The designation of International Dark Sky Park (IDSP) is given to a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.
"This is the second park in Croatia with such a designation, and in the world there are some 100 IDSPs," the head of the Vranski Kamen project, Dunja Zupanic, said in Zagreb today.
The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) awards the IDSP designations.
Petrova gora-Biljeg has been the first landscape in Croatia to be the certified IDA International Dark Park.
"Petrova gora is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved mountain forest landscapes in the Republic of Croatia. Due to the exceptional landscape value, the area 'Petrova gora Biljeg' in the central part of Petrova gora became a protected area in 1969 in the category known as 'significant landscape," according to information provided on the IDA web site.