Purpose: Birds need peace and quiet for successful nesting and wintering. Disturbances caused by visitors to the most sensitive area of the Lake include hiking, driving, boating, and hunting. To effectively prevent the disturbance of Ferruginous duck, Red-necked grebe, and other bird species characteristic of the intermittent lake it is crucial to analyse the types of disturbance, as well as areas and periods when individual bird species are most sensitive to disturbance. Based on these findings, we will determine appropriate types of individual quiet zones, their potential locations, and the optimal regime to prevent disturbance in each of them.
Status: Task in progress
NRP compiled relevant literature, documents and articles on breeding birds in reedbeds and the main threats they face. Based on the literature review and workshops attended by partners DOPPS and NRP, as well as the ZRSVN, we prepared a plan identifying areas and time periods during which disturbance to birds must be avoided, together with guidelines for preventing such disturbance. The workshop was held on 24 February 2025, and the technical report was completed by June 2026. The next steps include preparing a proposal to amend the boating regime, concluding agreements with hunting associations and introducing traffic restrictions, in parallel with the preparation of a comprehensive plan to prevent disturbance to birds.
Results:
Purpose: Boating on the Lake Cerknica still poses a threat to the nesting water birds' wellbeing, It is particularly problematic during the dry season when it is practiced on the last remaining water bodies in the lake area. In the scope of this task, we will prepare a proposal for changes to current boating rules with specified areas of restrictions and participate in revising the ordinance on boating which will have to be approved by the Municipality of Cerknica. Furthermore, we will pay special attention to raising people's awareness of appropriate behaviour, namely, respecting the rules on boating. Since most of the boating rules violations arise from restrictions related to the water level of the lake and, consequently, misunderstanding of the boating restrictions, we will create an online interface showing the Web users where boating is allowed at the given moment. We will also install information boards explaining the boating regime in five locations at the lake.
Status: Task in progress
Under the LIFE TRŠCA project, we continued implementing measures to reduce disturbance to waterbirds on Lake Cerknica. We regularly monitor boating activities, carry out surveillance and inform visitors about the applicable boating regulations.
Based on expert assessments and internal analyses, we initiated the comprehensive revision of the boating regime after identifying that the existing arrangements do not provide sufficient protection for sensitive bird breeding and feeding areas. During the preparatory phase, we collected the necessary data, organised a workshop for employees of Notranjska Park and initiated discussions with local stakeholders.
The revised regime will focus on improving the protection of sensitive habitats, clearly defining boating zones and ensuring better alignment of boating activities with the conservation objectives of the area and fluctuations in the lake's water level.
As part of the redesign of the Notranjska Park website, we also developed an interactive map of boating zones displaying the current water level of the lake. This makes relevant information more accessible and easier for visitors to understand. The map will be updated following the adoption of the revised boating regime.
The activities carried out to date provide an important foundation for more effective reduction of disturbance across approximately 170 ha of important habitats for the target waterbird species.
Results:
Purpose: Hunting is also a threat to water birds' well-being, especially for wintering birds. Any unnatural disturbance during wintertime causes agitation, constant stress, or even consequent migration. Together with three local hunting societies, we will agree on the cancellation of hunting in the areas of quiet zones. ZRSVN will ensure the agreed quiet zones will be included in the operational program of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia »Natura 2000 Management Program«, which will be the basis for changes to hunting management plans.
Status: Task in progress
Based on the results of expert analyses conducted under the LIFE TRŠCA project, we identified areas where restrictions on hunting activities could help reduce disturbance to breeding and wintering waterbirds. The proposed quiet zones cover the most important reedbeds, water bodies and marsh vegetation on Lake Cerknica.
In March 2025, we presented the project activities and proposed quiet zones to representatives of the Grahovo and Gorenje Jezero Hunting Associations. Representatives of both associations supported the proposed approach and raised no major objections to the locations of the proposed zones.
We also prepared draft cooperation agreements to restrict certain hunting activities within the quiet zones, thereby contributing to improved protection of the target bird species. The Expert Group for Land Management, which includes representatives of hunting organisations, also plays an important role in facilitating successful cooperation.
Results:
Purpose: Increased and uncontrolled visitor numbers during the peak tourist season pose one of the major threats to rare and endangered waterbirds and bird species associated with the habitat of the intermittent Lake Cerknica. To mitigate and prevent disturbance caused by visitors, access to the most sensitive areas of Lake Cerknica must be restricted, and visitors redirected to areas where their presence causes less disturbance.
Implementation: Under the LIFE TRŠCA project, we are developing measures to reduce disturbance to waterbirds in the most sensitive areas of Lake Cerknica. Cooperation with local agrarian communities, the Cerknica Fishing Association and hunting associations began in 2023, when we presented the planned activities to them. The stakeholders largely supported the proposed measures and emphasised the importance of restricting visitor access to certain areas while ensuring continued access for landowners and land managers.
Purpose: Unrestricted access of visitors to the central parts of the intermittent Lake Cerknica and its most important waterbird habitats is, besides boating, the biggest factor of disturbance to waterbirds. NRP will carry out the procedures necessary for the installation of traffic signs that prohibit driving at access points to the less sensitive areas, while access to the most sensitive areas will be completely cut off. For this purpose, NRP will prepare a detailed plan to restrict visitor access using traffic signs, physical barriers and information boards and will obtain all necessary consents and permits. Access will be allowed only to landowners for summer mowing and to fishermen and hunters for management purposes.
Status: Task in progress
In 2024, we worked with local stakeholders to identify the precise locations for barriers, traffic signs and information boards. We drew on the experience of other protected area managers and assessed various options for physical barriers to restrict traffic. The Municipality of Cerknica and Komunala Cerknica were also involved in the consultations.
Based on field visits and stakeholder consultations, we prepared detailed implementation plans for all proposed locations. The selection of locations took into account habitat sensitivity, the occurrence of disturbance to birds, existing access routes and practical aspects of site management.
We successfully completed the preparatory phase, including stakeholder coordination, site selection and the preparation of technical documentation.
Results:
Purpose: The existing parking lot near the village of Gorenje Jezero often exceeds its capacity, increasing the pressure on the sensitive area of Lake Cerknica’s drying habitat. For this purpose, the NRP will along the Gorenje Jezero–Dane road establish a new, alternative parking lot that will be slightly set back from the lake itself. With the new location, we aim to reduce visitors’ pressure on the lake area and an important bird nesting site. Access to the new and existing parking lots will be appropriately equipped with directional signs and traffic signs. The new parking lot, equipped with an eco-friendly toilet, will be built on land belonging to the Agricultural Community of Gorenje Jezero, which will, after completion of the works, also take over its management.
Status: Task in progress
Preparatory activities have already been carried out in cooperation with the Gorenje Jezero Agrarian Community and the Municipality of Cerknica. The procedure to amend the municipal spatial plan is currently underway, as this is a prerequisite for further planning and construction of the car park.
An important part of the activities concerns the planned restriction of traffic on the Dolenje Jezero–Pretržje embankment. This measure will reduce disturbance to birds in one of the most sensitive parts of the lake, while maintaining access for landowners, site managers, hunters and fishers. A detailed road-use regime has been prepared, and the technical groundwork for establishing an access control system has been completed. Several coordination meetings have also been held with the Municipality of Cerknica, ZRSVN, Cerknica Police Station, Komunala Cerknica and the Intermunicipal Inspectorate.
A significant achievement was the inclusion of the planned measures in the Integrated Municipal Transport Strategy of the Municipality of Cerknica, providing a sound basis for their long-term implementation. In the next reporting period, activities will focus on further stakeholder coordination, obtaining the necessary consents and preparing for the implementation of the measures on the ground.
Results:
Purpose: The Dolenje Jezero–Pretržje embankment is one of the main sources of disturbance to birds in the Lake Cerknica. Therefore, the NRP will limit motorized traffic in the central part of the intermittent lake. Driving will be allowed only for local residents (for access to the Otok village), agricultural machinery, fishermen, hunters, and in emergencies. NRP will prepare a traffic regime in cooperation with decision-makers. Twenty meetings with various stakeholders are planned, where the new traffic regime will be presented. A permit system will be established and traffic signage installed. The NRP will gradually introduce a closure – in the first year on weekends and holidays, and in three years the embankment will be closed all the time, except for those with permits.
Status: Task in progress
We prepared a detailed road-use regime for the embankment and assessed options for establishing an access control system. To support the effective implementation of the measure, we organised several coordination meetings and workshops with key institutions, including the Municipality of Cerknica, ZRSVN, Cerknica Police Station, Komunala Cerknica and the Intermunicipal Inspectorate.
A significant achievement was the inclusion of the measure in the Integrated Municipal Transport Strategy of the Municipality of Cerknica, providing a solid basis for its long-term implementation. In the next reporting period, activities will focus on obtaining the necessary consents, selecting the technical solution and preparing for implementation on the ground.
Results:
Purpose: In addition to the complete road closure on the embankment (Dolenje Jezero–Pretržje), the NRP will also upgrade the electronic directing system for visitor flows to further reduce pressure on Lake Cerknica. The NRP will hire an external contractor to upgrade the existing website with a digital module for directing visitor flows. The module, with the help of data from visitor counters and traffic at entry points (Dolenje Jezero, Gorenje Jezero, Dolenja vas), will redirect visitors from the most congested areas to less visited natural points, also outside the lake area.
Status: Task in progress
To improve visitor management at Lake Cerknica, we identified suitable locations for visitor counters, obtained the necessary permits and selected a contractor for their installation. Three visitor and traffic counters were installed in May 2025. Following training and testing, they have been collecting data continuously since July 2025 on visitor numbers and traffic flows at key access points to the area.
The data are used to monitor visitor numbers and improve the planning of measures to reduce pressure on sensitive habitats of conservation importance.
Another important development was the addition of the "Respect Nature" digital module to the Notranjska Park website. The system provides visitors with information on visitor numbers, water levels, weather conditions and boating restrictions in one place, helping them choose less frequented locations.
The combination of automated visitor monitoring and digital visitor guidance provides an important tool for the long-term management of sustainable tourism and the reduction of disturbance to sensitive waterbird habitats on Lake Cerknica.
Results:
Purpose: We will ensure stricter park ranger control to ensure that the visitors will follow existing and revised rules on the lake. Our newly employed park ranger will make sure the visitors respect the traffic regime, access restrictions, boating rules, and restrictions in quiet zones. We will also place five cameras to record violations in the nighttime at the most sensitive parts of the intermittent lake.
Status: Task is in progress
Under the LIFE TRŠCA project, we strengthened nature conservation surveillance at Lake Cerknica. During the reporting period, a nature conservation ranger was present in the field almost daily, monitoring activities, recording violations, informing visitors about appropriate behaviour in nature and helping to reduce disturbance in sensitive areas.
To improve operational capacity in the field, we purchased an electric vehicle, binoculars, surveillance cameras and other necessary equipment. Seven surveillance cameras were installed within the park, and cooperation with Cerknica Police Station and other competent authorities was strengthened. In addition, four staff members obtained the status of volunteer nature conservation rangers, further increasing our capacity to carry out surveillance activities.
Fieldwork is also supported by the Terenska beležnica application, which enables the recording of observations, incidents and field visits. More than 1,200 records have been entered to date, making the application one of the key tools for monitoring conditions in the field and reporting on completed activities.
Nature conservation surveillance is complemented by public information and awareness-raising activities delivered through the park's website, media and other communication channels, encouraging visitors to behave responsibly in nature.
Results:
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.
