Biological Summer Research Camp Kolpa 2008

Kolpa (croatian Kupa) makes a natural border between Slovenia and Republic of Croatia. It springs on croatian side under Risnjak, in strong, almost 80 m deep karstic spring. The river paves it's way through canyons and in the end, after a peacful plane, it joins to the river Sava at Sisak. The river has a flattering title "the longest slovene riviera", because of it's lenght of 292 km. It is the most southern lying slovenian river and it belonges to the most clean and intact rivers in Slovenia.

In Bela krajina there is a part of region, between Stari trg and Fučkovci, that is proclaimed as a Landscape park Kolpa. By legend Peter Klepec used to live in this area, to whom the fairies gave special supernatural powers, so he could drive out intruding strangers from the valley.

The river Kolpa is divided by more than 50 dams, where used to be mills, sawmills and blacksmith's workshops. But, today the river is more interesting for different kinds of sport and recreation. In the summer time the water reaches high temperatures (to somewhat 30^oC) and is so suitable for swimming, canoeing, rafting or kayaking.

The river has a exceptional rich flora and fauna. Many of plant and animal species are rare and protected. Lutra lutra and Emys orbicularis are the two species that particulary step out of average. The fish species are also richly represented. Because of the remote geographical position and hard passage the plant cover has preserved it's primary likeness, partly there is also natural forest and some primeval forest. The river Kolpa is presented as one of the areas, which have wider international significance and are known under the name Natura 2000.

See also description of groups.

Nazaj | Na vrh strani