The restoration of tributaries of Cerknica Lake and Škocjan Caves ...

2. ŠKOCJAN CAVES
2.1. The significance of the Škocjan Caves
The Škocjan Caves remain the only natural monument in Slovenia and the Classical Karst
region on UNESCO’s list of natural and cultural world heritage sites. Thus, they hold a
significant position among the world’s natural monuments. The first impression one gets of
the Škocjan karst surface is that it is flat but in fact it is not so. This typical landscape that
developed in limestones is named karst; the word being derived from the name of the area −
Kras.
The entry itself is important from different perspectives: most significantly, that the Škocjan
Caves have gained worldwide recognition and that the state has committed itself to doing
everything in its power to conserve and protect this outstanding natural site.
The preparations for the establishment of the Škocjan Caves Regional Park began in the early
1990s, with the Škocjan Caves Regional Park Act adopted in 1996. A year later, the Public
Service Agency, which presently employs 21 people, began its operation as the Park's
managing authority. In addition to adopting programmes for protection and development of
the park, constantly monitoring and analysing the status of natural and cultural heritage, the
Public Service Agency performs numerous other tasks: it is responsible for the promotion of
the caves, research activity, education, infrastructure maintenance, as well as other activities.
Co-operation with local residents is also important, especially those who are able to benefit
from the park’s establishment.
Figure 6. Škocjan caves park area (Photo: Nataša Smolar-Žvanut)
The rapid development of the area that used to be a demographically and economically
endangered region is reflected in the fact that the Park has obtained membership in various
international institutions, which greatly contributes to the quality economic development both
within the Divača Municipality and the Karst in Slovenia in general.