07.06.2024.
The Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund has provided co-financing amounting to almost one million euros to Velebit Nature Park for the reconstruction of the mountain lodge "Gojtanov dom" on Visočica. On this occasion, the Public Institution Velebit Nature Park was visited by the Lika-Senj County prefect, Ernest Petry, and the director of the Fund, Luka Balen, who held a meeting with the director of the Park, Mario Šaban.Director of the Fund Balen pointed out that this was just one in a series of projects implemented by Velebit Nature Park and financially supported by the Fund, also enjoying endorsement from the line Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition. "This project, with a total investment of almost 1.2 million euros, will be co-financed by the Fund with almost one million euros, and we believe that it will provide a significant push towards the construction of mountaineering infrastructure on Velebit. Moreover, I’d like to point out the project of improving Zavratnica Bay, for which we’ve provided another 250 thousand euros for the preparation of project documentation," Balen emphasized, adding that the Fund will continue to support nature parks in their efforts to preserve the clean environment, while further developing their infrastructure.
Lika-Senj County prefect Ernest Petry expressed his appreciation at the area of historical significance being developed in this way as it was used not only by hikers, mountaineers and others, but most importantly - the citizens of Gospić. "Gojtan's lodge is actually part of not only Lika’s but Croatian mountaineering tradition, with Visočica holds a prominent spot and contributes to the development of tourism in the entire area of Lika-Senj County. Our goal is to improve other facilities on Velebit and thus contribute to the development of tourism and the mapping of Lika-Senj County on the European tourist map as a whole," announced county prefect Petry.
The director of the Park, Mario Šaban, said that the idea of Gojtan's lodge originated way back in 1912, and the cabin was built in 1929. "I hope that in 2025 the lodge will be rebuilt in the original way, as it was designed, and that it will be used for many years to come. This initiative is of great cultural and natural importance, both for the protection of nature and for the visitors of Velebit Nature Park," said Šaban, and thanked the Fund and the County for their support, without which, he believes, it would not be possible to implement this project.
