From Poaching to Sustainability

Project Description:

The LAS Notranjska area has historically been strongly shaped by fishing and water-related traditions, which continue to define it today. The presence of the intermittent Lake Cerknica and the numerous waterways surrounding it creates a unique natural habitat for rare, often endemic species of fish and other aquatic organisms. The tradition of fishing has deep historical and cultural roots in this region—it has often served as a means of survival, including through poaching. Today, however, fishing opens up new possibilities and opportunities from the perspective of environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.

The (Krivo)LOV – From Poaching to Sustainability project addresses a multifaceted issue: a lack of awareness regarding the importance of fisheries for nature, the underestimated significance of fish as part of a unique ecosystem, and the untapped potential of fishing for sustainable and experiential tourism.

The project stems from the local needs, observations, and experiences of partners from various sectors. We have identified a shared interest in collaboration and the development of content that transcends individual interests and builds on cooperation, sustainability, education, and the inclusion of vulnerable groups.

Purpose of the Project:

• preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the LAS area related to fishing and water,
• promoting and developing sustainable fishing and fishing tourism,
• raising public awareness and informing the public about the importance of fishing and fish for nature, the environment, and water,
• integrating fishing and tourism,
• bringing together various stakeholders active in different areas of fishing (science, practice, education). 

Project Objectives:

• to develop and implement two new programs,
• to carry out activities that support the development of sustainable fishing and fishing tourism,
• to increase general awareness of topics related to fish and fishing,
• raising awareness among target groups about the importance of fishing and fish for nature, the environment, and water bodies,
• implementing the developed programs and ensuring partner collaboration even after the project’s conclusion,
• contributing to the preservation of the cultural and natural heritage of the LAS area.

Planned Activities:

• renovation of the Cerknica Fishing Lodge,
• design and pilot implementation of two new programs related to fishing and the importance of fishing for the LAS area in the past and present,
• development of sustainable fishing and fishing tourism: outdoor activities/experiences,
• dissemination and communication activities.

Planned (Key) Results:

• establishment of spatial conditions for the implementation of new programs,
• 2 new outdoor activity/experience programs related to (sustainable) fishing,
• pilot implementation of newly designed programs,
• creation of an exhibition on the theme of fish and fishing,
• integration of the designed programs into partners’ offerings.