(Observation Points in Skocjanski Zatok)

Skocjanski Zatok (the Skocjan Inlet) comprises 122 hectares of wetlands next to the Mediterranean city of Koper in Slovenia. The inlet is not natural, but the result of an industrial wasteland located in the proximity of a small city: it only appeared after the abandonment of the salt evaporation ponds and the expansion of the nearby port. Due to its rich flora and fauna, Skocjanski Zatok was declared a natural reserve in 1998. In 2005 we won a competition to make the inlet visitable. Observation points and bridges along the paths and a playground with parking along the visitor’s centre have been completed and opened to the public in 2016. Special care was taken to build all the objects in accordance with sustainable principles. Wooden, load-bearing structures appear out of the reeds; most other elements are hidden among the trenches to avoid disturbing the animals. The site is easily accessible, close to the small city-port of Koper and surrounded by transport infrastructure. Entrance is free; one can walk, enjoy the reserve and observe the nature