Speleolog, Vol. 71 No. 1, 2023.
Stručni rad
Sustainable Management of Geomorphological Monument of Nature – Cave Veternica in Nature Park Medvednica
Denis Kovačić
Andrea Kostelić
Igor Rapaić
Tajana Ban Čurić
Marina Popijač
Sažetak
Public Institution Nature Park Medvednica from the year 1999 manages Veternica cave - protected geomorphological monument of nature. The most important aspect of management is protection of the cave including promotional activities and visitor management of this underground tourist site in Nature Park Medvednica. In collaboration with Croatian Biospeleological Society in the year 2003 first researches and inventory of cave fauna and bat fauna of Veternica cave were conducted. Research results were used for continuous monitoring of cave fauna to establish adequate protection and sustainable use. Dataloggers for microclimate measurements were installed and monitoring of water quality was introduced indicating preserved cave habitat. Monitoring of cave fauna and monitoring of bat species is conducted continuously. Monitoring results are used to determine guidelines for sustainable management and use of the cave, therefore from the year 2004 tourist visits during bat hibernation are prohibited.
In the year 2009 Public institution with Speleo club Samobor and Croatian Natural History Museum conducted a multidisciplinary research „Geological, hydrogeological, geomorphology and microclimate research and results interpretation for geoecological valuation and tourist use of the cave” which unified previous with new findings for adequate protection and presentation of Veternica highlights. Research results have emphasized the importance of geological, hydrogeological and geomorphological peculiarities of Veternica interpreted during guided tours of visitors through Veternica cave. Number of visitors is recorded through number of sold tickets during visiting season. Although there is a tendency of increased number of tourists in Nature Park Medvednica and Veternica cave it is established that Veternica cave isn't endangered by tourist function. Established monitoring of cave conditions and controlled visitor management are example of good practice of sustainable management for other tourist caves.
Sustainable management of Veternica cave and Nature Park Medvednica has been confirmed in 2020 by ECST – European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas.
Ključne riječi
Veternica cave; geomorphological monument of nature; research; sustainable management;
Hrčak ID:
314784
URI
Datum izdavanja:
23.2.2024.
Posjeta: 86 *