engleski

Perceiving Insular Karst as Exceptional Value for the Republic of Croatia

The first recorded use of the word karst dates back to 13th century, written in Glagolitic script on a tablet found on the island of Krk. Karst denominates a terrain with specific hydrogeological and geomorphological features which emanate in soluble rocks and it represents a resource of global-level significance owing to exceptional geodiversity and biodiversity abundance and the water it holds. Dinaric karst is one of the most precious karst phenomena in global terms, and at the same time the greatest continuous karst area in Europe. Globally again, Adriatic archipelago constitutes the most numerous karstic group of islands. The presence of chemical corrosion is on the islands reinforced by salt sprays, giving rise to sharp and extreme insular relief shapes. Despite the features which make Croatian islands a significant geo-destination as well, there is an insufficient level of awareness of the specific features and susceptibility of insular karst in the Republic of Croatia, that being evidenced by practiced methods of waste disposal, minerals exploitation and construction interventions in space, which directly affect the preservation of biodiversity as well as the quality and quantity of underground water, island watercourses, and permanent lakes thereon. The perception of specific character of karst and appropriate relationship therewith should be developed continuously, but it is also necessary to devise the methods of developing sufficiently responsible relationship of the public towards karst, and of decision makers in particular, with the aim of achieving proper valuation and preservation of that national resources of ours.

karst, Dinaric karst, insular karst, Adriatic archipelago, natural heritage

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