This year's theme, »Financing the conservation of wild species: investing in people and the planet«, highlights the urgency of new financial approaches for sustainable biodiversity protection.
Lake Cerknica, one of the largest intermittent lakes in Europe, is an exceptional natural jewel that provides refuge to many endangered animal and plant species. Notranjska Park, in collaboration with the LIFE programme, has been implementing projects for nature conservation, habitat restoration and sustainable development of the area for many years. These projects not only contribute to improving the ecological state of the lake but also bring positive effects for the local community.
The aim of the LIFE for Seeds project is to preserve and restore nature-conserving grasslands in Natura 2000 areas. The project's goal is to restore 74.1 ha of grasslands, which will contribute to biodiversity conservation and the improvement of ecosystem services. The project is still ongoing and will run until 2026, raising awareness among local residents about the importance of species-rich grasslands and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The LIFE Tršca project focuses on managing wetland habitats to preserve water birds in intermittent lakes. The main objectives of the project are to improve the conservation status of Lake Cerknica, introduce new agri-environmental measures, remove dead biomass, and restore the nesting habitats of the ferruginous duck and the red-necked grebe. The project also includes education and awareness-raising for the local community and the development of transport infrastructure for visitors. The project is expected to be implemented by 2029.
This project, which has already been completed, aimed at ensuring favorable conditions for the protection and preservation of endangered animal and plant species and their habitats in the Lake Cerknica area. Activities included restoration of watercourse channels, land management through acquisition and late mowing, and removal of overgrowth. The project contributed to improving the lake's hydrological regime, which positively affected biodiversity.
In relation to the Kras.re.vita project, one of the main objectives of LIFE Stržen was the restoration of the natural course of the Stržen stream, which in the past was regulated for faster water discharge from Cerknica plain. Through renaturation, longer water retention in the lake was enabled, contributing to improved living conditions for numerous aquatic and riparian species. Like the previously mentioned projects, this also contributed to biodiversity conservation and to promoting sustainable tourism, which has a positive impact on the local community living by the lake.
Each of the above-mentioned projects contribute to the long-term protection of Lake Cerknica and to preserving its unique natural and cultural heritage. By involving local residents, experts and conservationists, Notranjska Park is committed to the sustainable development of the area. Preserving this unique natural environment is crucial not only for biodiversity but also for future generations who will be able to enjoy unspoiled nature.
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.
