Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve: a case study of a protected urban wetland area and tourist attraction [chapter]

Bojana Lipej, Lovrenc Lipej, Simon Kerma
2020 Challenges of tourism development in protected areas of Croatia and Slovenia  
The creation of Škocjanski zatok is closely connected with a municipal decision to reclaim the area for urban development. After many years of degradation, a civil initiative took over with a vision of protecting this devastated man-made wetland and started the process of renaturation. The outstanding ornithofauna, halophyte vegetation, and other habitats were the main arguments that led to the declaration of protected status of Škocjanski zatok in 1998. The restored reserve has become a
more » ... developing new destination for ecotourism (attracting responsible visitors and helping to extend the region's tourist season). Different groups also use the area for their purposes, such as elementary and secondary school programmes and universities. Special attention is given to specific interest groups related to nature history, ornithology, arts, crafts, and earth sciences. Properly selected forms of nature-based tourism represent a support activity with a positive effect on the maintenance and promotion of this protected area.
doi:10.26493/978-961-7055-08-5.173-191 fatcat:h6giri3acnhq3da4rreysekxei