On Friday, June 5, as part of the LIFE TRŠCA project, we opened a photography exhibition titled “Images of Lake Cerknica: Where Water Tells Stories.” The exhibition brings together the works of nine photographers—Ivan Kebet, Veljko Klarić, Erik Premrov, Dajana Radić, Miran Špeh, Tine Šubic, Zoran Vidrih, Sebastjan Zelič, and Blaž Žnidaršič—who have captured the various faces of Lake Cerknica through their lenses. Together, their photographs tell a story of a place that, with its beauty, diversity, and unpredictability, captivates both locals and visitors alike.
The program was moderated by Saša Drobnič, a expert associate on project LIFE TRŠCA, who emphasized that Lake Cerknica is not a natural phenomenon to be taken for granted, but rather a precious natural gem whose preservation is the responsibility of us all. On World Environment Day, which also marked the opening of the exhibition, she highlighted the symbolism of its title. “Where Water Writes Stories” is not merely a metaphor, as the water of Lake Cerknica—through the changing seasons, reflections on the surface, morning mists, and the ever-shifting landscape—truly creates new stories all the time.
Ana Gabrejna Fajdiga, the LIFE TRŠCA project manager, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of collaborating with the local community to achieve the project’s goals. She emphasized that the project brings together landowners, local residents, schools, kindergartens, and numerous other stakeholders, as long-term nature conservation is only possible through joint action. She also noted that in addition to measurable project outcomes, there are less tangible yet no less important effects—a sense of belonging to the area, pride in local nature, and an awareness of its value. In her view, it is precisely these feelings that form the foundation of successful natural heritage conservation.
The delight at the great response to the photography contest was also evident when viewing the exhibited works. Each photograph offers its own perspective on Lake Cerknica and reflects the author’s unique relationship with the place where they live and create.
The cultural program was musically enriched by students from the Fran Gerbič Music School in Cerknica, who performed several pieces and contributed to the pleasant atmosphere of the event with their performance. The official part was followed by a gathering featuring delicacies prepared by Lili Mahne from the Notranjska okuševalnica.
Following its opening in Cerknica, the exhibition will also be on display at other branches of the Jože Udovič Library. It will remain on view in Cerknica until July 3, after which it will move to Rakek in July, Stari trg pri Ložu in August, and Nova vas in September.
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.
