Hrvatski
The Mrežnica and Tounjčica rivers in Croatia are among the most remarkable karst waterways in the region. Their travertine barriers form cascading waterfalls and tranquil pools, their canyon landscapes shelter rich plant and animal life, and their underground systems harbour unique cave-dwelling species found nowhere else. These ecosystems are not only exceptional, but also highly fragile – and increasingly exposed to the impacts of climate change.
A New Approach to Climate Adaptation
To help safeguard them, a Climate Change Adaptation Plan has been developed for the protected area and watershed of the Mrežnica and Tounjčica rivers – the first document of its kind in Croatia to examine climate change primarily through the lens of natural ecosystems, rather than infrastructure or economic assets. Built on historical climate data, hydrological analysis, and projections for the coming decades, the Plan assesses how the environment is likely to change and identifies the main risks for ecosystems. The process included close consultation with the public institution managing the protected area, as well as workshops with local, regional, and national stakeholders whose input helped shape its content.
Understanding Climate Risks in the Watershed
The vulnerability and risk assessment shows that the area faces increasing pressure from shifting precipitation patterns, more frequent and prolonged droughts, rising temperatures, and more intense flood events. These changes threaten the hydrology of the rivers, the stability of travertine barriers, aquatic and wetland habitats, forest cover, grasslands, and the delicate underground karst systems. The effects also extend beyond the natural environment: tourism, which depends heavily on the area’s ecological integrity, and local communities relying on private wells and water sources are equally at risk.
Building Resilience for the Future
In response, the Plan proposes eight adaptation measures focused on strengthening ecosystem resilience across the watershed – covering forest management, water quality and flow, grassland maintenance, cave and groundwater monitoring, and capacity building for the tourism sector. Forest habitats are identified as the top priority: healthy, structurally diverse forests stabilize water flow, reduce erosion, support groundwater recharge, and underpin the resilience of all other ecosystems in the catchment. Action should begin without delay, as the ecological processes involved unfold over decades.
Supporting Climate-Resilient Decision-Making
This Plan is not a fixed prescription, but a living strategic framework intended to support decision-making by local authorities, protected area managers, and other relevant institutions. It provides a basis for integrating climate adaptation into spatial planning, future investments, and applications for national and EU funding – serving as both a conservation tool and a practical guide for climate-resilient management of the area.
Ultimately, effective adaptation in the Mrežnica and Tounjčica watershed will depend on coordinated action among all relevant stakeholders: river managers, local governments, foresters, the tourism sector, and local communities. By placing ecosystem health at the heart of planning, this first-of-its-kind document demonstrates that protecting nature is one of the most powerful ways to build resilience for the future.