Page 184 - 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. 184
challenges of tourism development in protected areas of croatia and slovenia
The number of visitors who took guided tours has ranged from 4,000
to 7,400 per year. Two peaks are evident throughout the year, the high-
er spring peak (from 1,400 to approx. 1,800 visitors), and the lower au-
tumn peak (from 900 to approx. 1,300 visitors) (Fig. 4). In winter and in
the mid-summer the number of visitors is very low, not exceeding 200 visi-
tors per month. There are no large differences between the compared years.
Fig. 4 The number of visitors of Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve by month in the period
of 2016 to 2018
Source: DOPPS, 2019
Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve as an educational
playground
ŠZNR does not only play an exceptional role as a site for the conservation
of rare and endangered species, it also has an important educational role.
The diversity of habitats, from freshwater to silt and gravel shores and al-
most completely marine habitats represent a unique opportunity to car-
ry out various educational activities; mostly outdoor activities which are
highly interdisciplinary (integrating science, technical, and social scienc-
es) and incorporate many contemporary didactic approaches that help
shape pupils’ intellectual abilities, and encourage exploration and scientif-
ic thinking. Pupils can learn about nature and its diversity through their
own experiences and consequently develop a responsible attitude towards
the preservation and protection of the natural environment.
182
The number of visitors who took guided tours has ranged from 4,000
to 7,400 per year. Two peaks are evident throughout the year, the high-
er spring peak (from 1,400 to approx. 1,800 visitors), and the lower au-
tumn peak (from 900 to approx. 1,300 visitors) (Fig. 4). In winter and in
the mid-summer the number of visitors is very low, not exceeding 200 visi-
tors per month. There are no large differences between the compared years.
Fig. 4 The number of visitors of Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve by month in the period
of 2016 to 2018
Source: DOPPS, 2019
Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve as an educational
playground
ŠZNR does not only play an exceptional role as a site for the conservation
of rare and endangered species, it also has an important educational role.
The diversity of habitats, from freshwater to silt and gravel shores and al-
most completely marine habitats represent a unique opportunity to car-
ry out various educational activities; mostly outdoor activities which are
highly interdisciplinary (integrating science, technical, and social scienc-
es) and incorporate many contemporary didactic approaches that help
shape pupils’ intellectual abilities, and encourage exploration and scientif-
ic thinking. Pupils can learn about nature and its diversity through their
own experiences and consequently develop a responsible attitude towards
the preservation and protection of the natural environment.
182
