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Description
We found that the continuation of mineral exploitation activities in the area of the Griže quarry has a short-term and long-term impact on the deterioration of the quality of the environment. Above all, it is necessary to determine the impact on the underground water system of the Rižana river basin, which we located in the newly discovered karst cave directly in the Griže quarry. The Griže quarry is currently at a standstill, and the new quarry owners have requested a reactivation of the quarry and a requirement to start the asphalt base and waste processing activities. All these activities would have a negative impact on the mentioned environmental systems, so it is necessary to immediately carry out monitoring and measurements, which will be performed together with experts from the local Speleological Association Dimnica. The obtained results will be the basis for the preparation of proposals in the framework of public participation in the adoption of municipal spatial plans and municipal detailed spatial plans.
The target groups are: 1. local residents living in the immediate vicinity of the Griže quarry, 2. the civil initiative Griže Quarry, 3.the competent authorities of the Municipality of Koper, 4. Koper Public Institute for youth, culture and tourism, 5. local communities that are (in)directly affected by the Griže quarry.
Summary of project results
The area of the Griža stone quarry is important as a water source for the headwaters of the Rižana River. In this area a karst cave has also been discovered, which, according to the Alpe Adria Green estimates, is connected to the underground water system of the river Rižana. Preservation and protection of both natural resources is extremely important for the entire region of South Primorska, and especially for the hinterland of the municipality of Koper.
The project was focused on protecting the environment around stone quarry by convincing new owners not to reactivate it and also by enagaging local community to fight for their rights and protect their living conditions. The had managed to protect the part of the stone quarry from futher exploitation, as they had discovered a cave underground and had completed the processes to protect it, as well as encuraged local community and the new owner to not reactivete the stone quarry and only use the place for temporary deposit of material.