Projects and Research Activities

One of the most important activities of the Park is the encouragement and organization of research work and participation in it.
Following various inventories prepared at the time of Park’s establishment, the majority of activity is now oriented towards the establishment of continuous monitoring, by means of which an adequate system for monitoring the situation will be established. It is reasonable to monitor all the parameters over the long term as it will enable rapid detection of negative effects on the environment and adequate responses or the adoption of certain measures aimed at alleviating these effects.

For this purpose, different factors are monitored regularly: quality and quantity of water in the cave, microclimate in the cave, flora and fauna on the surface, cave fauna, cracks in the cave and on collapse doline walls and the influence of ground-level ozone on the surface.

In order to achieve these objectives, the Park regularly participates in invitations to tender (both internationally and nationally) so as to obtain the necessary funds for the purchase of equipment, arrangement of infrastructure and the presentation of results to general public. In addition, some projects foresee the hiring of additional labour needed for project work.

Title:
MANAGEMENT - ŠCRP
Community initiative programme interreg III A
Slovenia - Hungary - Croatia 2004-2006
Applicant:
Škocjan Caves Park Public Service Agency, Slovenia
Partners:
Divača Municipality, Ilirska Bistrica Municipality, Park Učka (Cro)
Duration of the project:
7.2007 – 4. 2008
Project cost:
85.361 EUR
Objectives:Sustainable development /nature protection
Results:
  • Management plan for the Škocjan Caves Park and its wider transition area.
  • Prepared map of habitat types for part of the protected influence area of the Škocjan Caves Park in total area 9,265km2, inventory of crabs in Reka river basin, proposal of monitoring of flora and fauna in Karst Biosphere Reserve (KBR).
  • Several educational programmes for employes, pupils and local inhabitants. quality promotion of natural valuable features
  • Renovation of Škocjan Caves Park web pages.
  • Raising the public awareness about nature protection, sustanaible development in the whole protected area for all ages and quality promotion of natural valuable features.
  • Strengthened co-operation with the international Park's Network of Schools, establishment of network of schools in cross-border partner Park Učka (Cro) and establishment of co-operation with network of schools of Park Učka (Cro).
  • Brochures published in co-operation with cross-border partners on project results, cooperation.




Title:
Strengthening the protection and development of valuable natural features in the wider area of the Škocjan Caves Park
Community Initiative Programme Interreg III A
Slovenia - Italy 2000-2006
Applicant:
Škocjan Caves Park Public Service Agency, Slovenia
Partners:
San Dorligo della Valle/Dolina Municipality, Doberdo del Lago/Doberdob Municipality
Duration of the project:
1.5.2005 – 31.12.2006
Project costs:
71.818.219 SIT
Objectives:To raise awareness on the importance of protected areas and the Classical Karst on both sides of the border and to set up adequate information and technical infrastructure.
Results:
  • Renovated and refurbished the Škocjan Caves Information Centre in Matavun and furnished Information Point where visitors can obtain information on the Škocjan Caves Park, the Classical Karst on both sides of the border and the area of influence.
  • Prepared map of habitat types for part of the transitional area of the Škocjan Caves Park.
  • Trained voluntary nature protection supervisors.
  • Equipped laboratory classroom as well as the geological and biological exhibitions in the Škocjan 3 Natural Science Centre.
  • Strengthened co-operation with the Park's Network of Schools.
  • Brochure published in co-operation with cross-border partners on protected areas in the Classical Karst.




Title:
Establishment of monitoring of the Reka River's subterranean course; acronym: URM ( Underground Reka River Monitoring )
Community initiative programme interreg III A
Slovenia - Italy - 2000-2006
Applicant:
Škocjan Caves Park Public Service Agency, Slovenia
Partners:University of Trieste – Department for Environmental, Geological and Marine Sciences, University of Nova Gorica – Department of Karstology, Sežana Speleological Association, Gregor Žiberna Speleological Association Divača
Duration of the project:
1.5.2005 –1.7.2007
Project cost:
71.597 €
Pbkectives:The general objective of the project is to establish the principles of sustainable protection of the Karst region, with the emphasis on the protection of underground waters and the monitoring of water quantity in individual periods. This will be achieved by the establishment of continuous monitoring of the quality and quantity of water that flows into the Karst aquifer from the Reka River. This will be the first uniform system of monitoring of all known caves along the underground course of the Reka River in the area of the Classical Karst.
The purchase and setting up of eight instruments has been planned in order to determine the basic physical and chemical parameters: temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, groundwater level, rate of flow as well as biological analyses that have not yet been carried out to a great extent. A station measuring the rate of flow is also to be set up.
Data collection and processing will be the basis for the preparation of adequate measures and activities related to the protection of the sensitive and vulnerable Karst aquifer. This is in line with the Škocjan Caves Regional Park Act as well as the implementation of the provisions established in the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and the Ramsar Convention. At the end of the project, we will publish a special brochure that will shed light on these problematic issues and emphasize the importance of such water monitoring. The results of the project and monitoring will also be published in specialised and non-specialised publications in both Slovenia and Italy. Such joint cross-border monitoring could serve as a model for successful international co-operation when designing similar projects in other Karst and Alpine regions that are faced with similar problems.
Results:
 




Title:
Historical renovation of the old path in Hanke's Channel in the Škocjan Caves
The project has been realized by means of funds provided by the Škocjan Caves Park Public Service Agency and the partner Berchtesgaden National Park from the Free State of Bavaria, Germany.
Duration of the project:
2003 - 2005
Estimated project cost:
20.000 €
Objectives:To renovate an over 100-year old fence and small bridges on the path leading to Hanke's Channel.
Results:We have renovated part of the trail in which the fence was destroyed at some places because of wear and tear. The reconstruction of the fence made with identical materials and techniques as the original required the innovative approaches, and is thus a true presentation of technical heritage. It is usable and safe for those experts who will visit this part of the cave. In total, there is over 270 metres of renovated path of all types (path on the flat surface, stairs, viewpoint) and seven small bridges. The path leading to Deževna jama (Rain Cave) has been completely renovated. At places where the fence is covered with flowstone deposits or is, due to other reasons, in a good condition, we have endeavoured to preserve the original fence to the greatest possible extent. The renovated path represents an authentic version of the original.

More on the subject...




Title:
Hidden treasure
Wetlands from the mountains to the sea, co-operation with schools participating in the Park's Network of Schools from both sides of the state border.
Duration of the project:
2003-2004
Project cost:
3.000 €
Objectives:
To achieve more responsible management of wetlands and efforts for their conservation.
Results:Preparation of inventories in the Reka River watershed in the areas of individual primary schools, presentation and strengthened awareness about their significance.




Title:
Organization, presentation and furnishing of the Nature Science Education Trail in the protected area of world natural heritage at UNESCO
Škocjan Caves Park region, co-operation with the University of Trieste
Duration of the project:
2002-2003
Project cost:
27.000 €
Objectives:To present the significance of cultural heritage and valuable natural features in the Park to the wider public and to educate the wider public, especially school groups, thereof. 
Results:Organization, presentation and furnishing of the Nature Science Education Trail in the protected area of world natural heritage at UNESCO – the area of the Škocjan Caves Park.




Title:
Discovery and exploration of the archaeological and paleontological finds
Škocjan Caves Park ares, Trieste, Koper, Ljubljana, co-operation with museums
Duration of the project:
2000-2001
Project of cost:
21.720 €
Objectives:To establish and strengthen cross-border contacts with institutions that exhibit archaeological artefacts found in the Škocjan Caves Park area.
Results:Rediscovery and cataloguing of certain archaeological finds in Trieste museums and at the Department of Archaeology at SAZU in Ljubljana, opening of an exhibition dedicated to these finds, photographing of these finds.




Title:
From Mount Snežnik to the sea
Area of influence of the Park, co-operation with six primary schools from the Reka River watershed from Slovenia and Italy.
Duration of the project:
1999-2000
Project cost:
10.000 €
Objectives:To train mentors for educating young people in the field of environmental programmes.
Results:Determination of water quality in the Reka River, training of mentors and educating pupils, publication of a brochure and opening of an exhibition, establishing contacts between schools and other organisations both in Slovenia and across the border.




Title:
Management plan
Protected area of the Park, co-operation with the Dolomiti-Belunesi Park.
Duration of the project:
1999-2000
Project cost:
7.500 €
Objectives:To achieve the potential for sustainable management of protected areas.
Results:Comparison of the environmental legislation of the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Italy, preparation of a plan for the protection and development programme, management plans.

International projects in which the Škocjan Caves Park Public Service Agency participates as a partner organisation:

Title:
A Global Information and Communication Exchange System for sustainable management of natural resources and public relation for the Alpine Network of Protected Areas; Acronym: ALPENCOM
INTERREG IIIB ALPINE SPACE
Applicant:Parc National des Ecrins – Réseau Alpin des Espaces Protégés (Alpine network)
Duration of the project:
1.1.2005 – 31.12.2007
Project cost:
1.400.000 €
Objectives:
  • To strengthen public understanding of Alpine ecosystems and their vulnerability.
  • To increase and optimize the efficiency of protected area management by means of knowledge and technology exchange.
  • Mutual promotion.
  • To contribute to the development of local and regional economy by promoting environmentally-friendly tourist activities and, in general, to contribute to the concept of integrated sustainable development.
  • To strengthen the existing Alpine Network of Protected Areas.
  • To co-operate with the new European Union Member States (Carpathian Network of Protected Areas).
Results:
The project is still ongoing.
The SCP's costs amount to €100,000.
More on the subject:
http://www.alpencom.org




Title:
NATURA 2000 FOR BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE; Short name: NATURA OF THE PRIMORSKA REGION
COMMUNITY INITIATIVE PROGRAMME INTERREG III A SLOVENIA – ITALY 2000–2006
Applicant:Society for Observation and Study of Birds of Slovenia, DOPPS
Duration of the project:
1.1.2006-31.12.2007
Project cost:
76.969.590 SIT (ca. 321.470,12 €).
Objectives:
The project's objective is to contribute to the successful long-term protection of Natura 2000 areas and other areas of valuable natural features in beneficiary regions, thus also contributing to the comprehensive sustainable development of the cross-border area. The project is aimed at creating good practice examples in the integration of nature conservation by targeting the sustainable development of rural areas and searching for new development opportunities by means of market strategy development. From the professional point of view, we will contribute to the protection of Natura 2000 by preparing management guidlines for protected bird species, supported by some necessary research of species and habitats, and by setting-up a network of area managers. Promotional and educational activities and the related interpretation activities will enable us to familiarize target groups with the valuable natural features and biodiversity of Natura 2000 areas, contribute to awareness-raising and a more responsible relationship to nature. This two-year project will take place from 1.1.2006 to 31.12.2007 in all Natura 2000 (SPA) areas in the beneficiary region in Slovenia and surrounding locations.
Results:
The project is still ongoing.
The ŠCP's costs amount to SIT 2,175,000.00 or € 9,073.84.
Več o tem:
http://hinet.si/dopps/projekti/interreg_nrsz




Title:
The Living Landscape of Karst: research and educational project in the field of detection and valorisation of cross-border heritage and environment.
Acronym: LIVING LANDSCAPE

Cross-Border Cooperation Programme
Italy-Slovenia 2007-2013
Applicant:
University of Primorska
Duration of the project:
1st of October 2012 – 31st of March 2015
Project cost:
390.000 €
Results:
1. Coordination and Management of the Project
  • PŠJ will attend project board meetings
  • PŠJ wil organise the final meeting which will be a public presentation of the project results as well
3. Education
  • PŠJ will accomplish 8 educational workshops for children and adults in the field of Karst dry stone wall building techniques popularisation
  • PŠJ will establish an educational system for Karst dry stone wall
5. Communication Plan
  • PŠJ will publish a guidebook on dry stone wall building techniques on Karst
PŠJ financial share:
26.200 €



Other projects

  • Kaverljag 012 Workshop – Škocjan Caves
  • Organisation of an exhibition in Nature Science Centre
  • Beehive
  • Renovation of the Cerkvenik Bridge

Research:

KRANJC, Darja: DANE NEAR DIVAČA (Pared, Kačiče), Škocjan 2005. 93 pages of text, 417 units of documentary photographs, 8 units of cartographic material.

Ethnological research of part of the area of influence of the Škocjan Caves Regional Park envisaged for the enlargement of the ŠCP protected area, supplemented with proposals for the inclusion of certain themes in the tourist offer and protection work. It consists of six sets:
1) Space and time
2) Population structure through time
3) Cultural activities in the past and present
4) Beliefs and folk medicine in the first half of the 20th century
5) Culinary art in the half of the 20th century
6) Economic activities in the past and preservation of some of these activities until the present day

KRANJC, Darja: ŠKOCJAN CAVES REGIONAL PARK 1996–2006, Changes (in the way of life) of inhabitants in the narrow protected area 10 years later, Anonymous questionnaire for households and its analysis, Škocjan, 2006. 33 pages of text, 18 pages of questionnaire.

This supervisory research that is to be carried out every ten years is especially aimed at covering the maximum spectrum of themes that are of interest to the Park's Managing Authority and about which local inhabitants can provide their feedback, propose what actions could (also) be adopted, and what should be amended in order to achieve the set protection and development goals of the Park. The research could also be considered as a means for exchanging opinions with every household in the protected area wishing to do so. The analysis includes the following chapters:
1) Filling in the questionnaire
2) Changes at the level of management and the network of mutual relations
3) ŠCP economic product
4) Living in the Park ten years later
5) Protection and development ten years later
6) Co-operation of the ŠCP Public Service Agency with local inhabitants, its financial and professional support

KRANJC, Darja: PARK'S CULTURAL LANDSCAPE PROTECTION PROBLEMATICS WITH SPECIAL EMPHASYS ON DRY STONE WALLS (Report), Škocjan 2012. 25 pages of text; 29 units of documentary photographs

In 2011 we decided to carry out a research on park’s dry stone wall building techniques, study the regulation that define permits and concordances one must acquire in this field of work and to study the problematic of cultural landscape protection in the PŠJ with the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation and the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia. In the report I discuss the three tasks and present the studied starting-points as bases for further work in the field.

Prepared by: Borut Peric, Samo Šturm, Rosana Cerkvenik in Darja Kranjc

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