During a three-day visit, the Italian delegation explored the natural and cultural assets of the Krka River and Park, the city of Šibenik, and Šibenik-Knin County
During a three-day visit, the Italian delegation explored the natural and cultural assets of the Krka River and Park, the city of Šibenik, and Šibenik-Knin County.
Following a three-day visit to Krka National Park, Šibenik, and Šibenik-Knin County, representatives from the Castelli Romani Regional Park in the Italian region of Lazio expressed great enthusiasm for the natural and cultural features they had the opportunity to discover. The visit served as an occasion to exchange experiences, learn about protected area management practices, and agree on concrete steps for the future cooperation between the two parks.
The Italian delegation – composed of Ivan Boccali, President of the Castelli Romani Regional Park; Francesco Ciferri, Director; Francesca Barbarancia, Project Manager; and journalist Andrea Scotto –visited Šibenik-Knin County from September 15 to 17. The visit followed the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement between the Krka National Park Public Institute and the Castelli Romani Regional Park, which laid the foundations for a long-term partnership, and the exchange of knowledge and best practices between the two parks.
During their stay, the guests from Italy explored the natural and cultural highlights of the Krka National Park, and also visited Skradin, Šibenik, the islands of Prvić and Zlarin, and the protected landscape of St. Anthony’s Channel – the Port, including the Fortress of St. Nicholas. In cooperation with the Šibenik Tourist Board, they were introduced to the unique features of Šibenik and its surrounding area, where the natural and cultural heritage intertwine with sustainable tourism and the life of the local community.
Although they have different geological features and natural phenomena, there are a number of important links between the two parks. Both areas are characterized by exceptional natural and cultural features, great biodiversity, a significant historical heritage, and the need to strike a balance between environmental protection, the lives of the local population, and sustainable tourism.
Cooperation between the two parks has already begun outside the framework of the signed agreement: the Krka National Park supported the project LIFE REHAB – Restoring Mediterranean Freshwater HABitats for biodiversity recovery, which is coordinated by the Castelli Romani Regional Park, and has further shown an interest in participating in activities to exchange knowledge, experiences, and good practices, as well as in considering the possibility of applying certain project approaches in its own area.
The partnership with the Krka National Park marks the first international strategic partnership for the Castelli Romani Regional Park under its new initiative "Il Parco fuori dal Parco" ("The Park Outside the Park"), which aims to foster cooperation among protected areas across national borders. The Italian partners selected the Krka National Park as their first partner specifically due to the shared values that both areas strive to protect and promote.
The visit thus marked the beginning of a series of joint initiatives, exchanges of experience, and new project activities that will be developed in the coming period. In addition to the Krka National Park Public Institute, Šibenik-Knin County and the Šibenik City Tourist Board will also be involved in their implementation, thereby further linking the international partnership between the two protected areas with the promotion and sustainable development of both entire destinations.
Thus, the collaboration between the Krka Park and the Castelli Romani Park is not merely a link between two protected areas; it opens up opportunities to connect people, knowledge, experiences, and destinations from the two shores of the Adriatic.