The network comprises areas of importance to protecting European endangered species and habitats and offers mechanisms to achieve sustainable development and a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

Development of nature and humanity must go hand in hand, taking into account their particularities, and Natura 2000 has an invaluable role in that, Environment and Nature Protection Minister Mihael Zmajlovic said.

Europe has recognised the importance of nature conservation with the aim of protecting the survival of humanity, while at the same time being aware that humanity is part of nature and its co-creator, he said.

Ramona Topic of the National Environmental Protection Agency said that Natura 2000 should be regarded as a great opportunity rather than a barrier to development. She said that the proposal for Natura 2000 areas in Croatia, which was finalised last December, covered 36.92 per cent of land, or 29.64% of the country's total area thanks to the fact that Croatia belongs to four biogeographical areas -- Alpine, Pannonian, continental and Mediterranean.

One of the main characteristics of Croatia is a wealth of karst regions rich in biodiversity. Unlike most European countries, all three species of large animals - the bear, the wolf and the lynx, which require a large radius of movement and habitat protection, have been preserved in Croatia, and this makes Croatia one of the countries with the greatest biological diversity in Europe, Topic said.