/722-033,

099/235-152916. Gordana Goreta Public Institution National Park

Krka [email protected] 022/201-757,091/2254-009

17. Vladislav Mihelčić Public Institution National Park Kornati [email protected] 022/435-740

18. Andrea ŠtefanAssociation for bat conservation Tragus/WWF MedPO


19. Neven Trenc State Institute for Nature Protection [email protected] 091/6060-271,

01/5502-928















59

20. Loris Elez Ministry of Culture [email protected] 01/4866-113

21. Fanica Kljaković Gaspić Oikon Ltd. [email protected] 091/2332-100

22. Dina Kovač Biology Students Association - BIUS [email protected] 091/573-9142

23. Vida Zrinčić Biology Students Association - BIUS [email protected] 098/901-4680

24. Sonja Desnica Oikon Ltd. [email protected] 01/5507-161

25. Sunčana Rapić Oikon Ltd. [email protected] 01/5507-193

26. Marija Kuljević Croatian Herpetological Society [email protected] 095/905-0736

27. Vedran Lucić Association for Biological Research - BIOM [email protected] 095/905-9948

28. Vjeran Piršić Eko Kvarner 098/305-610

29. Blandina Randić Potkonjak Ministry of Culture [email protected] 01/4866-104

30. Mirna MazijaAssociation for bat conservation Tragus / Oikon Ltd.


31. Jagoda Munić Green Action [email protected] 01/4813-096,098/1795-690

32. Danijela Hamidović Croatian Biospeleological Society / Ministry of Culture


33. Marijana Cukrov Croatian Biospeleological Society / Ministry of Culture


34. Osvin Pečar Public Institution National Park Mljet [email protected] 099/2196-656



















60

35. Nino Gunjača Ministry of Culture, EU Natura 2000 Integration Project [email protected]

36. Željko Koren Oikon Ltd. [email protected] 01/5507-188

37. Vladimir Kušan Oikon Ltd. [email protected] 01/5507-131





61

APPENDIX 3 WRITTEN COMMENTS

1. Croatian Biospeological society comments

Croatian Biospeological society- suggestions and comments for General overview of the General environmental management plan for EU Natura 2000 integration project

4.3.2. Potential Impacts

BUILDINGS - before and during constructions works; existing buildings should be inspected

for protected species especially bats, but also owl and dormice, instructions from the competent Ministry should be provided and instructions should be incorporated into the environmental protection measures

- if the bats and / or other protected species live in buildings, period of construction and construction methods should be adapted to protected species activity

- in karst areas septic tanks should be checked – a special control and attests should be provided

- during operation and maintenance phase- under negative impacts light pollution wasn't documented, and also light pollution should be specified in mitigation measures- lighting should be used in accordance with best available solutions on the market (which is constantly changing and the solutions are getting better) because the problem is recognized at international level

TRAILS- before and during construction special attention should be provided for old

trees and old trees should be inspect for protected species especially bats- during operation and maintenance phase under negative impacts light

pollution wasn't documented, (the same comment as for buildings )- during construction phase special attention should be provided for

construction waste, construction was should not be disposed near caves and pits

CAVES - during construction phase; should be added possible damage of cave

decorations (speleothems) and habitats, special attention should be provided for water habitats and waste should not be temporary disposed near water habitats in caves

- during operation and maintenance phase based on biospeleological research, maximum number of visitors in group, duration of visit, and period of visiting during the year should be established according to presence of bats

- doors at the entrance to the caves should be in accordance with door mounted on Veternica cave, and in accordance with the species of bats that live in caves


62

- since the caves are located in the zone of distribution of Miniopterus schreibersii which is threatened in Croatia, it is necessary to install a protective fence (according to Veternica cave)

- during construction phase speleological and biospeleological supervision should be provided with regular records that will be forwarded to Public Institution and the competent Ministry

FACILITIES AT SEA- should be in accordance with ecosystem approach and Integrated Coastal

Zone Management (ICZM) protocol (Barcelona Convention) which is in preparation for ratification

- during operation and maintenance phase; as negative impact during anchoring spread of invasive species like Caulerpe wasn't documented, and during construction phase damage of marine habitats wasn't documented

OTHER SIMPLE FACILITIES - during construction phase negative impact on trees- negative impact on

protected species wasn't documented - during construction and operation phase; light pollution wasn't documented


63

2. Ministry of Rural Development Forestry and Water Management comments

Dear madam or sir,

Concerning the letter in which you inform about General environmental management plan for EU Natura 2000 Integration Project public presentation, Forestry Administration delivers following comments on the document:

1. On page 5 of General EMP, Forest act (OG 140/05, NN 82/06, 129/08, 80/10) should be added under chapter 3.1. because it prescribes construction of objects in forests and extraction of forests, or forest lands from forest management areas for purpose of construction rights

2. On page 10 of General EMP, name of Ministry of Rural Development Forestry and Water Management should be corrected from:

„Ministarstvo regionalnog razvoja, šumarstva i vodnog gospodarstva“, into „Ministarstvo regionalnog razvoja, šumarstva i vodnoga gospodarstva“

3. On page 36 of General EMP, all amendments of Forest act (OG 140/05, NN 82/06, 129/08, 80/10) should be stated

4. On page 36 of General EMP, we recomend adding Regulation on the forests fire protection (OG 26/03) on the list of laws, regulations and ordinances in Appendix 1

Kind regards,Miljenko DeškovićMinistry of Rural Development Forestry and Water Management


project background - world bank · web viewthe republic of croatia has received a project...

Documents