March 2, 2019 - Chances are, if you’re in Split, you’re more than aware that Marjan, the ‘Green Lungs’ of the city, is under treatment.
Namely, Marjan was infested with the bark beetle, a bug that attacked its pine forest, leaving many of its trees dead. Almost one-third of the trees inside the park will be cut and removed from the forest during the treatment. This includes trees that are already dead, and those that are still thriving but are under the threat of the bark beetle bug.
The rehabilitation of Marjan began on February 26, 2019, which forced the closure of all traffic (pedestrian and motor) from the Institute to Bene. The regular bus line is also not operating. The works are being carried out by the company Matima Project - and ultimately, Marjan’s pines will be replaced with more sustainable species.
“In the next few months, different sections of Marjan will be under siege of forest workers and transportation means, ranging from tractors to horses, only to bring Marjan its best possible look and health. At some point, those sections will be either closed or with limited access, because it will be almost like a construction site. Please be patient, follow directions and don't put yourself and others in any kind of danger. That way you won't only stay safe, but also give important contribution in the preservation of the hill which has the status of a symbol of Split,” wrote the Split Tourist Board.
Some 20,000 trees will be removed from the Split park in total and the process, as expected, will take time. Today, we have a look into Marjan during its first week of rehabilitation.
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