Activities and Results

DOPPS – Birdlife Slovenia is responsible for the execution of this preparatory action. We will track the Bittern’s movement and examine in which areas of Cerknica Lake it prefers to move. We will assess certain habitat traits of that area in detail, thus determining its optimal habitat. Based on the acquired data we will design a plan for arranging its nesting area and develop guidelines for the management of the quiet zone for Bittern (action A.2). The main activity of this action is catching one specimen of the Bittern, which will be equipped with a GPS tracker.

Status: The action has been fully implemented and completed

Year 2017: 

Two related LIFE project locations were visited in Sep 2017 (action E2); Biebrza in Poland and Engure in Latvia where wetland habitat was restored either exclusively for the Bittern or as part of wider wetland restoration. They presented to us good practices in methods for restoring wetlands, capturing the Bittern and conducting telemetry research. Simultaneously, we also visited PhD. Marcin Polak at Lublin University, where he acquainted us with the capturing techniques and capturing equipment for the Bittern.

Year 2018:

In 2018, we performed extensive searches for nests on five locations, and two attempts to capture a male (action A.1), as well as five triangulations of the Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) (action D.1).

Bittern males appeared on the lake approximately one month later than usual (first booming male detected on 24 April 2018), which we ascribe to high water levels that persisted until mid-April. At the end of the nesting season, at least two males were booming on the lake. No nests were found, however, and after consulting dr. Marcin Polak, an expert on the Bittern, and conducting extensive research in the field, we came to the conclusion that females did not breed on the lake this year. The males changed their booming posts frequently; they were booming intensely even in the beginning of June (their booming should subside with the progressing breeding season), and they were booming during the entire day. Their nesting habitat was very unstable, from being too flooded at the beginning of the nesting season, to drying out too quickly afterwards.

Year 2019:

Since we haven’t managed to capture a specimen in 2018, we tried again in 2019. We heard the first booming male on Cerknica Lake on 31 March 2019, nearly a month earlier than in 2018. At the end of April and again on 20 June 2019, we heard two different booming males on the lake (in the areas Ključi and Beli breg), otherwise only one booming male was detected during the nesting season. In 2019, we performed searches for the Bittern’s nest on two locations: Levišča and Beli breg, which is where the booming males have been detected. We performed the searches at the end of April and in the first decade of May. We also searched with a drone. Our evaluation is that all potential nests have failed due to heavy rainfall and consequently, the increase of water levels by over 1,5 m. Additionally, the increased water levels prevented us from further searching for the nest and capturing an adult specimen. High water levels persisted through the first decade of June, making the possibility of the female making a replacement brood very small.

Due to high water levels, we didn’t manage to capture the Bittern in 2019. However, knowing the unpredictable nature of Cerknica Lake, we have prepared an alternative solution in the project proposal, in case we are not successful in performing the capture. The report, which is a result of this action, was therefore prepared based on data from scientific literature and results of triangulations of the Bittern.

Even though, by preparing and publishing the report, this action has been completed and fully implemented, we will make one final attempt to capture the Bittern in 2020.

Year 2020:

In 2020, we made two attempts to capture the male Bittern. First on 24 May and then on 1 June 2020. The first male Bittern was heard on Cerknica Lake as late as 17 May 2020, which is a month and a half later than in 2019 (the most likely reason is the drought we experienced in the first four months of 2020). Though even after it started booming, he was pretty quiet and made long pauses between individual calls (10 minutes or more). Most likely, only one male was booming in 2020. We decided against searching for nests in 2020, due to negative experiences in years 2018 and 2019. Instead, we decided to attempt to capture the male, which was unfortunately unsuccessful. We believe that all potential nests were destroyed by heavy rainfall and consequential high water levels in early June. The water levels rose by over 2 m. The high water lasted until the end of June.

The 2020 nesting season was marked by extreme water conditions. April and the first half of May were very dry; however, after 5 June, the water rose by nearly two and a half metres, according to the measuring station Dolenje Jezero, and nearly two meters, according to the measuring station Gorenje Jezero. Both extremes probably had a devastating effect on any nesting attempts of the Bittern, as well as other nesting birds of the lake. Due to the sudden rise of water levels, reedbed nests were destroyed and the area of the lake became much larger, resulting in the destruction of nests of meadow species in this period as well.

Based on the gathered data we can assume that the changeable water levels (drought in the early nesting season, high waters in June) prevented successful Bittern nesting on Cerknica Lake at least until the end of June 2020. Throughout the season the Bittern stayed mainly in the area of Levišča. We recorded the probable presence of one female and found that most likely only one male stayed on the lake during the breeding season.

Since we didn’t manage to capture the Bittern due to the unpredictable nature of Cerknica Lake, action A.1 was completed with an alternative approach, which had already been foreseen in the project proposal. The report, which is a result of this action, was therefore prepared based on data, acquired from existing scientific literature and performed triangulations.

Despite our great desire to acquire accurate data on movement of the Bittern, we decided not to continue our attempts to capture the Bittern, due to the bird’s rarity and endangered status. This decision was approved by the European Commission.

Results:

• Report: Status of the Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) on Cerknica Lake in 2018 (SLO)

• Report: Status of the Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) on Cerknica Lake in 2019 (SLO)

• Report: Status of the Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) on Cerknica Lake in 2020 (SLO)

• Report on Bittern capture attempt 2020_final

Based on data on the Bittern’s habitat, acquired in the scope of action A.1, DOPPS – Birdlife Slovenia will design a detailed plan for the establishment of a quiet zone for Bittern and prepare guidelines for long-term management of this area. We will be aided by experiences of two other LIFE projects that focused on the conservation of the Bittern.

Status: The action has been fully implemented and completed

Year 2017:

We visited two related LIFE project locations in Sep 2017 (action E.2): Biebrza in Poland and Engure in Latvia, where wetland habitat was restored either exclusively for the Bittern or as part of wider wetland restoration. They presented to us good practices in methods for restoring wetlands, capturing the Bittern and conducting telemetry research. We also visited dr. Marcin Polak at Lublin University, where he acquainted us with the capturing techniques and capturing equipment for the Bittern.

Year 2018:

In 2018, DOPPS started preparing the draft of the establishment plan and guidelines for the quiet zone for the Bittern. They studied scientific literature and studies of already established restored habitats of the Bittern. They also established communication with experts, focused on studying the Bittern.

Year 2019:

In 2019, Notranjska Regional Park performed all workshops and planned meetings with key stakeholders. We met with the Angling Club Cerknica, presidents of local hunting fraternities, representatives of tourism providers, and presidents of local agrarian societies and their members.

In April 2019, all project partners had a field day and looked at the area of the planned quiet zone in person. We settled all details about the establishment of the quiet zone and found solutions that are appropriate both for birds and fish.

Field day in the area of the planned quiet zone for Bittern (2 April 2019).

Years 2020 – 2022:

In 2020, we extended the area of the quiet zone from 100 ha to 219 ha. We also updated guidelines for quiet zone management. The plan for establishment of the quiet zone will be updated in 2022.

Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to capture the Bittern in the first two years of the project (action A.1), so the plan for the establishment of a quiet zone was prepared on the basis of: (a) scientific literature (published articles and books on the ecology of the Bittern), (b) expert advice from the LIFE Coastlake team and dr. Marcin Polak and (c) our own observations regarding Bittern habitat that were gathered in 2018 and 2019 while conducting nest search and booming male triangulation.

Results:

• Establishment plan and guidelines for the quiet zone for Botaurus Stellaris on Cerknica Lake (SLO)

In the scope of this action we designed architectural plans for infrastructure, such as an entry-exit point for vessels and ten guiding-interpretation points, which will lead to a bird observatory with a view of the central part of Cerknica Lake and the restored watercourse Stržen. This infrastructure will be equipped with signs, which will inform the visitors about the project, the significance of the area, important animal and plant species, as well as the problem of inappropriate behaviour in nature, rules for boating etc.

Status: The action has been fully implemented and completed

By taking into account Slovenian legislation and all the conditions, given to us by competent authorities, building an entry-exit point in the form of a half-circle was no longer possible. After redesigning the entry-exit point, the new shape turned out to be unfunctional in the same location. We therefore moved the location of the entry-exit point by 40 m. Due to the changed location, we had to restart the process of designing and acquiring permits. To avoid any trouble while building the entry-exit point, we ordered a geological study and a geodetic record of the area. Both were completed in August 2019, when the lake was dry.

Based on the results of the geological study and legal restrictions, the entry-exit point will only be arranged by redirecting visitors to the correct spot. The floating pier, however, will not be built, due to unsuitable alternative solutions for this location. The European Commission supports our suggestion.

Instead of the original entry-exit point for vessels, we built a new informational guiding point to redirect visitors to the appropriate spot. In addition, we placed new benches next to the bee farm and we are planning to build two new hunting observatories.

Results:

• DDG for placing ten guiding-interpretation points (SLO)
• DDG for bird observatory “Nad Levišči” (SLO)
• DDG for entry-exit point for vessels “Rešeto” -UPDATED VERSION (SLO)
• DDG for bird observatory “Nad Levišči” and entry-exit point for vessels “Rešeto” – OLD VERSION (SLO)
• DDG for entry-exit point Rešeto – FINAL
• DDG for hunting observatory Otonica
• DDG for hunting observatory Gorenje jezero

In the scope of this action we developed a visual identity (corporate design), a process plan, which contains a detailed plan of the project management, and a communication plan, which is based on the project’s awareness-raising activities.

Status: The action has been fully implemented and completed

Results:

• Project LIFE Stržen logo:

• Process plan of project LIFE Stržen (SLO)
• Communication strategy of project LIFE Stržen (SLO)

In 2017, we purchased two land plots in accordance with the project proposal. The purchased plots are crucial for the execution of renaturation of Stržen in the area Ključi. They are also suitable habitats for the bird Bittern.

Status: The action has been fully implemented and completed

Results:

• Extract from the land registry: plot number 1239 – Municipality of Cerknica (SLO)
• Extract from the land registry: plot number 1242/2 – Municipality of Cerknica (SLO)

In 2017, we purchased a land plot with a view of the project area in accordance with the project proposal. An ornithological observatory will be placed on this plot.

Status: The action has been fully implemented and completed

With approval of the European Commission we bought another land plot in order to arrange access to the observatory.

All purchased land is intended for permanent nature conservation.

Results:

• Extract from the land registry: plot number 1139/35 – Municipality of Cerknica (SLO)

Plot number 1139/35, k. o. OTOK I (1632)

• Extract from the land registry: plot number 1140 – Municipality of Cerknica (SLO)

Plot number 1140, k. o. OTOK I (1632)

A key project activity is the restoration of the lower part of watercourse Stržen, which lies beneath the outflow of the stream Lipsenjščica. The former double meander of Stržen will be reactivated. The filled-up double meander is between 15 and 20 meters wide and 2,1 km long, whereas the current straight channel is 0,6 km long and 12 to 15 meters wide. During the preparation works we will prepare and organize the construction site, mark the restoration route, cut dead trees etc.

Status: The action has been fully implemented and completed

Year 2017:

2017 was a very dry year, so we started the preparation works early – in September 2017. We dug a drainage channel, so the water would drain more quickly in the following year and we could start with construction work sooner.

Year 2018:

In the year 2018 we could not continue with the work, due to exit of project partner Hidrotehnik, who was responsible for the execution of this action. We therefore postponed the start of the work to 2019. The construction work will be executed by external assistance, selected by Public Procurement.

In the end of 2018, a geodetic record of Stržen in the area Ključi was obtained. We also selected a providor for preparing a project for public procurement and detailed design guidelines, which are necessary for the execution of the Public Procurement.

Year 2019:

As soon as the project amendment has been accepted, and the European Commission gave their approval the renaturation work can be executed by external assistance, instead of our former project partner Hidrotehnik, Notranjska Regional Park begun preparing the documentation and the process of Public Procurement. In July 2019, NRP signed a contract with the selected providor for the execution of construction works, company Nivo Eko d.o.o.

After signing the contract, several coordinating meetings and introduction into construction work took place. The selected contractor prepared a technological study and a security plan. In the end of July 2019, they marked the construction site, erected a construction container, toilets, notice and warning signs, as well as marked the route of the riverbed.

Notice sign at the construction site.

The amount of rain in August 2019 was above average. The terrain was so wet that it indicated, the work on the riverbed will have to be postponed for a year. During this rainy season, the construction team adapted to the wet terrain with their technology and style of execution. They slowly strengthened the access road to the area of renaturation. Their work was hindered greatly by road sections, flooded with water. Despite the unfavourable conditions, the access roads to both banks of the riverbed were fully strenghtened by mid-September. In the scope of preparatory works, we also mowed and cleaned the banks of the riverbed.

Year 2020:

In 2020, the lake water level wasn’t low enough to start earth works, which is why we did not continue with action C.1, either. We will continue with the preparation works in 2021, before the start of earth works (action C.3).

On the upper and lower part of the section, where the construction works will be carried out, two fish nets will be placed in order to prevent access of fish to the construction site. The Fisheries Research Institute of Slovenia will capture the fish that will be caught between the two nets and relocate them to the upper part of the stream in order to preserve as much fish as possible. The Fisheries Institute will be aided by Notranjska Regional Park, Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation and the Cerknica Angling Club. Simultaneously, we will capture and relocate noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) from this part of Stržen, since we detected a large number of specimens during our first monitoring of fish communities in 2017. After the construction works are done, The Fisheries Research Institute will remove the fish nets.

Status: Action is in progress

Year 2019:

The Fisheries Research Institute is responsible for the execution of this action. Since this is a large-scale activity, in order to catch the fish and cructaceans quickly and efficiently, it will need help from highly qualified and equipped external assistance, in addition to the help from all project partners. In early 2019, Notranjska Regional Park has selected Angling Club Cerknica for this service with a Small Public Tender.

The Fisheries Research Institute has prepared a plan for the capture of fish and crustaceans. The plan has been presented and coordinated with the Angling Club Cerknica. At the coordination meeting we agreed on the process of the work, the required equipment and the distribution of tasks for everyone involved in the capture.

Digging out the meander, performed in 2019, was executed without direct contact with the existing riverbed. Only after the former double menader had been fully dug out and, due to the rain, partly filled with water, we removed the seal and reconnected the restored meander with the existing riverbed. In this way, the execution of construction works did not have any influence on water organisms, since water is now present in the channel, as well as in the redirected riverbed.

The capture of fish and crustaceans will therefore be executed in 2020, before filling up the channel. This is a superior solution, the idea for which occured during the execution of renaturation works, since now we will be able to move the crustaceans, which are very territorial creatures, into uninhabited locations.

Year 2020:

In 2020, the lake water level wasn’t low enough to start earth works, which is why we did not continue with action C.2, either. The capture of fish and crustaceans will therefore be executed 2021, before the start of earth works (action C.3).

Once the preparation works are done and the fish have been caught and removed to safety, construction works on the watercourse Stržen will begin. This intervention will be incredibly challenging. Due to the great amount of excavated materials, complexity of the terrain, sensitive ecosystem and because works can only be carried out during the dry period, an excellent organization is required for a successful intervention in the riverbed. In the scope of the construction works we will excavate soil from the filled-up former meanders and redirect the water into the newly-dug riverbed. The current regulated channel will be filled with the excavated material.

Status: Action is in progress

Year 2019:

Despite the unusually rainy August weather and the consequential hardships with executing preparation works (action C.1), with extraordinary coordination, special mechanization and well thought-out approach, we managed to dig out the complete former double meander in the area Ključi, with a total length of 2,1 km.

View of the renaturated Stržen in the area Ključi.

Once the original riverbed had been dug out, it was separated from the existing riverbed – the channel – only by retaining seals. At the same time, these seals served as access roads to land on the inside of both meanders. For this reason, we weren’t able to remove the seals immediately, only after we had arranged new access roads over the current riverbed – channel. Four consolidations of the bank are planned, on locations where the old and the new riverbed meet.

In 2019, we set up the highest up-stream crossing. Afterwards, we removed the upper seal of the watercourse and redirected it into the new meander. The water stayed in the channel as well, but it is being filled from the lower side.

Irena Likar, project manager, overseeing the removal of the upper seal.

This way of execution of this action is far more appropriate and will not have a negative influence on water fauna. This adapted way of performing the renaturation of the watercourse, particularly due to the establishment of a crossing over the channel, will also simplify the process of capturing fish and crustaceans, which will be performed in 2020 (action C.2).

During the excavation, part of the material, which the workers placed by the riverbed, was transported to the channel. Next year, after the capture of fish and crustaceans (action C.2), this material will be used to fill up the channel.

Construction work will continue in August 2020. We need to construct three more crossings. Simultaneously with the capture of fish and crustaceans from the straight channel, we will transport the rest of the excavated materials, which is currently placed by the riverbed, and then fill up the channel.

GALLERY of construction works:

Year 2020:

In 2020, the lake water level wasn’t low enough to start construction works. Action C.3 will therefore continue in 2021, if the weather conditions are acceptable.

In the scope of final construction works we will replant the riverine and marsh vegetation and remove all the containers and temporary roads, which will be set up during the construction phase of the restoration of Stržen. After the work has been finished, we will produce a report on the execution of construction works and a geodetic record.

Status: Not due yet

On Cerknica Lake, the Bittern inhabits the immediate vicinity of the area where the restoration will take place. Its habitat is bound to aquatic and wetland habitats. In the scope of action C5 we will establish a quiet zone, thereby increasing the suitable habitat for this globally endangered species by at least 100 ha. By conserving the bittern, we are also improving the conservation status of other qualifying birds, inhabiting the reedbeds and similar wetland plants communities.

Status: Action is in progress

Year 2018:

The Fisheries Research Institute of Slovenia started with the process of nominating the part of watercourse Stržen in the area Ključi as a quiet zone, where fishing is forbidden. In 2018, quiet zone boundaries were set up in the Fishery kadastre (orig. Ribiški kataster). From 2019, this restriction is also seen on fishing permits and on crucial entry points to the area of Cerknica Lake.

Year 2021:

The arrangement of the Bittern’s nesting habitat is connected to final construciton works (action C.4), which is why it will be executed in 2021. In the previous years, final construction works were not performed due to unsuitable weather conditions.

Throughout the duration of the project:

We are actively communicating with presidents of hunting fraternities Cerknica, Grahovo and Gorenje Jezero. We have presented project LIFE Stržen and the planned quiet zone to them and discussed how these changes might influence their activities. In the scope of project LIFE Stržen, NRP will arrange two bear observatories for two hunting fraternities, whose hunting area extends into the area of the quiet zone. Our goal is to help provide them with an alternative source of income.

In the scope of this action, Notranjska Regional Park will select external assistance, who will set up guiding infrastructure in the project area, based on the architectural plans designed in the framework of action A3. This will reduce the pressure of visitors to the most sensitive areas of Cerknica Lake and the quiet zone.

The infrastructure will consist of:

• Entry-exit point for vessels with notice and interpretation boards;
• Ten guiding-interpretation points with interpretation boards;
• Bird observation infrastructure with interpretation boards.

The interpretation boards will inform visitors about the navigation regime on the lake, important animal species and the importance of conserving habitat types, as well as about the LIFE financial mechanism. The bird observatory will be equipped with two telescopes.

Status: Action is in progress

Year 2019:

In early 2019, NRP started the process of Public Tender for external assistance for placing the infrastructure. The only offer we received far exceeded the amount of the means guaranteed for the service, so we were forced to decline that offer.

We repeated the Public Tender in June 2019 with certain changes in the demands of the Tender publisher. In addition, we excluded the entry-exit point for vessels from the Tender, due to practical and administrative complications. This time, the Public Tender was successful. The chosen providor was company Proform d.o.o. In August 2019, we signed a contract with them for the establishment of ten guiding-interpretation points and the bird observatory Nad Levišči.

Immediately after the contract was signed, we began with coordinating meetings with the selected providor concerning the design of information boards on the infrastructure and the preparation of detailed technical plans for the bird observatory. Certain previously already finished contents for information boards had to be rewritten after consulting with the providor and the designer, as well as translated to English. The translator was chosen by NRP with a process of Small Public Tender.

In October 2019, NRP confirmed the design concept, prepared by the providor, so the terrain work could start. The providor started wtih digging, laying the foundations and the establishment of guiding-interpretation points on the Drvošec trail. Technical plans for the bird observatory were also finished, therefore terrain work will start at the end of October 2019.

Year 2020:

Guiding-interpretation points and the bird observatory were finished in 2020, however, after careful consideration and with approval of the EC, the entry-exit point will not be built on Cerknica Lake. On the basis of geological survey results and legal restrictions, the entry-exit point will be established by guiding visitors to an appropriate and safe embarking location, but the pier itself will not be built on this location, due to inappropriate alternative solutions. By the end of 2021, we will therefore place additional guiding points opposite the Information centre, which will guide visitors to the safest location for embarking and disembarking their vessels.

The first step towards eliminating the threat of visitors disturbing the most sensitive parts of Natura 2000 areas and the quiet zone for Bittern is to set up basic infrastructure. Additionally, we will establish active communication with visitors to the area and supervision over the implementation of tourist activities. Our priority will be communicating with the visitors who deliberately and knowingly break the rules of the protected area. At first, we will only communicate with them, in the case of further violations, however, we will introduce special supervision and sanctions by the Inter-Municipal Supervisors and the Police. Lastly, by organizing interactive workshops, we will raise awareness and educate tour guides in the protected area. We will offer them support at designing nature-friendly ways of guiding tourists.

Status: Action is in progress

C7.1: Active communication with visitors of the protected area

We have established active communication with visitors at the very beginning of the project, in September 2017. In the scope of this action, we have purchased an all-terrain vehicle, with which the NRP technical worker visits the project area several times a week and informs visitors if they have behaved inappropriately (driving in the natural environment, boating in forbidden areas etc.). He hands out written notices for inappropriate activities as well.

NRP technical worker discovered a systematic violation of many, if not all regulations that are in effect in the Cerknica Lake area.

Cerknica Lake is a natural wonder, pride not only of Notranjska, but of Slovenia. It is recognized as a natural jewel not only in Slovenia, but on a global scale as well, which is why rule violations are absolutely inadmissible here. This is why, after one year of informing and warning visitors, we have decided to take action against those who are ignoring these warnings.

We have established communication with local police, Inspector for the Environment and Inter-Municipal Inspectorate. Based on the discovered violations, the following institutions were also included into this process: Municipality of Cerknica, Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation and Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection.

In February 2019, Notranjska Regional Park invited representatives of all the above-mentioned competent authorities to a meeting on the topic of taking action against rule violations. At the meeting, we presented the most frequently detected violations in the area of Cerknica Lake. We agreed on further coordinated work and determined the date of our first joint action.

On 27 February 2019, Ministry for the Environment and Spatial Planning issued to our technical worker a certificate of competence as a nature conservation supervisor on the basis of Article 157 of the Nature Conservation Act and Article 15 of the Decree on Professional Training and Assessment of Knowledge of Nature Conservation and Voluntary Supervisors.

On 16 June 2019, we executed a unified action of control over parking and driving in the area of Cerknica Lake. At 8:50 AM, a representative of Notranjska Regional Park – technical worker on project LIFE Stržen, a police officer from Polica Station Cerknica and two representatives of the Inter-Municipal Inspectorate Postojna, gathered in Dolenje Jezero. The action lasted until 3 PM. During the course of the action, 12 monetary fines and 6 verbal warnings were issued.

In 2020, our technical worker performed 121 daily field monitorings of visitors on Cerknica Lake.

On Jun 7 2020, we organized increased supervision of visitors from the entry point i1a (Dolenje Jezero) to Pretržje. Due to an increased number of visitors, which occured as a consequence of the closing of our national border, our technical worker observed and documented the flow of visitors on this location, which was under the most pressure. Despite the highly increased visitor count, there were no major violations.

On Oct 30 2020, a commercial was being filmed in Retje. The filming was performed by the company FALCON production d.o.o. Before starting filming, the company acquired all the necessary permits and opinions from the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation.

Our technical worker met with representatives of the production house on Oct 27 and warned them to follow the guidelines they received from IRSNC. The technical worker was tasked with nature conservation supervison during the filming process. Since the production house did not follow guidelines and instructions and drove motor vehicles in the natural environment, the technical worker contacted the Police.

Another commercial was filmed in Zadnji kraj on 6 November 2020. During a routine check of visitors to Cerknica Lake, our technical worker discovered, that the filming crew Slabescene does not have the necessary permits for filming on the natural value Cerknica Lake.

On 21 January 2021, our technical worker surveyed and documented the consequences of ice skaters, which visited the lake in droves on 16 and 17 January. The visitors damaged grass turf on several locations, made fires on two locations, as well as left trash behind on several locations.

C7.2: Education of tourist guides

In April 2019, Notranjska Regional Park executed the first workshop for local tourist guides. At this interactive workshop, we designed some new, sustainable tourist products, which guides were able to test during the 2019 tourist season on thematic weekends.

The next workshop was organized in Decmber 2019. At this workshop, we introduced the new tourist unit team, analyzed the finished tourist season and thematic weekends, that have been executed from the point of view of visitors and guides, as well as collected suggestions for the refinement of our tourist offer. After each activity in a thematic weekend, we ask the visitors and guide to fill out evalution forms, which help us judge the success of each activity and see  where there is room for improvement.

The third workshop took place in February 2020. On this workshop, we presented the first phase of the Strategy of sustainable tourism development in the area of NRP. Afterwards, we split the participants into smaller groups and asked them to express their wishes and vision of tourism development and development of our destination as a brand. The second part ou the workshop was focused on thematic weekend organization and possibilities of cooperation of different local tourism providors in the scope of these activities.

Unfortunately, we were not able to organize a workshop in the fall of 2020, due to the Covid-19 situation.

In 2021, the workshops were organized in several small groups. We discovered that in this way, in additon to taking measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, we were also much more productive. In the first couple of workshops we discussed the concept of thematic weekends again. Each provider introduced their own activities, we discussed new ideas and concepts, with a focuse on independent execution of these activities after project completion. This is also the goal of this action – to prepare the providors for independent sustainable marketable execution of activities after the project has ended. In these workshops, we also emphasized and presented the expert content they have to pass on to visitors. There were four workshops, focusing on theory.

The last two workshops in 2021 took place in the field. We showed the tourist guides how to guide visitors using the newly placed guiding tourist infrastructure. Two practical workshops took place.

C7.3: Stimulation of use of new tourist products – guiding visitors by organizing thematic weekends

Year 2019:

From late April to September 2019, NRP organized thematic weekends. Compared to previous years, the offer was richer, and the visitors were able to participate in various activities on Saturdays, as well as Sundays.

Each weekend, various activities were available to visitors of Notranjska Regional Park. Thematic weekends started on 20 April 2019 and continued every weekend (in good weather) until 22 September 2019, which is 22 weekends or 42 individual activities. In reality, we managed to perform 33 activities, 9 activities had to be cancelled, mostly due to bad weather. The activities were free of charge for visitors (financed by project LIFE Stržen until the end of the project – August 2022). Visitors only had to pay for possible additional services, such as renting a bike, canoe, snacks etc.

This way, local guides were able to test newly designed tourist products without worrying about finances. The goal is to create an integrated tourist product, which will be economically interesting for guides after the end of the project.

• Report on the organisation of thematic weekends in 2019 (SLO)

Year 2020:

In 2020, the LIFE Stržen team with the help of the tourism team of Notranjska Regional Park, upgraded the activities that the visitors evaluated as the most attractive with additional offer. We started connecting providors of different services.

From 30 May 2020 to 27 September 2020, 45 activities were planned for 18 thematic weekends. 36 activities were executed. 5 activites had to be cancelled due to unfavourable weather, whereas 4 were cancelled due to restriction of movement with the aim of preventing the spread of Covid-19 in the Municipality and the country.

• Report on the organisation of thematic weekends in 2020 (SLO)

Results:

1. Inappropriate activities on Cerknica Lake:

2. Informing visitors of inappropriate activities:

The success of project activities will be shown based on the following three indicators:

D1.1: Improvement of hydro-morphological traits of the restored area (length of the watercourse and water retention time at low water levels). These traits will show the success of actions C1, C2, C3 and C4. They will be measured before and after the restoration. It is expected that the length of the watercourse will increase by 1,5 km and the water retention time will be 20 days longer than before the restoration.

D1.2: Nesting of Botaurus stellaris in the quiet zone will show the success of action C5. DOPPS – Birdlife Slovenia will regularly monitor the population of the Bittern on Cerknica Lake during nesting season. We expect that the Bittern’s habitat will enlarge and improve on the surface of 100 ha. This will have a positive impact on other species of nesting birds as well.

D1.3: Decreased visitor pressure to the most sensitive parts of the project area will be an indicator for the success of project action C7 – the establishment of guiding infrastructure.

Status: Action is in progress

D1.1: Improvement of hydro-morphological traits of the restored area

Year 2018: We selected a providor for the production of a hydrological analysis of Stržen in the area Ključi in 2018. The study will show the difference in lenght of the central axis of the watercourse before and after the renaturation and the difference in the rate of water drainage and thus water retention time in the riverbed.

Year 2019: By July 2019, the chosen providor prepared a hydrological hydraulic calculation of the impact of the renaturation of Stržen in the area Ključi, as well as an animation showing the impact of riverbed renaturation. The calculations, which are based on technical project documentation and a pre-renaturation geodetic record, theoretically confirmed this indicator of the success of renaturation. It showed the Stržen riverbed will be at least 1,5 km longer, and that the water will stay in the riverbed at least 20 days longer than before the implemented renaturation.

After the renaturation, the providor will repeat his calculation of indicators. Considering the renaturation was executed exactly as the technical project documentation dictated, we are not expecting any changes in the results.

• Hydrological analysis of the impact of renaturation of Stržen in the area Ključi (SLO)

D1.2: Nesting of Botaurus stellaris in the quiet zone

Year 2018: In 2018, DOPPS performed booming male triangulation as planned (five times in the breeding season).

• Report: Status of the Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) on Cerknica Lake in 2018 (SLO)

Year 2019: In 2019, DOPPS performed four triangulations or determinations of the location of booming males. Males were registered on three locations: Levišča, Beli breg and Ključi. No more than two males were heard simultaneously, however.

• Report: Status of the Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) on Cerknica Lake in 2019 (SLO)

Year 2020: In 2020, DOPPS performed four triangulations of the Bittern from late March untill early June.

During previous inventories, we realized the most appropriate method is getting as close as possible to their singing position. In 2020, we therefore used a combination of different methods.

• Report: Status of the Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) on Cerknica Lake in 2020 (SLO)

2021 is the last year of Bittern triangulation on the lake.

D1.3: Decreased visitor pressure to the most sensitive parts of the project area

In November 2017, we placed three automatic visitor counters in the area of Cerknica Lake.

We check the number of visitors monthly and adapt the locations of the counters according to water levels of the lake. In the last year of the project, we will make an analysis of all the gathered data. We expect that, with the establishment of guiding infrastructure, we will redirect at least 80 % of visitors away from the most sensitive areas of the lake.

Cerknica Lake is known for its rich biodiversity and exceptional ecosystems, which bring many benefits and development opportunities for society and the economy. In addition to natural resources and ecosystem processes that this area offers, conserved nature and its uniqueness bring opportunities for the development of sustainable tourism and recreation. Services that take advantage of these natural resources, however, are relatively rare on Cerknica Lake. Some practices offered by tourist providers are even undesirable. Notranjska Regional Park will carry out an assessment of the socio-economic impacts of the project. The study will be used to point out concrete opportunities that conserved nature provides to the locals and the economy. The baseline data for the assessment will be acquired based on the survey of 500 visitors to the protected area of Cerknica Lake. The survey will be conducted on entry points to the area in all four seasons.

Status: Action is in progress

Year 2017: We started gathering data for the preparation of a socio-economic study in November 2017.

Year 2018: The first draft was ready by June 2018. We started surveying visitors of the project area in April 2018 and interviewing stakeholders in August 2018. The gathered data was analysed and included in the study.

Year 2019: The Initial Assessment of socio-economic impacts of the project on local population and their economy was prepared by June 2019.

Year 2021: We started surveying vistors of Cerknica Lake again, as well as performing interviews with key project stakeholders. The Final Assessment of socio-economic impacts of the project on local population and their economy will be prepared by June 2022.

Any physical interference with nature firstly means local environmental degradation. By excavating the former meanders of Stržen and filling the regulated straight channel we will heavily influence the aquatic and wetland ecosystems. This is why it is necessary to monitor the restoration of such a degraded environment and show the trend of pursuing the long-term goal of the project, which is the improvement of the conservation status of target species and habitat types, as well as restoration of water, riparian and wetland ecosystems. Ecosystem functions will be assessed before, immediately after the construction works and in the last year of the project. They will be monitored in the project area in two parts:

Status: Action is in progress

D3.1: Restoration of the water and riparian ecosystems

1. Sampling of fish communities

Years 2017 and 2018: Sampling of the fish communities has been carried out by the Fisheries Research Institute of Slovenia, first in September 2017 and second in October 2018.

Year 2019: The third sampling of fish communities was performed in October 2019. The sampling was carried out in the restored double meander as well, which was dug out in the summer of 2019.

Photo from fish community sampling in October 2018.

• Report on sampling of fish communities in the years 2017-2019 (SLO)

2. Sampling of benthic invertebrates

Year 2018: The chosen external provider, Biotechnical Faculty, has carried out two samplings of benthic invertebrates, first in August 2018 and second in September 2018.

•  Report on samplings of benthic invertebrates for year 2018 (SLO)

Year 2020: Due to unfavourable weather conditions, Biotechnical Faculty only carried out one sampling in the end of August 2020.

• Report on samplings of benthic invertebrates for year 2020 (SLO)

3. sampling of riparian vegetation

NRP carried out the first sampling of riparian vegetation and habitat types in the area Ključi before the restoration works in July 2018.

View of the Stržen riverbed in the area Ključi.

• Report on the survey of habitat types and flora in the area Ključi in 2018 (SLO)

Year 2021: Before restoration works are finished, we will carry out another surveyof habitat types and flora in the area. The survey will take place in July 2021.

D3.2: Restoration of wetland ecosystem

Year 2018: DOPPS carried out bird monitoring. The mapping census was carried out in the quiet zone (monitoring of selected bird species: Porzana porzana, Porzana parva, Rallus aquaticus, Aythya nyroca and other reed species). The habitat census was also carried out. In the zone of influence of the project we carried out the transect count (to assess the number of Acrocephalus arundinaceus and Locustella luscinioides), additional night censuses (Porzana sp. and Rallus aquaticus) and planned censuses of other bird species.

• Report on the survey of birds on Cerknica Lake in 2018 (SLO)

Year 2019: In 2019, DOPPS performed four habitat censuses. As in 2018, the most common species was Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. Most of May and half of June the area was flooded, so the mapping censuses couldn’t be carried out. They would not produce results in any case, since all nest were ruined due to high water levels.

• Report on the survey of birds on Cerknica Lake in 2019 (SLO)

Year 2020: In 2020, DOPPS carried out five daytime and three nighttime censuses. The fifth and sixth census (in June) were even carried out in boats, due to high water. As in previous years, high density of reedbed birds were found in the quiet zone. The most common species was Acrocephalus schoenobaenus, reaching the highest known density in Slovenia (11,8 p./10 ha).

• Report on the survey of birds on Cerknica Lake in 2020 (SLO)

With the goal of ensuring the success of the project and to provide the interested public with an insight into our activities, we have established a website, where we regularly publish the latest news. The content is available in both Slovenian and English. At the end of the project we will prepare a Layman’s report for locals and the general public in which we will present the goals and achievements of the project.

Additionally, we will establish an internet portal and smartphone application which will encourage users to enter data on bird spotting on Cerknica Lake. This way, an internet database of birds on Cerknica Lake will be developed. Using the portal will be simple and user-friendly.

The locals are regularly informed about project activities through local and national media, as well as a blog and four short presentation films.

Status: Action is in progress

E1.1 – Information boards

Small notice boards were mounted at the project beneficiaries’ premises in December 2017.

E1.1 – Project website

We have published a website, which we update regularly with news, activities and results of the project.

The website is accessible on the following link: https://life.notranjski-park.si/en/

E1.2. – Internet portal and smartphone application

DOPPS is responsible for the development of an internet portal and application. They have already selected an external providor, who is currently developing the portal.

E1.3 – Working with the media

We have been working with the media regularly since the beginning of the project. We publish articles in the local newspaper Slivniški pogledi monthly and we have regular broadcasts on radio station Radio 94. We have also appeared on national media several times.

Clipping table for project LIFE Stržen (September 2017 – June 2021)

E1.4 – Project blog

We update the project blog regularly with various contributions – from updates about project activities to opinions of the locals about our Park and our work.

View of the home page of LIFE Stržen project blog.

The blog is accessible on the following link: http://lifestrzen.blogspot.com/

E1.5 – Short presentation films of project LIFE Stržen

We have selected topics for all four presentation films.

1. The first presentation film is dedicated to the topic of undesired activities in the project area and was released in January 2019.

The first presentation film is accessible on the following link: Dark side of Cerknica Lake

2. The second film was released in December 2019 and focuses on the birds of Cerknica Lake through the eyes of a local bird enthusiast, Anže Škoberne. It is available on this link: Birds of Cerknica Lake.

3. The third film was released in November 2020. It talks about the attitude of locals towards the lake and the infrastructure, which will keep it in the condition which locals love and cherish. It is available on this link: The magical lake. Lake Cerknica, Slovenia.

In the scope of this action, we will get in contact with coordinating partners of LIFE projects, similar to LIFE STRŽEN, and actively disseminate the project results. We will visit various protected areas and organizations dealing with nature conservation and working on LIFE projects. This will open new opportunities for further international cooperation in the field of nature conservation and ensuring favourable conditions for endangered species. Through this cooperation and exchange of information based on good practices, the effectiveness of executing project activities will increase as well. During the implementation of our project we will be aided by past project experiences of other organizations. In order to transfer examples of good practice, active participation in conferences or other similar events is foreseen in the scope of this action as well.

Status: Action is in progress

E2.1: Networking with other projects

We added project LIFE Stržen to the RiverWiki, established by project EU LIFE + RESTORE. We will update our entry regularly with project results.

In September 2017, we visited project LIFE Coastlake »Restoration of Bittern habitats in two coastal lakes in Latvia« (LIFE12 NAT/LV/000118) and the Biebrza National Park, the lead partner of two LIFE projects: Restoration of the hydrological system in the Middle Basin in the Biebrza Valley. Phase I (LIFE09 NAT/PL/000258) and Restoration of hydrological system in the Middle Basin of the Biebrza Valley. Phase II (LIFE13 NAT/PL/000050). We also visited Bittern researcher Dr Marcin Polak from Maria Curie – Sklodowska University in Poland. Dr Polak visited Slovenia in spring 2018 to help search for the Bittern’s nest and capture one specimen (action A1).

In March 2018, we visited Ireland. We met with Ruairí Ó Conchúir in the Burren National Park, where the BurrenLIFE (LIFE04 NAT/IE/000125) project was implemented. He also presented projects GeoparkLIFE (LIFE11 ENV/IE/000922) and Mulkear LIFE (LIFE07 NAT/IRL/000342). We met also with manager of project KerryLIFE (LIFE13 NAT/IE/000144).

E2.2: Dissemination of project results

We have started presenting project LIFE Stržen on various conferences. We will continue to present project results at conferences and other events throughout the duration of the project, especially in the last two years of the project.

Results:

E2.1: Networking with other projects

• Article on LIFE Stržen on the web portal RiverWiki
• Report on the project exchange – Poland and Latvia
• Report on the project exchange – Ireland

E2.2: Dissemination of project results

• 01_March 2018: LIFE workshop – preparing project LIFE documentation (SLO)
• 02_8 and 9 May 2018: LIFE International networking conference – LIFE farming – environmentally sustainable agriculture (SLO); 02_LIFE International networking conference – Thank you letter for Irena Likar (SLO)
• 03_15 June 2018: Excursion of project Coop MDD – overview of NRP LIFE projects (SLO)
• 04_6 July 2018: Ecosystem management in NRP – a lecture for Scottish nature conservation institutions (SLO)
• 05_20 July 2018 and 14 November 2018:  Meeting of project LIFE Lynx and LIFE Stržen teams (SLO)
• 06_16 November 2018: The management of cross-border water bodies – Project Siliffe (SLO); 06_CONFERENCE PROGRAM
• 07_8 – 13. April 2019: Presentation of project LIFE Stržen at the conference EBCC – Bird Numbers 2019 (Évora, Portugal); 07_EBCC_Poster LIFE Stržen; 07_EBCC_BIRD NUMBERS 2019_Book of abstracts
• 08_29 November 2019: Mišičevi dnevi_Maribor
• 09_6 March 2020: Restoration knowledge dissemination_Zavod Revivo_List of Attendance
• 10_25 May 2020: Stržen restoration, Sava Parks Meeting
• 

  11_dissemination of information on land purchase_LIFE AMPHICON

• 12_28 May 2020: Institut Ruđer Boskovic_List of Attendance
• 13_21 August 2020: Renaturation information_Minister for the environment and spatial planning visit
• 14_16 September 2020: Field trip_Visit of LIFE AMPHICON team_List of Attendance

14_LIFE Amphicon – field visit, September 2020

It is crucial for the successful implementation of the project that the locals are regularly informed about activities, being implemented in the scope of the project. We inform them through Information Bulletins, which are published twice a year and are distributed among the households. An electronic version of the Bulletin is published on our website as well. The Bulletins contain key project information. LIFE Stržen will also be presented at the annual event “Notranjska Park Days” in May. We will describe the course of the project in detail and show the significance of LIFE projects regarding the complexity of nature conservation. On this event we will highlight the locals who supported our project during the preparation phase and helped us with its implementation. Additionally, we will prepare an exhibition of children’s artwork we will receive for the creative competition. In the scope of project LIFE Stržen, Notranjska Regional Park offers nature science field trips for schools and organizes creative contests for schools and kindergartens, and two nature conservation camps for youth.

Status: Action is in progress

E3.1 INFORMING LOCALS ABOUT PROJECT ACTIVITES

1. Information Bulletin

We named our Bulletin Iz tršce (Slovene for “from the reedbed”). The first issue of the Bulletin, presenting the LIFE Stržen project, was published in December 2017. The second issue, which focuses on the Bittern, was published in May 2018. The third issue was published in December 2018. It centres on fishing on Cerknica Lake. The fourth issue (published in May 2019) talks about the forest, surrounding Cerknica Lake, and LIFE Stržen project manager, Irena Likar, as one of the Slovenian heroes of the campaign EU protects.

• First Information Bulletin Iz tršce (December 2017)
• Second Information Bulletin Iz tršce (May 2018)
• Third Information Bulletin Iz tršce (December 2018)
• Fourth Information Bulletin Iz tršce (May 2019)
• Fifth Information Bulletin Iz tršce (December 2019)
• Sixth Information Bulletin Iz tršce (May 2020).
• Seventh Information Bulletin Iz tršce (November 2020).
• Eight Information Bulletin Iz tršce (May 2021).

2. Event “Day of Notranjska Regional Park”

Year 2018: The first event was organized in May 2018. At the event, we presented winning products of the creative competition and awarded the winners. We organized several workshops and we also set up a special “LIFE corner,” where the project was presented and several activities for children took place. Important LIFE Stržen stakeholders (local tourist farms, local Angling club, Hunting association etc.) participated in the event.

• Report on the event Notranjska Park Days 2018 (SLO)

Year 2019: The main event – Day of Notranjska Regional Park – took place on Saturday, 25 May 2019, on the parking lot by Cerknica Lake. Activities began at 8 AM, whereas the stalls and workshops began at 9 AM. Many local stakeholders and guides actively participated in the event and the execution of all activities. At the event, we presented winning products of the creative competition and awarded the winners.

Throughout the day, several activities for children took place at the main event area. We invited other Slovenian LIFE projects partners to participate as well. We invited LIFE for Lasca, LIFE Lynx and LIFE Naturaviva. In addition to the project LIFE Stržen team, they each held children’s workshops on several locations by Cerknica Lake.

• Report on the event Notranjska Park Days 2019 (SLO)

Year 2020 and 2021: Unfortunately, we were forced to cancel the event due to restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

E3.2 INFORMING CHILDREN AND YOUTH

1. Field trips

We prepared four different worksheets for different ages of children.

• Field trip in Notranjska Regional Park, 1st and 2nd grade (SLO)
• Field trip in Notranjska Regional Park, 3rd and 4th grade (SLO)
• Field trip in Notranjska Regional Park, 5th and 6th grade (SLO)
• Field trip in Notranjska Regional Park, 7th, 8th and 9th grade (SLO)

School year 2017/2018: The first nature science field trip was performed in May 2018. By the end of the school year, we carried out 5 field trips, with the number of participating children reaching 516.

• Report on the implementation of field trips in school year 2017/2018 (SLO)

School year 2018/2019: In the 2018/2019 school year, we executed 15 activities, with a total number of participating students, highschoolers and preschoolers reaching 844.

• Report on the implementation of field trips in school year 2018/2019 (SLO)

School year 2019/2020: In the 2019/2020 school year, we executed 4 activities, with a total number of participating students and highschoolers reaching 104.

• Report on the implementation of field trips in school year 2019/2020 (SLO)

School year 2020/2021: In the school year 2020/2021, we carried out 5 activities, where we presented topics, covered by project LIFE Stržen. The total number of participating students was 118. In the spring, due to the closing of schools and Covid-19 restrictions, nature science field trips were not being performed.

• Report on the implementation of field trips in school year 2020/2021 (SLO)

2. Creative competition for schools and kindergartens

School year 2017/2018: As planned, the first creative competition Winter on Cerknica Lake was performed in school year 2017/2018. Winners were awarded at the event Days of Notranjska Regional Park 2018.

• Report on the creative competition in school year 2017/2018 (SLO)

School year 2018/2019: We published the second competition titled The Mysterious World of Birds in June 2018, for the school year 2018/2019. We invited all Slovenian primary schools to participate, as well the local high school and kindergarten. Winners for all three categories were selected by online voting and awarded at the event Days of Notranjska Regional Park 2019.

• Report on the creative competition in school year 2018/2019 (SLO)

School year 2019/2020: The topic of the competition in this school year is If I were an animal. The winners of all three categories (art, literary and photo) were selected by a professional jury, and they received their rewards by mail, since the event Days of Notranjska Regional Park 2020 had to be cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. All participating children also received a diploma by mail.

• Report on the creative competition in school year 2019/2020 (SLO)

School year 2020/2021: The topic for this year’s creative competition was The Future of Our Planet. Winners of all three categories (art, literary and photo) were selected by a professional jury, and they received their rewards by mail. All participating children also received a diploma by mail.

• Report on the creative competition in school year 2020/2021 (SLO)

3. Youth nature conservation camp

The first nature conservation camp for youth was organized from 24 June to 1 July 2018. There were 23 participants.

The second camp nature conservation camp for youth was organized from 28 June to 2 July 2021. There were 24 participants.

• Nature conservation camp 2018 report (SLO)

This action is focused on administration, financial management and execution of the project. Efficient project management is crucial for its successful implementation. All participating partners have experience with leading European or national projects. They have also already participated or are currently participating in other LIFE projects. They are familiar with the strict rules of financial and administrative management and the responsibility for executing project activities.

The project manager is in charge of providing support and supervising the execution of activities by all partners, as well as coordinating joint activities. The manager has an overview of finances, all documentation and the schedule for the implementation of activities of all partner. Project coordinators are responsible for coordinating and executing project activities of each individual partner. They manage the work of the project team within their organization. Expert and technical workers are responsible for the execution of the project as well.

Status: Action is in progress

Project management is going as foreseen. In December 2017, Notranjska Regional Park purchased an electric car, Renault Zoe. Guidelines for green public procurement for project LIFE Stržen were prepared in December 2017. Regular coordinating meetings with all project partners representatives are established. We meet monthly at the premises of the Park. At the meetings, we talk about current and planned activities and discuss possible problems and complications and how to solve them.

In August 2018, we have submitted a request for amendment to the European Commission, since associated beneficiary Hidrotehnik withdrew from the project on 9 April 2018. In February 2019, we have received a response from the EC, approving our request for amendment.

In November 2018, we submitted our first progress report to the European Commission and to the Slovenian Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning. Both institutions confirmed our report and gave us positive feedback about the progress of project LIFE Stržen.

In January 2020, we submitted the Midterm report to the European Commission and to the Slovenian Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning. Both institutions confirmed our report and gave us positive feedback about the progress of project LIFE Stržen.

Results:

• Guidelines for green public procurement for project LIFE Stržen (SLO)

A good, detailed knowledge of key stakeholders about project activities and finances is crucial for the successful execution of the project. It is also important for management to get feedback from the field, from different publics. To this end, a Council of Stakeholders was set up in the scope of this action. It includes representatives of key stakeholders from the local environment, experts, and representatives of project partners.

The council members are:

• the project manager and the director of Notranjska Regional Park,
• coordinators of project partners,
• Mayor of the Municipality of Cerknica,
• president of the Cerknica Angling Club,
• president of the Hunting Fraternity Cerknica,
• three representatives of tourism providers or local enterprises,
• representatives of three local agrarian societies,
• representatives of two political parties.

The national LIFE contact point and the monitor of project LIFE STRŽEN will be invited to participate in the project council of stakeholders as well.

Status: Action is in progress

We called key stakeholders of project LIFE Stržen in the fall of 2017 and invited them to be part of the project council of stakeholders. The first Council took place in December 2017, the second in April 2018, the third in December 2018, the fourth in May 2019, and the fifth in December 2019.

On our meetings, we inform the stakeholders of our activities and ask them for their opinion about our plans.

In 2020 and in the spring of 2021 the meetings had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 epidemic.

Results:

• Minutes of the first meeting of the project council (19.12.2017) -SLO

• Minutes of the second meeting of the project council (24.4.2018) -SLO

• Minutes of the third meeting of the project council (11.12.2018) -SLO

• Minutes of the fourth meeting of the project council (8.5.2019) -SLO

• Minutes of the fifth meeting of the project council (18.12.2019) -SLO

An independent financial auditor will verify the final statement of the reported project expenditures and revenues in the final financial report. The auditor will verify compliance with national legislation and accounting standards and verify the adequacy of project costs in accordance with the signed Grant Agreement and General Provisions. The auditor will additionally verify sources of project funding and possible double co-financing of activities from other European financial instruments. The auditor’s work will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the European Commission and will be written in the appropriate format.

Status: Not due yet

Our goal is to maintain the achieved results even after the end of the project. In the last months of the project, we will therefore prepare a LIFE Conservation Plan (LIFE after LIFE). This is an important document outlining starting points for further work in the field of nature conservation and protection in the area of Cerknica Lake. All project partners will be involved in the preparation of the LIFE Conservation Plan. It will define in detail all activities that will continue after the completion of the project. The description of each activity will include the responsible institution, the modes of execution and the amount of work. It will be available in English and Slovenian versions.

Status: Not due yet