Zagreb, (IKA) – On Friday, February 8, the Justice and Peace Commission of the Croatian Conference of Bishops issued a statement on the administration and management of land development and construction. In response to “recent protests by citizens in several of the cities of Croatia (Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik) and public declarations by several professional organizations (the Croatian Sociological Association, the Croatian Society of Art Historians and the Institute of Art History) whose common calling is the preservation and safeguarding of the historical urban heritage of Croatia as part of the national and cultural identity and its natural treasures, especially the coasts and islands, from pressure by investors in construction projects,” the Commission warns that particular attention should be devoted to land use and development, which “will have an impact on the society as a whole and on the quality of life for the current and future generations of our homeland. Whether it will be used and developed for the purpose of improving the quality of life of the citizens and the advancement of the society or only for earning profits for individuals and interest lobbies depends upon all of us, particularly upon holders of public office.” Transparency is essential in the process of evaluating potential construction sites, adopting zoning legislation and formulating urban plans. During the assessment of a proposed construction project, it would be necessary to take into account “the legitimately presented position of the public, to which citizens justifiably call attention. For example, tens of thousands of citizens have expressed their dissatisfaction regarding projects such as the Flower Passageway in Zagreb, gasoline stations in the vicinity of residential buildings, the renovation of the Republic Square and waterfront in Split, and various projects within the walled city of Dubrovnik, through various petitions and in other ways.” Despite this, according to the statement, “the local authorities have accepted and facilitated the realization of various projects, of which some have resulted in the destruction of historical city centers, which they had been warned about by several professional organizations and many public figures. Some experts have warned that due to the underground garages in Split and Zagreb, the projects will increase the already heavy traffic in the center of town, which will have a negative impact on the quality of the life of the citizens.” Although construction projects on sites that are part of the historical heritage, “such as old city centers, will increase the profits of the investors many times over and therefore these areas are the most endangered,” the Commission urges “the competent local and state institutions, to whom the citizens have entrusted the safeguarding of the common heritage” to undertake all the necessary measures in order to halt this devastation in a responsible and transparent manner.