The UNESCO has recently inscribed 63 new areas of ancient and primeval beech forest in 10 countries on the World Heritage List and among them are two Slovenian beech forests: the Krokar virgin forest and the Sneznik-Zdrocle forest reserve.

The primeval beech forests of Krokar and Sneznik-Zdrocle joined the Skocjan Caves on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The latter, inscribed 30 years ago, were until now the only natural monument in Slovenia on the UNESCO list. (photo: Marko Masterl)

The Krokar virgin forest is an example of completely untouched primeval forest in the heart of the well-preserved forests of the Kocevje region in southern Slovenia, which are also part of the Natura 2000 network. The Sneznik-Zdrocle forest reserve, on the other hand, consists of ancient beech forest with sections of primeval forest. Like Krokar, it lies within a large forest complex that is included in the Natura 2000 network.

Inscription of the Krokar virgin forest and the Sneznik-Zdrocle forest reserve on the World Heritage list represents a recognition for Slovenia and a commitment to further enhance the protection of both forest reserves and other beech forest ecosystems in the future.