The project “Revitalising and Conserving the Čikat Forest Park for a More Resilient and Healthy Tourism Future” was included among the 100 best global examples of sustainable tourism, further confirming Lošinj and Camp Čikat as a destination that innovatively combines tourism and nature conservation.
The Čikat Forest Park, established at the end of the 19th century thanks to the vision of naturalist Ambroz Haračić, today represents a key element of Lošinj’s identity. Due to the aging of trees and the decline in forest vitality, Camp Čikat launched the Safe Camping project in 2016 to ensure professional and long-term sustainable management of this valuable ecosystem. In cooperation with experts in arboriculture and urban forestry, a detailed assessment of the health and stability of nearly 5,300 trees was carried out using modern methods (VTA, SIA, TRAQ). Based on the results, a multi-year care, sanitation, and planting plan was developed, removing diseased and hazardous trees and replacing them with more resilient species, primarily stone pine (Pinus pinea).
A special value of the project lies in the involvement of staff and visitors. Tree planting actions, horticulture and arboriculture workshops, and the “Adopt a Pine” program were organized, through which guests finance the planting of trees and receive a personalized certificate and name plaque. Educational panels, a dedicated website, and ongoing communication further raise awareness of the importance of forest ecosystem preservation.
The project is designed as a foundation for continuous forest management. Regular health assessments are planned every 4–5 years, with all results documented for future planning. In this way, Camp Čikat demonstrates that tourism and nature conservation can coexist, turning the forest into an added value of the destination rather than an obstacle to its development. The goal of the project was to establish systematic, professional, and long-term sustainable forest management within a tourist camp while preserving its key functions: microclimatic, landscape, health, and aesthetic. At the same time, safety is enhanced, the forest’s ecological resilience is strengthened, and visitors are encouraged to actively participate in nature conservation.
The official award ceremony was held on September 29, 2025, as part of the Top 100 Ceremony, where the award was received by Dalibor Cvitković, Director of the Tourist Board of Mali Lošinj, and Petar Krnić, Marketing Director of Jadranka kampovi.
“We are delighted that our Safe Camping project in Čikat Forest has been recognized and included among the Top 100 Sustainable Tourism Stories as part of the Green Destinations initiative. I would like to thank the Tourist Board of Mali Lošinj for nominating us for this prestigious award – through such partnerships we show how much we can achieve together. Lošinj must continue to strive even harder and better with all tourism stakeholders, because our residents and guests deserve it,” said Petar – Nino Krnić, Marketing and Promotion Director of Jadranka turizam d.o.o.
He emphasized the importance of guest safety: “The safety of our guests has always been our top priority – that is why this project was initiated. The fact that they themselves recognized its value and importance is the greatest confirmation that we are on the right path. Beyond safety, the project also includes tree planting within the camp, ensuring sustainable management of the Čikat Forest. Guests can also ‘adopt’ a young tree, thus actively contributing to the preservation of nature and our camp. Together, we are building the sustainability of Camp Čikat and Lošinj as a destination, and we will certainly continue in that direction in the future.”
Since 2014, Green Destinations Top 100 Stories has promoted examples of sustainable tourism worldwide, and the inclusion of Camp Čikat on this list is a significant acknowledgment of professional work and an example of how natural and tourism functions can successfully complement each other.
This year, in addition to Lošinj, recognition was awarded to Krka National Park, Međimurje, Plitvice Lakes National Park, and Sveti Ivan Zelina.
“This recognition confirms that Lošinj is consistently building its position among the leading sustainable destinations. It is the result of joint efforts by the local community, tourism professionals, and visitors who recognize the importance of preserving natural resources and responsible tourism development. Projects such as Safe Camping and many other initiatives show that sustainability is not just a direction but a way of living and developing the destination. This acknowledgment gives us additional energy to continue investing in projects that protect Lošinj as a place where life and leisure can be enjoyed at the highest quality,” said Dalibor Cvitković, Director of the Mali Lošinj Tourist Board, congratulating all the awarded destinations.
