Partners of the strategic project Kras–Carso II met on 5 February 2026 at a coordination meeting, where they reviewed achievements by individual partners, opened questions related to the final phase, and coordinated further activities. The project, which connects the Slovenian and Italian parts of the Karst plateau, is entering its final stage, while at the same time laying the foundations for the long-term joint management of the area and the establishment of a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), which will in the future manage the geopark.
The meeting was primarily intended to review the results already achieved and to assess how individual activities contribute to the common goal – the establishment of a cross-border geopark with a clear management structure, a unified identity, and international recognition. The partners presented progress in their respective areas, from professional groundwork and conceptual development to communication activities and the preparation of interpretative solutions. At the same time, they coordinated timelines and responsibilities for the final steps, as in this phase it is crucial that the contents are interconnected and coherently rounded off.
An important part of the discussion was dedicated to the preparation of the dossier for accession to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. This is a demanding process that requires a comprehensive presentation of the natural and geological values of the area, the ways in which they are protected, interpreted, and how local communities are involved. The dossier must demonstrate that the area not only meets professional criteria, but also the principles of sustainable development, education, and international cooperation. Entry into the UNESCO network would represent an important international recognition of the quality of management and of the visibility of the Karst as a unified area of exceptional natural and cultural heritage.
The meeting also opened questions regarding the future management structure. At the forefront is the establishment of a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation, which will provide a permanent institutional framework for the cross-border management of the geopark. The EGTC will enable a stable organizational structure, clear responsibilities, and long-term coordination among partners on both sides of the border. In this way, the project goes beyond the framework of a time-limited initiative and becomes the foundation of lasting cooperation.
The partners also addressed upcoming events within the framework of the project, which will be dedicated to presenting the results to the public and the professional community. These events will be important for strengthening the visibility of the geopark and for involving the local population, which plays a key role in implementing the sustainable vision of development.
Special attention was devoted to the preparation of equipment and content for the Geopark Kras–Carso info centre in Lipica. The renovation of the former border crossing building has been completed. It will not only serve as an information point for visitors, but also as the headquarters of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation and the central administrative hub of the geopark. The info centre will represent the entry point for understanding the Karst landscape, its geological particularities, cultural heritage, and contemporary development challenges. The partners aligned on the concept of the exhibition setup, interpretative approaches, and digital solutions that will enable visitors to gain a modern and accessible insight into the characteristics of the area.
Although the project is formally approaching its conclusion, the partners emphasize that it actually marks the beginning of a new period. The establishment of the geopark, the institutional strengthening through the EGTC, and the preparation for inclusion in the UNESCO network represent a long-term commitment to the joint management of the Karst plateau. The goal is not only the successful completion of the project, but a lasting and recognizable cross-border structure that will connect natural heritage, professional knowledge, and development opportunities into a shared story of the Karst in harmony with its people.
The KRAS–CARSO II project is co-financed by the European Union within the framework of the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia Programme.
Author: Municipality of Sežana
Photo: Archive of the Municipality of Sežana
