The LIFE TRŠCA project has reached an important milestone. After more than two years of implementation, we are halfway through the project, having achieved a range of important results together with our project partners. These will contribute to the long-term conservation of Lake Cerknica, its wetland habitats and endangered species.
Here, we highlight five achievements that have shaped the first half of the project.
Wetland restoration generates large quantities of removed vegetation, so as part of the project we explored ways to make meaningful use of this biomass. Trials have shown that biomass from the project area can be successfully processed into pellets and compost, turning removed vegetation into a useful resource rather than waste. These approaches contribute to more sustainable management of the area and to the circular economy.
To improve the planning and implementation of conservation measures, we developed a GIS-based land management database, which provides an overview of land parcels, completed measures and planned activities. We also established a digital Terenska beležnica (Field Logbook) for the systematic collection of field data. Both tools provide important support for the long-term management of the area.
Following a detailed analysis of various options, visits to see good practices abroad and consultations with experts, we decided to purchase an amphibious harvester, a specialised machine for wetland management. It will enable nature conservation measures to be carried out in even the most inaccessible areas of the intermittent lake and significantly improve the efficiency of habitat restoration.
During the first half of the project, we carried out extensive monitoring of habitats, vegetation and birds. The data collected provide a baseline for monitoring the effects of nature conservation measures and support science-based decision-making on area management in the future.
Public awareness-raising is also an important part of the project. In collaboration with the production company Kanal 13, we created an original puppet show that presents one of the most well-known legends from our very special piece of the world – the legend of the creation of Lake Cerknica – in a playful and interactive way. The show has reached numerous children and helped introduce nature conservation topics to younger audiences.
The second half of the project will focus primarily on the intensive implementation of nature conservation measures in the field, further land acquisitions, the use of new machinery and monitoring the effects of the activities carried out. An important milestone in the first half of the project was also the successful submission of the Additional Prefinancing Report to the European Commission, presenting the results achieved and progress made in project implementation.
The results achieved so far have laid a solid foundation for the successful continuation of the project and the long-term conservation of the unique natural environment of Lake Cerknica. We would like to thank all our partners, colleagues, landowners, supporters and visitors who are helping us shape the LIFE TRŠCA story.
The implementation of extensive nature conservation projects exceeds the financial capacity of the local community, therefore Notranjska Park regularly applies for projects with the possibility of co-financing by the European Union.
The implementation of large-scale conservation projects exceeds the financial capabilities of the local community, therefore Notranjska Park regularly applies for projects with the possibility of co-financing from the European Union.
