"Today species become extinct a thousand times faster than in a natural, human-free environment. At a time when the world warns of worrying threats to biodiversity, the exceptional wealth of biodiversity in Croatia is a challenge, how to achieve a good and sustainable co-existence with nature, and an obligation to the generations to come. Only stable ecosystems can respond to the changes in the environment, withstand the negative impacts and be a precondition for sustainable development," Environment and Nature Protection Minister Mihael Zmajlovic told the press on Tuesday, noting that any disruptions to biodiversity might have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human life.

Zmajlovic said that Croatia was one of the most biologically diverse countries in Europe thanks to its specific geographical location at a meeting point of four biogeographical regions. He said that the number of known species in Croatia was about 38,000, and that their estimates ranged between 50,000 and 100,000, including many endemic species.

Croatia is home to many endangered species in Europe, including the bear, wolf and lynx, and as many as 78 European endangered bird species nest in Croatia, the minister said.

Zmajlovic will mark the International Day for Biological Diversity and Croatia's Nature Protection Day on Wednesday by visiting Krka National Park to draw attention to the importance of protecting the environment and natural habitats. He will attend a seminar organised as part of the EU project Natura 2000. On Sunday May 26, in Zagreb's Maksimir Park, he will hold educational and entertaining workshops to raise public awareness of biodiversity in Croatia.

The United Nations in 2000 proclaimed May 22 the International Day for Biological Diversity to increase awareness of the importance of biodiversity in sustainable development. Croatia joined those efforts in 2003 when its parliament proclaimed May 22 as Nature Protection Day in Croatia.