A Nature Park designation denotes a category of protection that is less strict than that of a National Park, i.e. the preservation criteria and the protection and exploitation regulations are somewhat more relaxed. It is a large natural site (may be partly cultivated) of prominent ecological, esthetic, tourist and recreational value. Not all activity is prohibited in Nature Parks; those activities that do not jeopardize its main traits and functions are supported and controlled.
Ten Nature Parks have been established in Croatia: