Croatia

EDM’s Gacka Project in Croatia has been recognized as the most creative social project by the Network for Innovation and Creativity.

“Adopt and Revive a River” Project

The “Adopt and Revive a River” Project in Croatia focused on the preservation of the Gacka River and the promotion of its sustainable use as a source of economic opportunity for the local population, particularly in the context of rural and adventure tourism. Gacka River is situated in the Lika district, in a valley close to the town of Otočac. The water of the river is very clean and rich in oxygen, and it supports a rich and unique ecosystem. One of its main features is the internationally recognized indigenous trout. Recently, there has been a focus on the rural touristic activity of fly-fishing. The water sourced at Gacka is the principal supply of drinking water for the entire coastal area at the foot of the Velebit Mountain, and for several islands as well.

Challenges facing the river:

1. The indigenous trout population is being jeopardized by the injudicious introduction of Californian trout.

2. The major national highway skirting the valley is bringing significant traffic to the area. Until recently, this area was devoid of the economic opportunities which such an infrastructure brings to the area, but it was also protected from the subsequent environmental stress. There is concern that the pools containing the waste water of the highway will leak water into the groundwater source which feeds the river, due to extremely porous karst terrain.

What is the objective?
The purpose of the project is to develop a model for preservation of water through the creation of economic incentives for sustainable utilization of water by the local population.

The initiative will support sustainable tourism on a particular river, addressing both the protection of river water and of the natural and cultural heritage, as well as the promotion of tourism-related activities along the river as a source of income for the local population, particularly for young people.