Page 134 - Koderman, Miha, and Vuk Tvrtko Opačić. Eds. 2020. Challenges of tourism development in protected areas of Croatia and Slovenia. Koper, Zagreb: University of Primorska Press, Croatian Geographical Society
P. 134
challenges of tourism development in protected areas of croatia and slovenia
ery and is less dense. Several water sources can be found in the vicinity of
Zazid.
Finally, Podpeč has an exceptional position as it is located below a rock
wall (Fig. 5). It lies at an altitude of 311 m, at the top of a steep slope descend-
ing into the upper part of Rižana Valley. Spatially, Podpeč is a very narrow
settlement with no space to expand. Houses are placed very close to one an-
other between the rock wall and the road, and the Prešnica–Koper railway
line. On the eastern part of the settlement lies a large karst spring that is
used for the settlement’s drinking water supply.
In terms of the size of local population, there were 116 residents
in Rakitovec, 77 residents in Zazid, and 47 residents in Podpeč in 2019
(Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, 2019). These three settlements
have documented population decline since World War II, as most young
people leave in search of better living conditions. The result of outmigra-
tion is that many houses are empty and decaying. In recent years, the pop-
ulation is stable but aging. There has only been a minimal influx of new res-
idents over the past decade.
Fig. 5 The rock wall and defence tower above the Podpeč
Photo by Valentina Brečko Grubar, 2019
132
ery and is less dense. Several water sources can be found in the vicinity of
Zazid.
Finally, Podpeč has an exceptional position as it is located below a rock
wall (Fig. 5). It lies at an altitude of 311 m, at the top of a steep slope descend-
ing into the upper part of Rižana Valley. Spatially, Podpeč is a very narrow
settlement with no space to expand. Houses are placed very close to one an-
other between the rock wall and the road, and the Prešnica–Koper railway
line. On the eastern part of the settlement lies a large karst spring that is
used for the settlement’s drinking water supply.
In terms of the size of local population, there were 116 residents
in Rakitovec, 77 residents in Zazid, and 47 residents in Podpeč in 2019
(Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, 2019). These three settlements
have documented population decline since World War II, as most young
people leave in search of better living conditions. The result of outmigra-
tion is that many houses are empty and decaying. In recent years, the pop-
ulation is stable but aging. There has only been a minimal influx of new res-
idents over the past decade.
Fig. 5 The rock wall and defence tower above the Podpeč
Photo by Valentina Brečko Grubar, 2019
132
