Page 181 - 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. 181
škocjanski zatok nature reserve: a case study ...
cies, it is worth to mention the bioconstruction species—a sedentary colo-
nial polychaete Ficopomatus enigmaticus, which creates reefs (up to 1 m2
each) in the lagoon. Furthermore, some invasive alien species have been re-
corded in the lagoon, such as the Japanese oyster Magallana gigas, the clam
Arcuatula senhousia, and the alienbubble shell Haminoea japonica (Lipej et
al., 2012), however, none of them appear to be having a negative impact on
the environment.
In recent years, some studies have also been performed on the effect
of climate change on this coastal wetland, especially from the standpoint
of sea level rise (Ivajnšič and Kaligarič, 2014; Kaligarič and Ivajnšič, 2014).
As was mentioned, the area also attracts a significant number of naturalists
and birdwatchers. Moreover, ŠZNR is gradually becoming more and more
interesting for the local population; not only for recreationists, but also for
enthusiastic groups or individuals, who enjoy spending time in nature. In
their research, Brečko Grubar and Kovačič (2011) presented results show-
ing the positive attitude of the Koper Municipality population towards
Škocjanski zatok. In spite of some generational differences (in contrast to
the younger population, a large share older people remember the lagoon as
abandoned area of degradation), the results showed that the local popula-
tion is familiar with the reasons for the protection of Škocjanski zatok, and
is supportive of the protection regime. In general, the locals recognised the
reserve as a great contribution to the level of quality of the residential envi-
ronment in the area (Brečko Grubar and Kovačič, 2011).
Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve as an attraction for visitors
After the formal protection and implementation of the renaturation, the
area of ŠZNR became increasingly interesting for its visitors. Organised
tours for groups became a reality and at the same time, an opportunity for
the development of environmentally and ecologically-oriented (sustaina-
ble) tourism. Activities and suggestions of how to include ŠZNR into the
integrated tourism supply have also taken place. Balažič et al. (2011) identi-
fied the potentials of the reserve and its integration into tourism products
in Slovenian Istria, including the promotion of environmentally friendly
mobility (cycling, arrival at a destination, movement through a destina-
tion), and the involvement of cultural heritage, local gastronomy, and pro-
duce providers. This continues to be a challenge for ŠZNR management.
However, ŠZNR is oriented toward teaching visitors about nature via
experiencing nature (DOPPS, 2016). Controlled nature-based or ecotour-
179
cies, it is worth to mention the bioconstruction species—a sedentary colo-
nial polychaete Ficopomatus enigmaticus, which creates reefs (up to 1 m2
each) in the lagoon. Furthermore, some invasive alien species have been re-
corded in the lagoon, such as the Japanese oyster Magallana gigas, the clam
Arcuatula senhousia, and the alienbubble shell Haminoea japonica (Lipej et
al., 2012), however, none of them appear to be having a negative impact on
the environment.
In recent years, some studies have also been performed on the effect
of climate change on this coastal wetland, especially from the standpoint
of sea level rise (Ivajnšič and Kaligarič, 2014; Kaligarič and Ivajnšič, 2014).
As was mentioned, the area also attracts a significant number of naturalists
and birdwatchers. Moreover, ŠZNR is gradually becoming more and more
interesting for the local population; not only for recreationists, but also for
enthusiastic groups or individuals, who enjoy spending time in nature. In
their research, Brečko Grubar and Kovačič (2011) presented results show-
ing the positive attitude of the Koper Municipality population towards
Škocjanski zatok. In spite of some generational differences (in contrast to
the younger population, a large share older people remember the lagoon as
abandoned area of degradation), the results showed that the local popula-
tion is familiar with the reasons for the protection of Škocjanski zatok, and
is supportive of the protection regime. In general, the locals recognised the
reserve as a great contribution to the level of quality of the residential envi-
ronment in the area (Brečko Grubar and Kovačič, 2011).
Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve as an attraction for visitors
After the formal protection and implementation of the renaturation, the
area of ŠZNR became increasingly interesting for its visitors. Organised
tours for groups became a reality and at the same time, an opportunity for
the development of environmentally and ecologically-oriented (sustaina-
ble) tourism. Activities and suggestions of how to include ŠZNR into the
integrated tourism supply have also taken place. Balažič et al. (2011) identi-
fied the potentials of the reserve and its integration into tourism products
in Slovenian Istria, including the promotion of environmentally friendly
mobility (cycling, arrival at a destination, movement through a destina-
tion), and the involvement of cultural heritage, local gastronomy, and pro-
duce providers. This continues to be a challenge for ŠZNR management.
However, ŠZNR is oriented toward teaching visitors about nature via
experiencing nature (DOPPS, 2016). Controlled nature-based or ecotour-
179
