Geopark Iskar-Panega

According to the definition of UNESCO a Geopark is “a territory encompassing one or more sites of scientific importance, not only for geological reasons but also by virtue of its archaeological, ecological or cultural value”. The first geopark in Bulgaria is the geopark Iskar-Panega on the territory of the Municipality of Lukovit. It includes two micro regions – Karlukovo Karst Complex and Roadside Landscape Park Panega. The project aims at creating an integrated tourist product based on the mosaic of various national landmarks from karst regions in the Municipality of Lukovit. It encompasses the available natural and historical resources at the territory of the municipality and raises their attractiveness for local people and the tourist. The Geopark as a complete product offers educational and informational programs which aim at raising the interest of local people and visitors on the preservation of inanimate nature in the region and guarantee the creation of sustainable jobs. The main purpose of the Geopark is to stimulate the development of geotourism and to preserve geological and geomorphologic heritage for future generations.