Natural, cultural and industrial heritage as a basis for sustainable regional development within the Geopark Idrija project (Slovenia)

The Idrija Municipality, situated in the western part of Slovenia, extends over an area of 294 km2 with around 12,000 inhabitants. The area of Idrija is placed at the crossing of Dinaric and Alpine mountain ranges. This position is the reason for an exceptionally diverse surface with deep gorges, high Karst tablelands and mountain tops. Furthermore, the most important natural feature is Idrija mercury ore deposit which was exploited by the Idrija Mercury Mine Ltd. and was the leading force in the development of the region through centuries. Today, the mine is closed but it left an outstanding cultural and industrial heritage that needs to be conserved for future generations - local people to sustain their identity and for visitors. To present the richness of Idrija region the local authorities have put many efforts into establishment of the Geopark since 2007. In 2009 concrete steps were taken with the inventory, thematic trails, evaluation of geoheritage, educational programs, research thesis, etc. With this project the basis and guidelines for the establishment of the Geopark were set. In 2010, the activities have continued at the Municipality level by setting an organisation structure of the future Geopark. .