The challenge
For decades, land abandonment allowed shrubs to overtake Dinara’s iconic dry grasslands. This choked out open-habitat specialists like the short-toed lark, ortolan bunting, and stone-curlew. Without intervention, biodiversity would continue to decline and with it, the region’s tradition of low-intensity grazing.
The LIFE solution
A pioneering, large-scale restoration effort, the first of its kind in Croatia, bridged conservation and community development. The team:
- Revived traditional grazing, including mixed-herd systems, in partnership with local farmers.
- Piloted controlled burning and mechanical shrub removal to reclaim open habitats.
- Created a practical roadmap for dry grassland restoration, covering site selection, permitting, cost-benefit analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
“We were the first in decades to ask local people what they need and how we can work together—not to ban, but to co-create.” – Tomislav Hudina
What changed?
Wildlife comeback
- Short-toed lark populations are rising annually.
- Ortolan bunting is returning to newly opened areas.
- ~48 ha now ready for potential stone-curlew recolonisation.
Policy breakthrough
- Project advocacy led to amendments in Croatia’s 2024 Forestry Law
- Controlled burning and grassland restoration now legally supported with clear permitting.
Water for grazing
- Over 30 traditional ponds and wells restored, boosting drought resilience and enabling extensive grazing.
Local ownership
- Ongoing dialogue with farmers, hunters, hikers, tourism operators, and decision-makers built trust and ensured long-term continuity.
Why it’s a success story?
- From pilots to policy: Fieldwork unlocked legal change, scaling restoration nationally
- Nature and people aligned: Biodiversity gains came hand-in-hand with stronger local economies and skills
- A reusable playbook: Open guidance makes replication faster, safer, and more cost-effective
By the numbers
- 56 ha of controlled burning completed despite initial legal barriers
- 30+ ponds and wells restored
- 3 target bird species supported
- 1 national law improved
Partnerships that made it work
A balanced consortium of land managers, conservationists, and agricultural experts, supported by a Project Advisory Board (including Environment & Agriculture ministries and NGOs). Local farmers co-designed and continue grazing solutions today.
What’s next?
Mosaic of LIFE – a follow-up initiative will triple the restoration area, expand to more species and habitats, and apply Dinara’s lessons at scale.
Replicate it in your region
Start small. Build evidence. Engage communities early. If you’re new to LIFE, join as a partner to learn the ropes, then scale using a tested model and clear permitting pathways.
LIFE success
Practical restoration → empowered communities → lasting policy change.
