Geopark (establishment of a cross-border geopark between Peca and Košuta)

The Geopark project – the establishment of a cross-border geopark between Peca and Košuta – was implemented and financially supported by the European Regional Development Fund within the framework of the Operational Programme Slovenia-Austria 2007–2013. The lead partner of the project was the company Podzemlje Pece. The project partners also included Regionalmanagement Kärnten, Obir Tropfsteinhöhlen, the Institute for Nature Conservation of the Republic of Slovenia, the Koroška Provincial Museum, the municipalities of Črna na Koroškem, Mežica, Prevalje, Globasnica, Bistrica nad Pliberkom and Sele, and the RRA Koroška. The role of the latter was to assist the Slovenian partners in the administrative management and monitoring of the project, as well as to support the implementation of project activities in all work sections.

The purpose of the project was: to establish a cross-border geopark; to promote the sustainable use of geological natural resources through cross-border coordination and management and to contribute to their preservation; to intensify cross-border cooperation; to improve visibility and promote sustainable development in the area in question, primarily through "geotourism" and "geoeducation".

The specific objectives of the project were:

• Cross-border connection of key nature conservation, cultural, educational, tourist and other important institutions at the local, regional and provincial or national levels and local government bodies from the Geopark area - promote dialogue between them and with the local population.
• Prepare expert documents that will serve as the basis for the candidacy for inclusion in the European Geoparks Network under the auspices of UNESCO (EGN) and will define the future management of the Geopark.
• To establish the basic support infrastructure of the Geopark, intended for the high-quality provision of information and the attractive presentation of selected geological natural features.
• Create a communication plan, a comprehensive graphic image, prepare presentation tools and hold events to inform and raise awareness among target audiences.
• Establish an organizational platform that will ensure the bilateral implementation of management activities after the project is completed.

All the set goals of the project were achieved or exceeded. The Karavanke Geopark was, as the first in Slovenia, accepted into the European and global network of geoparks, under the auspices of UNESCO. Today, the Karavanke Geopark covers the area of 14 municipalities on both sides of the border, which are formally connected and operate in the organizational form of a cross-border working community. As a model example of good cross-border cooperation, it is a solid foundation for further upgrading existing forms of cooperation and exploiting joint development opportunities.

RRA Koroška is not formally a member of the working community, but it provides it with professional assistance in planning and implementing development activities.

More information about the Karavanke Geopark: www.geopark.si.