RENOVATION OF THE TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE IN ŠKOCJANSKE JAME
RENOVATION OF THE TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE IN ŠKOCJANSKE JAME

Summary/Abstract: A natural sight of outstanding universal value; Škocjanske jame (Škocjan Caves) was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. Exploration of the caves began in the 19th century; the same period saw the development of the tourism infrastructure and organised guided tours. In recent years; the caves have been visited by some 100,000 people a year. Since 1997; the cave system has been managed by the Škocjan Caves Park Public Service Agency.The trails built throughout the cave by the first explorers and cave workers are a major piece of technical heritage. There are a total of 12 km of trails in the entire system; but not all are open to the public. The existing infrastructure in the cave was built in several stages starting in 1933. Individual elements of the tourism infrastructure in the cave have been renovated in the past when necessary. As a consequence; several different types of handrails have been used; there are also a number of sections where the trails and stairs are damaged. The electrical installations are highly energy wasteful; difficult to maintain and prone to power failures; while repairs are virtually impossible due to the many old and worn out wires. The inadequate installations and cave lighting have caused further damage: the growth and spread of algae and mosses (lampenflora). The unsuitable lighting also has a negative impact on the cave animals; particularly bats. The works and infrastructure in the caves have also caused considerable damage to the physical environment – damage that is only compounded by the continued use of the deficient infrastructure. The Škocjan Caves Park Public Service Agency has obtained funds for the renovation of the cave tourism infrastructure from the European Regional Development Fund. 2009 saw the renovation of the tourism infrastructure in the Mahorčičeva jama (Mahorčič Cave); the Mariničeva jama (Marinič Cave) and Mala dolina (Small Collapse Doline); the project was valued at EUR 1,160,000. The renovation of the cave trails involved the renovation of the trails themselves; paving; handrails and electrical installations. The bridge in Mala dolina (Small Collapse Doline) was replaced. Meanwhile; the infrastructure in the Tiha jama (Silent Cave) and the Šumeča jama (Murmuring Cave) will be renovated from 2013 to 2015. The trail; rock walls; handrails; electrical installations and lighting in this section will be renovated or replaced. In addition; a fibre-optic network will be established in the cave.An important part of renovating and replacing the tourism infrastructure is to make sure that the necessary standards are met; the damage to the cave environment is minimal and the infrastructure is as unobtrusive as possible

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