The total area (mainland and sea) under permanent protection in Croatia steadily increased over the period 2009-2012 (table 8.4 and map 8.1). By the end of 2012, there were 431 nature sites protected in nine categories (table 8.5). The national protected areas feature internationally recognized protected areas including five Ramsar sites (Cma Mlaka, Lonjsko polje and Mokro polje, Kopacki rit, Neretva River Delta and Vransko Lake), two biosphere reserves (Mura-Drava-Danube Regional Park, and Kopacki Rit Nature Park), and a World Heritage site (Plitvice Lakes National Park).