Rewilding Velebit

This dramatic mountain chain, right on the Adriatic coast in Croatia, is one of the wildest areas of the whole Mediterranean. A region where wild nature is really coming back.

Velebit is one of the most prominent natural areas in the Balkans and is situated on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. It hosts two national parks, a biosphere reserve and an array of old-growth forests, deep canyons, ancient open lands and exciting wildlife like Balkan chamois, red deer, brown bear, wolf and lynx.

The area hosts an extraordinary diversity of different habitats, from barren Mediterranean landscapes at sea level, via vast beech forests of central European type, to almost boreal systems and alpine grasslands at higher altitudes.

The tourism infrastructure along the coast is very well developed with hiking trails, smaller overnight cabins, larger dormitories, professional visitor centres and different levels of quality lodging. The dramatic coastal landscapes, characterized by steep cliffs, rugged canyons, cascading waterfalls, and vast uninhabited plains, are a testament to the untamed beauty of the region.

The ERF grant will be used to assist Rewilding Europe in scaling up rewilding in this part of Europe.