Croatia's Biokovo-Imotski Geopark Set for UNESCO World Geoparks List

The Croatian Lakes Biokovo-Imotski Geopark has achieved inclusion on the global geoparks list following its endorsement during the 8th UNESCO Council for Global Geoparks session in Morocco.

This Croatian geopark is poised to formally join the prestigious UNESCO World Geoparks roster in April of the upcoming year, as reported by SchengenVisaInfo.com.

The Croatian National Tourism Board proclaimed on September 8th that Croatia can now lay claim to three geoparks featured on UNESCO's esteemed list, in addition to Papuk and the Vis archipelago.

Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, expressed:

“Croatia is globally recognised as a tourist destination with exceptionally preserved nature, and the news about the inclusion of the third Croatian geopark on the UNESCO list further confirms this fact.”

Slavo Jakša, Director of the Public Institution PP Biokovo, highlighted the Geopark's significant multifaceted importance, encompassing cultural, historical, and ecological riches, showcasing diverse geology and habitats that support an array of plant and animal species.

Simultaneously, Imotski Mayor Ivan Budalić affirmed the active financial backing provided by the city throughout the entire process. He also unveiled plans to construct a state-of-the-art visitor center within the Geopark, marking a pivotal milestone and objective.

Luka Kolovrat, Director of the Tourist Board of Imota, underscored that the UNESCO designation substantially enhances the destination's visibility, fostering the development of unique and exquisite forms of selective tourism.

He also mentions:

“In addition, the Geopark Biokovo-Imotski lakes provide many benefits and development opportunities for the entire area, from the development of agriculture, catering, and service activities to the improvement of cooperation with other parks and partners.”

Furthermore, the Biokovo-Imotski Lakes Geopark boasts a remarkable feature in the form of the Blue Lake, characterized by its elliptical shape and varying depths, ranging from 300 to 500 meters. The lake's water level experiences annual fluctuations, occasionally plunging to astonishing depths of up to 100 meters.

Situated on the outskirts of the historic Imotski town, the Blue Lake has become a favored summer destination, attracting crowds for swimming and leisurely gatherings.

The decision to collaborate in establishing the UNESCO Geopark Biokovo-Imotska Jezera emerged from the recognition that Biokovo Nature Park and Imotska Krajina represent geological treasures within the Dinaric Karst region. This joint initiative sought to harness the potential of both areas for the betterment of the local community. Consequently, the concept for the future UNESCO Geopark, Biokovo-Imotska Jezera, materialized in 2019 through the collaborative endeavors of Biokovo Nature Park and the Imotska Jezera Geopark Association, headquartered in Imotski.

 

Source: schengenvisainfo.com