Škocjan Caves Park, Slovenia - Visions
Due to their exceptional significance, the Škocjan Caves were entered on UNESCO's list of natural and cultural world heritage sites in 1986. In 1999, the Caves were entered on the Ramsar Directory of Wetlands of International Importance as the first European Ramsar site in accordance with the guidelines for the designation of underground wetlands. In October 2004, the Škocjan Caves Park was included in the world network of biosphere reserves MAB - "Man and the Biosphere" as the "Karst Biosphere Reserve"; all of this was under the auspices of UNESCO. By 2004, there were only 19 locations in the world, including the Park, that participated in all three of the above mentioned programmes. The Park is also part of the European network, Natura 2000, which is aimed at the conservation of areas of internationally important animal and plant species and natural habitats. The protected area of the Park covers 413 hectares and encompasses three villages, Matavun, Škocjan and Betanja, with a total of 67 inhabitants. The area of influence of the Škocjan Caves Park covers about 45,000 hectares and includes the entire Reka River watershed. The Škocjan Caves Public Service Agency, established by a Decision of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, began to operate in 1997. The highest body of the Park is the Agency's Council which comprises the representatives of various ministries, local community and the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO. Since its establishment, the Park has been fostering exemplary co-operation with local inhabitants in the area of natural and cultural heritage protection, cultural heritage renovation and organisation of various activities. Biodiversity in the Park is an important and valuable feature. It represents unique evidence of the Earth's history and geological development in the area as well as enabling the preservation of data in the genetic code of all rare and endangered animal and plant species while shaping the history of the area and its inhabitants. This enables an original approach to environmental education. Special attention is paid to young people with far-reaching goals such as building awareness of nature and the problems of social activities in such areas as economy and politics, education for tolerance and respect, responsible action and use of knowledge. The Park's management carries out work programmes in accordance with the Programme for Protection and Development of the Škocjan Caves Park (a management plan) as well as professionally and responsibly managing our natural and cultural heritage.