Iskar–Panega Geopark (original) (raw)

Geological Park Iskar–Panega is an UNESCO-run Geopark in Northern Bulgaria, located 3 km south of the municipal centre Lukovit. It consists of two sections: the Karlukovo Karst Complex (43°11′14″N 24°4′22″E / 43.18722°N 24.07278°E) lies in the valley of the Iskar River, while the Roadside Landscape Park "Panega" (43°11′25″N 24°9′8″E / 43.19028°N 24.15222°E) is at the Zlatna Panega valley. Started in 2006, it became the first geopark in Bulgaria, and created temporary employment for 20 previously unemployed people. Another economic effect was that the number of overnights at main lodging facilities in Lukovit increased by 40%, and the number of visits to the city and region rose significantly.