The archipelago consists of 19 islands and islets with dense Mediterranean vegetation, mostly macchia and Aleppo Pine forest, with some now mostly neglected agricultural land and some exotic plants near the houses. The sea shore line is very well-indented, with lots of small coves and capes. The shore is mostly rocky, except several small gravel beaches. There are also some old houses, today mostly not permanently inhabited, and some new. Most of them are tourist facilities now. The aerial view of the archipelago is beautiful, with green islands, framed with thin white line of rocky shore and with dark blue sea which surrounds archipelago. That was the main reason for protection as significant landscape. Besides natural values, there are also significant historic remnants, even from bronze age. The marine area around islands is part of the Natura 2000 network and also very valuable for its large Posidonia beds and coral reefs.
Significant landscape Pakleni otoci is managed by the Public institution “Sea and karst”, which is owned by the County of Split and Dalmatia
The marine area is mostly threatened by mass anchoring of tourist boats. Therefore, it is long term plan to establish the system of eco moorings, not only in this protected area, but in the whole county. Also, as a result of IMPRECO project, it will be established system of reporting of rare or alien species by tourist and recreational divers.
The main ESS in this protected area is its preserved natural (mostly marine habitats) or semi-natural (terrestrial habitats) environment as attraction for certain categories of tourists. Therefore, our efforts are concentrated on maintenance of favourable conditions by establishing system of rules for each nature-related tourist activity and by practising generally sustainable way of life and work on the islands. Main weaknesses are great financial interests and pressures for unsustainable activities and weak law enforcement, which is “tradition” in this archipelago. Main strength is joint efforts by all stakeholders, which is new and a result of this project.
PI “Sea and karst” should ensure better presence of its personnel on the archipelago, perhaps by establishing its local branch, at least during the tourist season or by acquisition of new faster boat. Nevertheless, the essential element is a good cooperation among PI and stakeholders.
Some stakeholders were involved before and IMPRECO project included more various stakeholders. The management system itself is not even possible without stakeholders, because the permanent presence of PI staff in not possible this moment. The most important stakeholders were municipality and its institutions and their contribution was precious. In the future we expect serious involvement of small private businesses in “eco” tourism, such as divers, kayakers etc. Weakness of such potential cooperation could be particular interests of private companies.