In this chapter, recent literature on nature-based tourism is discussed in terms of its potential in the eastern part of Kraški Rob,in terms of characteristics and natural features of touristic interest. Kraški Rob is a geomorphological structural stage north of Slovenian Istria. It is an area of high ecological interest and parts of it have been declared Natura 2000 sites. It is rural, sparsely inhabited, and characterised by ageing and declining population trends. In recent years it has begun to attract a growing number o fhikers and other visitors, but still remains at the fringe in terms o fregional development. Data collected from three villages—Zazid, Rakitovec, and Podpeč—is reported and an adapted version of the two-dimensional model suggested by Fredman et al. (naturalness and accessibility) has been applied to the analysis. Additionally, three features that stand out most for each of the selected villages have been identified and summarised.
Funded by ADFUTURA (Javni štipendijski, razvojni, invalidski in preživninski skladRepublike Slovenije) and done as part to the project titled "Contemporary trends in globalization and localization: challenges and opportunities faced by marginal rural areas".