BRIJUNI NATIONAL PARK OPENS UP TO TOURISTS

( Editorial: --> 5993 ) BRIJUNI, March 15 (Hina) - Tourists will soon be able to access a much larger part of the Brijuni islands, a unique natural, historic and tourism locality on a world scale. Previously only 36 per cent of this northern Adriatic archipelago was open to the public, but it is proposed that access be allowed in 84 per cent of the area. According to a project which is being formulated by an inter- departmental working party, Brijuni would become a centre for elite, health and excursion tourism. Milan Salaj, director of the Institute for Area Planning, which was in charge of elaborating the Brijuni National Park's Programme of Protection and Use, said that tourist accommodation facilities were in a worrying state, some of them completely ruined. The water supply system was practically non-functioning, while waste water drains were threatening the environment. Also vital is replacing the oil heating system with gas as an ecologically more acceptable form of energy. Another problem is the excessive number of wildlife, especially deer, which destroys plants. Also needed is the transfer of the safari park as a totally inappropriate activity in this area. The project, which is yet to be ratified by the Croatian Parliament, is geared toward the development of exclusive tourism for which Brijuni has natural, cultural and historic pre-conditions. New investments would be spent on upgrading residential and hotel accommodation to the highest level. The current golf course on Veli Brijun would be refurbished which would considerably improve the offer and attract an interesting category of tourists, for whom the current castles would be refurbished - the Jurina and Franina hotels. It is foreseen that the project would be part of tourism development of an exclusively high category and apart from Veli Brijun, previously inaccessible Mali Brijun and the island of Sveti Jerolim would be also opened to the public. This island would be developed as the centre of social life for guests stationed on the Brijuni islands and holidaymakers. Apart from refurbishing the port on Veli Brijun, it is expected that the boat pier in the Sveti Nikola bay on Mali Brijun will also be refurbished. Salaj said the building of a marina will not be considered because it would be a threat to the ecological balance of the Brijuni marine life. (Hina) jn mb /as 151155 MET mar 98