The Monitoring Working Group was established to establish systematic and standardized monitoring of natural values ​​and ecosystems in protected areas in Croatia. Systematic monitoring enables the collection of comparable data over time and across different areas, which is crucial for understanding changes in natural systems, identifying threats, and making informed decisions in the management of protected areas.

Data standardization is one of the fundamental elements of the Group's work. When monitoring methods and protocols are harmonized, the results collected in different areas become comparable, which enables trend analysis, identification of priority habitats and species, and precise planning of conservation measures. Without standardization, data are fragmented and difficult to use for strategic decision-making, assessment of protection effectiveness, and long-term conservation of biodiversity.

One of the Group's important tasks is to network public institutions that manage protected areas, in order to establish a single national monitoring database. Such a database enables coordinated exchange of information, monitoring of changes and trends, and coordinated action by all relevant institutions. Once the database is established, the Group plans to identify priority species and habitats and develop standardized monitoring methods, ensuring that data are consistent and reliable.

The Group's work involves public institutions, experts from research institutions, representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises and NGOs, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach. Such a combination of scientific and practical experience enables comprehensive monitoring of ecosystems and a better understanding of the complex challenges of nature conservation.

Working group members:

1. Andrea Blašković - Public Institution Brijuni National Park, Head
2. Milena Ramov - Public Institution Telašćica Nature Park
3. Tina Dragutin Burić - Public Institution Priroda Šibensko-Kninske
4. Sandro Dujmović - Public Institution Natura Histrica
5. Ozana Domijan - Public Institution Lokrum Reserve
6. Josip Boban - Public Institution Sea and Karst
7. Ljiljana Iveša - Ruđer Bošković Institute - CIM Rovinj Center
8. Petar Kružić - Faculty of Science in Zagreb
9. Zrinka Ljubešić - Faculty of Science in Zagreb
10. Sanja Matić Skoko - Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries
11. Ante Žuljević - Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries
12. Ivana Zubak Čižmek - University of Zadar
13. Martin Pfannkuchen - Ruđer Bošković Institute Bošković – CIM Rovinj Center
14. Katja Jelić - Ministry of Environmental and Nature Protection (Institute for Environmental and Nature Protection)
15. Patrik Krstinić - WWF Adria
16. Hrvoje Čižmek - 20,000 Miles Sea Explorers Society
17. Matea Špika - Sunce Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development
18. Zrinka Jakl - Sunce Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development
19. Silvija Kipson - SeaFun, a craft for scientific and professional services

Contact: Andrea Blašković, andrea.blaskovic@np-brijuni.hr