Third Croatian UNESCO Geopark declared

by croatiaweek
April 6, 2024
in News

Biokovo Nature Park, Imotski lakes te be designated UNESCO geopark next year

Red lake Imotski (Peter1936F/CC BY-SA 4.0)

On March 28, 2024, at the 219th session of the UNESCO Executive Board held in Paris, the third geopark in the Croatia was declared – Geopark “Biokovo – Imotski Lakes”.

The UNESCO Global Geoparks Council accepted the nomination of Geopark “Biokovo – Imotski Lakes” as a UNESCO Global Geopark during the 8th session held on September 4 and 5, 2023, in Marrakech.

The Executive Board officially confirmed and declared the new geopark in Croatia. Thus, Geopark “Biokovo-Imotska Lakes” has been included on the list of UNESCO Global Geoparks as the third Croatian geopark, alongside Geopark “Papuk” and Geopark “Vis Archipelago”.

UNESCO Global Geopark Network areas are unique geological heritage sites of international significance. The program aims to protect the geological and other values of the geopark and manage the area through education and activities in line with the goals of sustainable development, for the benefit of the local community.

The Biokovo-Imotski Lakes Geopark is a remarkable region filled with a rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage. It boasts a wide variety of habitats, plant and animal species, and an impressive array of geological formations formed over different periods of Earth's history. One of its notable features is the Blue Lake, which has an elliptical shape and depths ranging from 300 to 500 meters. The water level in this lake fluctuates annually, sometimes reaching depths of up to 100 meters. Situated on the outskirts of the historic town of Imotski, the Blue Lake is a popular destination for swimming and a favorite gathering place during the summer. To reach it, you can descend along a winding path constructed in the early 20th century using the dry stone wall technique. Another remarkable hydro-morphological wonder in the area is located 1.5 kilometers northwest of Imotski. This deep fissure, surrounded by striking red rocks, partially contains water and is aptly named due to the way it reflects the crimson hues of its surroundings. Experts consider it one of Europe's deepest water fissures, and it was designated as a Monument of Nature in 1971. Research conducted in 1998 revealed that the lake's bottom is situated 6 meters below sea level, classifying it as a depression. Biokovo, the highest mountain range in Croatia's coastal region, rises to an impressive altitude of 1,762 meters above sea level at its highest point, St. George Peak. Its unique geomorphology, exceptional biodiversity, and breathtaking landscapes have led to its designation as a protected nature park. It forms a part of the expansive karst region of the Dinaric Alps, renowned globally for its distinct karst formations, which create a vital climatic and physical barrier between the coastal areas and the inland region where the Imotski Lakes are situated.

Biokovo above Makarska

The “UNESCO Global Geoparks” program seeks to raise awareness of geological diversity and promote best practices in protection, education, and tourism.

The geological diversity represented in numerous geological formations formed in different periods of Earth’s history, as well as the rich biodiversity and exceptional cultural heritage, are the reasons why this area became the third UNESCO Geopark in Croatia.

This geological and geomorphologically unique area of Dinaric karst in the Biokovo Nature Park and Imotski Krajina receives a strong incentive for preserving geological diversity and further sustainable development of the local community through this global recognition.