Implemented on over 3 300 hectares at five sites within the Natura 2000 ecological network – the Sutla and Kupa rivers, Risnjak National Park, Radensko polje Nature Park and the Kamačnik river gorge – the Vezi Narave/Veze Prirode (Connections of Nature) project brought together partners from Croatia and Slovenia to establish biodiversity conservation structures. It introduced sustainable natural resource management methods, and raised awareness of the importance of conservation for human wellbeing.
- 14 March 2022
‘This acquisition is important because this is a project that unites. It is an Interreg project that connects two neighbouring countries: Slovenia and Croatia, as well as municipalities in our country and people all over Slovenia.’
Vezi Narave/Veze Prirode helped to improve the conservation status of otters, the stag and great capricorn beetles, the marsh fritillary and large copper butterflies, and amphibians. Research by the partners led to the formulation of guidelines for management of these species. Measures were then taken to restore and maintain their habitats.
To enhance knowledge of ecosystem services, the project opened two conservation centres – one by the Šica river in Radensko polje, the other by the Sutla – and two information points: one by the Sutla, one in the Kamačnik gorge.
Further educational activities included setting up three educational trails: in Risnjak National Park; at Vrbovsko, near the Kamačnik gorge; and at Zelenjak, near the Sutla. In addition, 12 workshops and 10 public events were organised to increase understanding of ecosystems in the project areas.
Restored habitats
The Natura 2000 network encompasses some 27 500 areas containing around 230 habitat types and which are home to more than 1 000 rare and endangered species. Cross-border cooperation involving local communities, is vital for creating conditions in which these species can thrive.
On the Sutla, otter habitats were improved by creating oxbow lakes and crossings and planting vegetation on the banks. An amphibian passage was established. Stag beetle habitats were preserved by placing 50 piles of dead oak wood along the river.
Restoration of the habitat of the great capricorn beetle entailed purchasing 25 oak trees and planting 100 oak seedlings. The presence of the beetles was mapped and their numbers were estimated.
Cleaning up rivers
A clean-up operation at the source of the Kupa and on its tributaries removed large amounts of wood which had fallen into and blocked the river. Wattle fencing was installed to protect the source. Further restoration work was done at the source of the Kamačnik.
In Risnjak National Park, mowing and mulching – adding organic matter to surfaces to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds and insulate plant roots – were carried out to protect butterflies. At Radensko polje, structures were put in place for the conservation of butterflies, amphibians and their habitats.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Vezi Narave/Veze Prirode (Connections of Nature)” is EUR 2 553 908, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 2 170 821 through the “Interreg V-A – Slovenia-Croatia” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Environmental protection and resource efficiency”.