Lošinj – Island of Vitality has once again raised the bar high for sustainable tourism management: the Čikat camp project "Safe Camping" (Jadranka kampovi / Jadranka turizam d.o.o.) has been included among the world's best practices as part of the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories initiative. The recognition was confirmed during the Green Destinations Global 2025 international conference held in Montpellier from September 28 to 30, where experts from all over the world discussed destination resilience, natural resource management, and the health of local communities. On behalf of the destination, the award was accepted by Dalibor Cvitković, Director of the Tourist Board of the Town of Mali Lošinj, and Petar Krnić, Marketing Director of Jadranka kampovi.
This is a long-term program that views the Čikat forest park – the green lungs of the island – as a strategic resource and a living ecosystem, not just as a "backdrop" for tourism. The project "Revitalising and Conserving the Čikat Forest Park for a More Resilient and Healthy Tourism Future" has woven into its main goals the assessment of the health of trees, planned care and forest renewal, reduction of the risk of breakage and fire, education of staff and guests, and the involvement of visitors through donor activities. In practice, this means that each tree is observed individually, that risky specimens are sanitarily removed or stabilized, and that more resilient species such as the stone pine (Pinus pinea), which better tolerate coastal conditions and climate extremes, are purposefully planted in their place.
The Čikat Forest Park as the identity center of Lošinj
The green belt of Lošinj was created at the turn of the 19th to the 20th century, thanks to the vision of naturalist and pedagogue Ambroz Haračić, whose meteorological insights and botanical research prompted the declaration of Mali Lošinj as a climatic health resort. It is precisely on this tradition that a contemporary model of natural heritage management is being built today: Čikat is nurtured as a cultural landscape and a climatotherapeutic environment, but also as a precious habitat mosaic that protects the soil, mitigates the impact of bora and mistral winds, filters the air, and lowers the ambient temperature by several degrees in summer. For travelers and residents, the promenades through the pine canopies are not only an attraction but also a health resource; for the economy, however, it is a competitive advantage that positions the destination higher and for longer than a single season.
A visit to Lošinj offers a rich experience of nature and comfort, and travel planning is made easier by an overview of accommodation in Mali Lošinj and accommodation on Lošinj. Guests who choose camping in the heart of the forest and also want a quick connection to urban amenities often opt for the Čikat area, a step away from the sea and a few minutes' walk from the historic core. For choosing a holiday in any part of the island, we also recommend additional options through our overview of accommodation on Lošinj.
How "Safe Camping" works on the ground
At the core of the project is expert risk management and forest regeneration. A team of arboriculturists and urban foresters conducted a systematic inventory of almost 5,300 trees, using internationally recognized methodologies for visual assessment and risk assessment (VTA, SIA, TRAQ). Based on the findings, a multi-year plan was created that defines in stages: preventive crown care, sanitary interventions, removal of unstable specimens, pilot stabilization projects, control of fungal and abiotic damage, and targeted planting. This simultaneously increases visitor safety, reduces the likelihood of incidents during strong winds, and strengthens the long-term ecological resilience of the entire system.
The model is particularly interesting because it combines science, operations, and education. Employees undergo training in horticulture, arboricultural techniques, and recognizing stress signals in trees. Guests, on the other hand, get involved through workshops and planting actions, themed walks, and interpretation points. The "Adopt a Pine" program allows visitors to finance the planting of a specific seedling with a donation and receive a personalized certificate and a plaque with their name next to the planted tree – the discreet signature of the benefactor becomes an emotional bond with the destination and a reason to return to the same place over the years.
Long-term care: cyclical assessments every 4–5 years
The forest changes from season to season and from decade to decade. That is why the project does not end with planting but prescribes repeated health and static assessments in a cycle of 4 to 5 years. Each new analysis upgrades the data archive, and the results are used to fine-tune care measures: in some places, the crowns will be lightened, in others, the undergrowth will be supplemented, and in some places, autochthonous species that have shown greater resistance to drought and heatwaves will be translocated. In this way, the Čikat forest becomes "learning by doing" – a living laboratory that continuously enhances management practices.
For those planning a stay closer to the green zones, we recommend that before arrival they check the available capacities of accommodation in Mali Lošinj and accommodation on Lošinj to more easily align their desired location, season, and budget. In this, Camp Čikat, thanks to its position within the forest park and its developed infrastructure, is often the first choice for nature lovers and families with children.
Guest safety comes first
The management of Jadranka kampovi emphasizes that the safety of the users of the area – from pedestrian paths and pitches to children's playgrounds – is the fundamental determinant of Safe Camping. The system of inspections and sanitation is planned in periods of lower traffic, and interventions are carried out with constant control of the impact on the habitats of birds, insects, and underground microflora. This achieves what is often considered difficult to reconcile: maximum safety without disturbing the natural atmosphere and landscape aesthetics.
As part of the project, international recognitions for an innovative approach to camp management and user experience were achieved a few years ago. These are awards in the camping industry domain that have further confirmed the direction of investment in sustainability, digitalization, and education. Such recognitions serve as a kind of peer review – a confirmation from the profession that the implemented practices have a measurable effect on safety and the quality of stay.
Why Čikat is important for the entire destination
The Čikat forest park is not an isolated "camp project" but is – historically and functionally – the backbone of Lošinj's attractiveness. The pine canopy creates a microclimate suitable for active outdoor stays throughout the year; the system of promenades connects the sea, bays, viewpoints, and urban zones; the scents of immortelle, juniper, and the sea are part of the "Island of Vitality" identity. Programs like "Safe Camping" are only a more visible aspect of a broader philosophy: tourism and nature are not opposing goals, but mutually dependent systems that, when well-managed, increase each other's value.
If you are planning a visit, it is useful to book accommodation in Mali Lošinj in advance or consider the entire spectrum of accommodation on Lošinj, given that the peak summer and autumn periods are accompanied by numerous outdoor events, nautical programs, and events dedicated to health, sports, and gastronomy.
Green Destinations Global 2025: Montpellier as a stage for sustainability
This year's Green Destinations Global 2025 conference was held in Montpellier, France, from September 28 to 30, with a program that included sectoral discussions, field trips, and the official Top 100 ceremony on September 29. The event brought together several hundred experts from the public and private sectors: destination managers, consultants, researchers, representatives of international networks, and tourist organizations. For Lošinj, it was an opportunity to further present models of cooperation between the local community, utility companies, and the tourism industry, as well as to tell the story of the regenerative effects of green corridors on the quality of life of the inhabitants.
It is important to emphasize that the premiere and review of best practices send a message to the entire sector: from small towns and islands to large metropolises, sustainability is not a marketing label, but an infrastructural decision and operational discipline. Assessment standards, such as those used by Camp Čikat in collaboration with arboriculturists (VTA, SIA, TRAQ), ensure comparability and knowledge transfer between destinations. Thus, the experiences from Lošinj can be adapted and applied to other Mediterranean, as well as continental, forest parks in tourist zones.
The voice of the community: education, participation, and transparency
Besides the technical aspects, the "Safe Camping" project gives priority to people. Guests participate in planting actions, which builds an emotional connection with the forest and the destination. Family programs reveal to children how soil is formed, what "plant stress" means, how the stability of a tree is measured, and why underground fungi are crucial for root health. Such an approach destigmatizes the removal of diseased trees – instead of being perceived as a "loss," the community understands that these are safety measures and a prerequisite for renewal.
Additionally, educational boards and digital platforms explain the decisions: why thinning was done in some places, where stone pine was planted instead of another pine, which locations are critical due to windthrow, how fire protection belts work. Transparency is the key word here – because from it stem trust and partnership with local stakeholders, and that is what international evaluation committees recognize and reward.
Haračić's legacy and modern science
Ambroz Haračić, the Lošinj naturalist whose work at the end of the 19th century laid the foundations for the climatic health resort, is an indispensable starting point in every story about Čikat. His long-term meteorological series, observations of winds and humidity, and recording of phenological phases showed how the natural dynamics of the island could be put at the service of health and leisure. Today's practices of arboriculture and urban forestry build on this tradition, but upgrade it with modern measuring devices, geolocation databases, thermography, and risk assessment methods that also take climate extremes into account.
That is precisely why Lošinj, in its strategic plans, links tourism development with ecosystem sustainability and resilience to climate change. The forest is a natural air conditioner; maintained paths relieve the soil and direct movement; heritage interpretation encourages responsible visitor behavior. Each of these segments is woven into "Safe Camping" – a project that combines daily operational tasks and a multi-year vision.
The mechanics of planting: why stone pine specifically
The choice of stone pine as one of the fundamental species for renewal is not an aesthetic coincidence. This species is adapted to coastal wind and drought, has a deep root system, and its canopy creates dense shade that significantly lowers the ground temperature in summer. Besides being photogenic, the stone pine tolerates the urban conditions of campsites well – proximity to paths, occasional soil compaction, and contact with visitors. In combination with other indigenous and resistant species, a polycultural forest is created that is not a "monoculture of risk," but a diverse system more resistant to diseases and extreme weather conditions.
For visitors who want to stay right next to the new seedlings or in the deep shade of existing canopies, we recommend checking the accommodation in Mali Lošinj and the available options for accommodation on Lošinj – the availability of pitches and mobile homes varies depending on the season and events.
Tourism and nature: a common calculation
In destinations that live off "sun and sea," the added value often comes from the "third dimension" – shade and greenery. The care and renewal of forests create long-term profitability: guests stay outdoors longer, choose activities outside of air-conditioned spaces, put less strain on the healthcare system, and generate more spending in local businesses due to extended daily stays. At the same time, costs related to damage from storms and high temperatures are reduced. In this calculation, investing in arboriculture and education is not an expense, but an insurance and a development policy.
Such a philosophy has also been recognized at the level of national policies, which in recent years have more strongly encouraged projects with a measurable ecological and social impact. In practice, this means more points for green investments, better conditions for drawing funds, and – most importantly – clear guidelines that facilitate decision-making in destinations.
What "Top 100" actually values
The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories program annually brings together examples of sustainable management from around the world. The practices are evaluated based on criteria of effectiveness, innovation, and transferability. The fact that the Lošinj story made it into the top 100 confirms that the "Safe Camping" model is robust enough to withstand comparison with similar initiatives in national parks, city forests, and tourist zones on all continents. Alongside Lošinj, Croatia this year again has a number of destinations that have distinguished themselves in the management of protected areas, the interpretation of natural heritage, and the inclusion of local communities.
For readers who are planning a visit and want to stay near the interpretation trails and educational points in Čikat, the easiest way is to search for a suitable option through the choice of accommodation on Lošinj or to specifically browse accommodation in Mali Lošinj, depending on their preference for the city center, beaches, or a stay within the green zones.
Voices from the ground and effects on the guest experience
Camp managers point out that visitors are increasingly informed: they look for shade, obstacle-free paths, clear fire lanes, and safety information. In recent years, interest in nature volunteering has grown, especially for families and schools. In this context, "Safe Camping" offers activities that are easily adapted to age and interests: from simple workshops on recognizing animal tracks to advanced tours with experts during which one learns how to measure the mechanical stability of a tree, where crown thinning is needed, and how to interpret signs of decay.
At the same time, the destination uses the opportunity to bring guests closer to the stories about the health effects of walking in a pine forest, the history of health tourism, and the scientific heritage of Lošinj. This is a narrative that raises the value of every hour spent on the island – the memory of the smells and textures of the forest becomes as important as swimming or gastronomy.
Digital maps, standards, and transparency
One of the already recognized innovations of Lošinj camping is the digitalization of the visitor experience: interactive maps, online booking systems, and clear information on the rules of conduct in a forest environment. Through seasonal notices and "green protocols," guests are timely informed about works, temporary path closures, or preventive measures during periods of extreme drought. Such transparency reduces misunderstandings, increases the sense of trust, and allows for necessary safety interventions to be carried out with minimal disruption to the holiday experience.
In the context of the wider sector, Lošinj and Camp Čikat confirm that standards such as VTA, SIA, and TRAQ can be successfully integrated into the "tourist language" – instead of remaining professional jargon, they are translated into understandable messages for a wide audience: what a stability test is, what sanitary felling means, and why not every old tree is removed, but its biological and landscape value is assessed first.
Recommendations for a responsible stay in Čikat
- Use marked trails and respect temporary movement bans during maintenance work.
- Do not leave waste in the forest; use the provided bins and recycling points.
- Adhere to fire prevention measures and avoid any open fires during the high-risk season.
- Inform children about the rules of conduct in the forest – educational boards and points are designed to help with just that.
- Consider participating in the "Adopt a Pine" program and contribute to forest renewal with a donation.
When planning your stay, review the accommodation in Mali Lošinj and the available capacities of accommodation on Lošinj. If you want to be right next to the forest trails and bays of Čikat, timely booking increases the choice of pitches and mobile homes and makes it easier to choose shade or proximity to the sea.
A look ahead: continuity instead of a campaign
"Safe Camping" at Čikat is conceived as a continuous process – plan, measurements, interventions, education, and then again measurements and adjustments. It is precisely this rhythm that brings effects that are visible both on the forest cover and in the quality of the experience. Each subsequent season becomes an opportunity to check what has succeeded, what needs to be changed, and how to transfer the experience to other areas of the island. Lošinj thus solidifies its role as a leading Croatian destination that does not treat sustainability as a series of isolated projects, but as a daily practice in which both residents and guests participate.
Finally, a practical tip: if you are planning a visit to Lošinj with an emphasis on staying in nature, be sure to check the accommodation in Mali Lošinj and the entire range of accommodation on Lošinj. For additional information on global standards and conferences dedicated to sustainable tourism, it is useful to follow international platforms and programs, including those dedicated to the exchange of good practices, the development of criteria, and the presentation of the most successful stories from the field. In the case of Lošinj, the story of Čikat is best understood on the spot – under the canopies, with the scents of resin and the rustle of waves – where sustainability ceases to be an abstract concept and becomes a part of every step.
Editor's note: The award ceremony as part of the Top 100 program was held on September 29, 2025, during the first day of the conference. Statements from destination representatives and the camp management emphasize that cyclical checks of the forest's health will continue, and all activities will remain publicly communicated through educational content and on-site notices.
For readers who wish to experience the Čikat forest park and the wider Lošinj archipelago, we recommend that when planning, they check the accommodation in Mali Lošinj and the available options for accommodation on Lošinj, especially for dates in late autumn and spring when the conditions for walking and being outdoors are most favorable.
Useful links for further information: official conference program and overview of standards (open in a new window)
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