National Park Kozara Adopts Visitor Management and Community Engagement Plan

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On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at the Bijele Vode Hotel in the National Park Kozara (NP Kozara), representatives of the USAID Turizam project and the NP Kozara officially presented the Visitor Management and Community Engagement Plan (VMCEP) of NP Kozara!

On this occasion, NP Kozara director Božidar Nikoletić, stated: “This is a significant strategic document that will assist us in improving the tourism work of NP Kozara. It is in the best interests of both the administration and the public institution of NP Kozara not to endanger the park’s natural integrity, i.e., its flora and fauna, as well as its cultural and historical heritage. As outlined in this Plan, we will dedicate significant attention in the next period to the restoration of that cultural and historical heritage.”

NP Kozara director Božidar Nikoletić and Nature&Adventure owner Milena Šijan
Photo Credit: NP Kozara

This is the second document developed for a protected area in Bosnia and Herzegovina, following NP Una, for which USAID Turizam provided technical assistance through an expert team comprised of Milena Šijan (Nature & Adventure) and Dunja Delić Božić (Wise for Nature). The management plan is the result of the cooperation of the USAID Turizam project, NP Kozara, representatives of the RS Institute for the Protection of Cultural, Historical, and Natural Heritage at the RS Ministry of Trade and Tourism, the RS Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction, and Ecology, as well as other interested actors. The Action Plan, which outlines a clearly defined work program for the NP Kozara and identifies relevant institutions and actors for the next ten years, is a central part of the document.

Dragan Kovačević, Head of the Department for Natural Heritage of the RS Institute for the Protection of Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage, emphasized the importance of cultural and historical heritage in NP Kozara: “The law on the national park values and recognizes the segment of both cultural and natural heritage as a natural or cultural asset, and certain procedures and norms of behavior are prescribed in order to preserve all of the values in this area. Certainly, the adopted document, in this section that we heard today, has the component that will recognize and provide a new step forward in visitor management. I expect that this document will valorize these values in a different way, and that NP Kozara will materialize those values and generate certain incomes as a result of that valorization. First and foremost, we should thank colleagues from the USAID Turizam project, as well as those from NP Kozara.”

Dragan Kovačević, Head of the Department for Natural Heritage of the RS Institute for the Protection of Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage
Photo Credit: NP Kozara

By implementing the VMCEP in the NP Kozara, the visitor experience will be improved, and by following the clear guidelines and educational materials, awareness of the park’s ecological and cultural-historical importance will be raised. The plan prioritizes the presentation of local culture and tradition as well as capacity building, the introduction of new trainings, and the creation of new opportunities for local actors through certification at various levels (products and services). The Plan contributes to the sustained viability of the NP Kozara environment by following the best practices and promoting the conservation principles of the protected area. In the long run, this plan will make the NP Kozara site more appealing to local and international visitors, adventure tourism enthusiasts, nature enthusiasts, and those looking for new and sustainable types of travel.

Željka Stojičić , Senior Expert Associate for natural protection in the RS Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction, and Ecology, concluded: “Kozara National Park is well-known for its natural beauty as well as its extraordinary cultural and historical heritage. Today, we are discussing tourism, which should be a major component of the economic activity and management of NP Kozara. What is critical to emphasize is the importance of the notion of sustainable development. It is essential that the number of visitors and visits to the Kozara National Park are aligned with the protection of natural values, and the Plan that we presented today is a guideline for that: those who come to the Kozara National Park can enjoy themselves while the park’s main goal, which is to preserve and protect natural values, is met.”

Željka Stojičić , Senior Expert Associate for natural protection in the RS Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction, and Ecology
Photo Credit: NP Kozara

This event was attended by representatives of TORS, Tourist Organization Gradiška, Tourist Organization Novi Grad, Tourist Organization Prijedor, Tourist Organization Kozarska Dubica, NGO Center for the Environment, Greenways, Mountaineering Association Klekovača, Mountaineering Association Mrakovica Kozarac, Mountaineering Alpinist Orientation Club “BANJALUKA”, and other representatives of the local community.

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