engleski

Geopark Island of Rab ; an opportunity, responsibility and challenge

The socio-economic aspect of the geopark is an issue often discussed with the members of the local community. They are all sensitive to the opportunities the geopark would eventually provide, particularly in terms of prolongation of the tourist season, enrichments of the tourist offer and development of the island infrastructure. The local tourist board supports the project of the Geopark on the island, although the immediate results will not be obvious. The extension of geotrails from current 23 km to planned 90 km, and organization of the geo-training field camps for students are understood as the first contribution in development of a new type of tourism which will relie on unique and unrepeatable natural heritage which blended so well with the local customs and folklore. The socio-economic benefits are envisaged primarily in terms of extended tourist season which can last at least 6 months longer than the regular (summer) season. The tourism is the primary occupation on the island, which otherwise does not have (and never had) any industry and related pollution. The local food production is also ecological, and very sensitive to conditions in tourism because the products are sold on the local market only. The geopark is also envisaged as a major employer on the island, which fits well with dominant tourism-based economy. The geopark is also a great responsibility. The local population which lives of tourism, must develop new strategies in the future. The care for the protection of the environment, as well as the geoheritage must become a primary goal of all inhabitants. So, finally, geopark is a challenge. The geopark will be constantly evaluated by its visitors. How do we compare, and what can be improved, will eventually become important questions to tackle with.

tourism; geoheritage; geotrails

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