How Ivana Konjevod keeps Dubrovnik-Neretva beautiful
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo: Javna ustanova Dubrovačko-neretvanske županije/Pexels)
Dubrovnik-Neretva County in southern Croatia is home to 35 protected areas, 71 Natura 2000 sites, over 600 speleological objects, and one Ramsar site.
Ensuring these natural treasures are preserved is no easy task, but nature ranger Ivana Konjevod is up for the challenge.
A Job Full of Surprises
With a degree in mariculture, Ivana began her journey in conservation through training and work with the county’s public institution. In 2019, she officially became a nature ranger. Since then, no two days on the job have been the same.
“The unpredictability is both the biggest challenge and the most exciting part of the job,” Ivana explains. Her daily routine depends on weather conditions and human impact.
She navigates vast protected areas using various means of transport, including official vehicles, boats, drones, and digital tools like GIS.
(Photo: Javna ustanova Dubrovačko-neretvanske županije)
Each protected area has unique challenges, making the role of a ranger different across regions.
Besides monitoring and reporting violations, rangers often take on additional duties such as selling tickets, diving, or cleaning. Ultimately, their responsibilities are shaped by the public institution overseeing the area.
Facing Challenges in the Field
Effective communication is a crucial skill for any ranger. Ivana often encounters illegal construction in Natura 2000 zones and hidden evidence of poaching.
Identifying culprits is difficult, as she sometimes discovers illegal structures alongside hunting cartridges and bait without knowing who placed them there.
“You never know how someone will react when you approach them,” she says. “Some comply immediately after a warning, while others don’t take me seriously. I’ve even faced threats.”
(Photo: Javna ustanova Dubrovačko-neretvanske županije)
Despite legal frameworks being in place, penalties for environmental violations remain too lenient. One of Ivana’s first major cases involved a fire that destroyed 136 hectares of a protected reserve.
Her criminal report was 10 pages long, backed by extensive documentation.
“Now, with legal support, the process moves faster,” she adds.
Local Support and Education
Unlike in many areas, the people of Dubrovnik-Neretva County are highly aware of environmental issues. Locals regularly report violations, showing trust in the nature protection institution.
“Fishermen, hunters, and residents are our eyes and ears in the field,” Ivana says.
She also conducts educational sessions for children, teaching them about protected species and environmental threats.
“Seeing kids grasp the importance of nature and share their knowledge with parents reassures me that my work has real impact.”
Strengthening the Role of Nature Rangers
Ivana firmly believes that ranger services should be the foundation of public institutions responsible for nature conservation.
“There should be greater investment in ranger services,” she argues. “We are the first responders in protecting nature. Strengthening our capacities and providing ongoing training is essential for more effective monitoring and enforcement.”
(Photo: Sunce)
International projects like EFFICIENTN2K, part of the Italy-Croatia Interreg programme, aim to improve supervision of protected coastal and marine areas. Recommendations developed through this initiative could help enhance the ranger profession.
Despite their crucial role, Croatia currently has fewer than 200 nature rangers, with women making up only a small percentage. To ensure protected areas are well-preserved for future generations, more investment in this profession is needed.
