ŠKOCJANSKI ZATOK NATURE RESERVE

On the border between the sea and the land, where the rivers Rižana and Badaševica used to flow into the sea, lies the Škocjan Inlet Nature Reserve: the last witness to the insular past of Koper and the Slovenian largest brackish wetland, which has today again become a natural gem thanks to human love and dedication.

The Škocjan Inlet Nature Reserve is as an oasis of peace at the threshold of Koper, alluring for anyone who wants to learn about nature and experience it. The main attractions for visitors are sports activities and relaxation, as well as the observation of animal and plant species. The unique variety of species, mainly birds, the small surface area and special infrastructure for the observation of nature, which is also adapted for persons with special needs, make every visit special.

The goal of the protection of the Škocjan Inlet is the conservation of brackish and freshwater habitats and bird habitats, which nest, winter and stop during migration in this inlet in large numbers. Besides the birds, visitors can see dragonflies and butterflies in all colours and listen to the frogs croaking. In the wet meadows, the vegetation is balanced by Podolian cattle and Camargue horses grazing. The inlet is distinguished by halophytes– plants, adapted to grow on salty ground.

The Škocjan Inlet is a good example of cooperation between the representatives of civil society and the members of the Bird Watching and Study Association of Slovenia who have prevented the Škocjan Inlet from completely drying out and being covered with buildings. After 1993 the area was protected and in 1998 it was permanently protected. Since 1999 it has been carefully managed by the Bird Watching and Study Association.

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