This transboundary biosphere reserve is the result of the merger of two Slovenian and Italian biosphere reserves which had been designated in 2003 and 2019, respectively. The transboundary biosphere reserve spans 2 671 km², encompassing core areas of 735 km², buffer zones spanning 438 km² and transition areas totalling 1 497 km² which are home to 109 060 inhabitants across 20 municipalities.

The area boasts a patchwork of alpine mountains and karst plateaux dotted by waterfalls and pristine lakes. The rich biodiversity includes brown bears, lynxes, otters and wildcats.

The nomination of this transboundary site was meticulously crafted through a participatory planning process involving 176 institutions and organizations from both countries, as well as students, research groups and representatives of the tourism industry.

Hiking in Julian Alps Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Italy, Slovenia)© Julian Prealps Natur Park

Lynx, Julian Alps Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Italy, Slovenia)© Julian Prealps Natur Park

Mountain pasture, , Julian Alps Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Italy, Slovenia)© Julian Prealps Natur Park