With the rich experience gained in the construction of motorways we are planning the course of the 5th european railway corridor crossing the classical karst (Slovenia)

Abstract

During the last two decades, as the construction of motorways was taking place in Slovenia and the new railway line is being planned, we karst researchers have gained a great deal of experience and new knowledge. Almost half of Slovenia is karstic and more than half of the waters that supply us come from karst aquifers. Slovenia is also the land of the Classical Karst. We are aware of the delicateness of the karst landscape; we know it well and are trying to preserve it, as it is an important part of our natural and cultural heritage. We are aware of and familiar with cross-border connections. Ours is one of the rare countries in the world, with a very well-written Cave Protection Act (Zakon o varstvu podzemnih jam; http://zakonodaja.gov.si/rpsi/r08/predpis_ZAKO2068.html).