Project name: Establishing the baseline condition of selected taxonomic/ecological groups and developing a proposal for a monitoring protocol for selected plots of dry mountain grasslands ecological network areas of Vejalnica and Krč, protected landscape Goranec, Lot 1: Analysis of grassland habitats in the ecological network areas of Vejalnica and Krč, protected landscape Goranec
Client: Public Institution for Management of Natural Values of the City of Zagreb (Nature of the City of Zagreb)
Period: 08/2024 – 11/2025
Location: Croatia
During the period from August 2024 to November 2025, a service for establishing the baseline condition of habitat type 6210 – dry continental grasslands (Festuco-Brometalia) and for preparing a proposed monitoring protocol was carried out in the Natura 2000 ecological network area PEM Vejalnica and Krč (HR2001298) and the Goranec Significant Landscape, within the area of the City of Zagreb. The project was implemented in accordance with a public procurement contract concluded between the Public Institution for the Management of Natural Values of the City of Zagreb (Nature of the City of Zagreb) and Oikon Ltd. – Institute of Applied Ecology.
Field surveys included detailed mapping of grassland areas and successional stages over a total area of approximately 150 ha, including the Vejalnica area of about 37 ha and the Krč area of approximately 106 ha. Grassland habitats were classified using a modified EMBAL methodology, combining field data with high-resolution remote sensing techniques (RGB and multispectral orthophotos, NDVI and NDRE indices). Four successional stages were defined, ranging from open grasslands to fully developed forest vegetation, and a spatially precise map of grassland habitats and succession was produced.
As part of the preparation of the expert study, the conservation status of habitat type 6210 was assessed based on floristic representativeness, the degree of succession, and the presence of strictly protected and threatened plant species, including orchid species such as Himantoglossum adriaticum. The results indicated a heterogeneous conservation status of grassland areas, with a pronounced trend of succession and a reduction in open grassland surfaces; part of the area was assessed as being in favourable condition, while a significant proportion was classified as unfavourable or poor.
Based on the research results, a proposed monitoring protocol for grassland habitats was developed in line with the Management Plan for the ecological network areas Vejalnica and Krč and the Goranec Significant Landscape. The protocol includes standardised field procedures, quantification of successional processes, the application of remote sensing monitoring methods, and defined conservation status indicators, ensuring repeatability, comparability, and long-term applicability of habitat monitoring.
The project was professionally and fully implemented within the agreed time frame, providing a high-quality and reliable expert basis for further management, restoration, and long-term conservation of dry continental grasslands in the PEM Vejalnica and Krč area and the Goranec Significant Landscape. The results represent an important contribution to strengthening the capacity of the Public Institution and improving the nature monitoring system within the Natura 2000 ecological network.
Implementation of this Project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
