Supporters

DOPPS – BirdLife Slovenia

»Project LIFE STRŽEN is crucial for the conservation and promotion of the unique biodiversity on Cerknica Lake. Cerknica Lake is the only nesting area of the bird bittern in Slovenia. The bittern is a symbol and one of the umbrella species of nature conservation. By restoring its habitat, we will improve the living conditions of other endangered species as well. Let its spring drumming that booms across the lake, be an encouraging sign for the future.«

Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation

»Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation considers project LIFE STRŽEN as one of the important pieces in the mosaic of improving the conservation state of wetlands in Slovenia. LIFE STRŽEN is improving the conservation status of the intermittent lake by restoring the double meander of watercourse Stržen. We expect the restoration to improve the hydrological conditions of wet meadows, increase the quantity of water in the stream during dry periods of the year and establish new spaces with suitable living conditions for protected species of animals. We believe a crucial part of the project is cooperation and involvement of local people and competent sectors in the process of decision-making, since these decisions will contribute to better governance of the area. The Institute for Nature Conservation is looking forward to working on the project and to new challenges and experiences it will bring.«

The Fisheries Research Institute of Slovenia

»We were delighted when Notranjska Regional Park invited us to be part of project LIFE STRŽEN, as it enables joint effort of various expert institutions to improve such an important habitat area as Cerknica Lake. Project objectives are also in line with the mission of the Fisheries Research Institute of Slovenia, the main expert institution in the field of fisheries in the Republic of Slovenia. We have tried to implement activities that will contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources and the conservation of their diversity ever since the Institute’s establishment.

Furthermore, one of the many responsibilities of the Institute is management of waters of special importance, including Cerknica Lake. Therefore, it is in our interest to ensure sustainable management of the lake, which is undoubtedly a kind of a world wonder.

As a project partner we will do our best to achieve all the set objectives and to carry out our tasks with utmost care and professionalism.«

Hidrotehnik d. d.

»Being part of project LIFE STRŽEN is an honour and a great opportunity for HIDROTEHNIK, a water management company with 70 years of tradition in water management. We believe that our preventative action in the field of water management, orientation towards sustainable development and careful attitude towards nature demonstrates social responsibility to current and future generations. When facing the challenge of the demanding execution of the restoration on Cerknica Lake, we will greatly benefit from our rich experience with designing and implementing environmentally-friendly sustainable solutions. These solutions ensure natural balance of aquatic and riparian ecosystems, prevent increased flood risk and reduce flood damage.«

Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning

»Cerknica Lake is a vital area for the conservation of biodiversity. It is protected on different levels – it is a regional park, a wetland of international importance, and an ecologically important area, containing natural values of national importance. Last but not least, Cerknica Lake is part of the European network Natura 2000. The Ministry is co-financing project LIFE STRŽEN due to the great nature conservation value of that area, specifically because the project is focused on improving the conservation status of species of European importance. Among other objectives, the project will contribute to reaching the objectives of the Ministry’s Natura 2000 Management Programme for the area of Cerknica Lake.«

Municipality of Cerknica

»Project LIFE STRŽEN is incredibly important from the aspect of nature conservation. Additionally, it will bring the possibility of sustainable development to Notranjska region.«

Ebm-papst Slovenija d.o.o.

»Our company is part of a group where sustainable development is incorporated in the products (energy conservation, effect of motors and ventilators on the environment), as well as in working processes and technologies (environment friendly, minimizing resource consumption). The evidence for this is the award for sustainable development our then president of management received from the Slovenian Development Commissioner, Mr Potočnik. In our opinion, restoration of the watercourse is the only acceptable way to regulate conditions and infrastructure in a way that enables coexistence of tourism and natural environment.«

DS Smith Slovenija d. o. o.

»The company DS Smith Slovenia regularly supports activities in the local area, because we are aware of the importance of socially responsible behaviour. We believe that preserving natural and cultural heritage is the foundation of sustainable development of society, so we are happy to support Notranjska Regional Park and project LIFE STRŽEN.«

ALPOD d. o. o.

»Alpod d. o. o. is a socially responsible company that regularly supports activities in the local community. We were eager to support project LIFE STRŽEN, since we are well aware of the contribution it will bring to the Notranjska region in the fields of development, nature conservation and tourism.«

Agrarian local society Dolenja vas

»The project is crucial from our point of view, since it will establish guiding infrastructure, which will address the problem of visitors disturbing the most sensitive parts of Cerknica Lake and private lands, managed by our members.«

Agrarian local society Gorenje Jezero

»We support the activities of project LIFE STRŽEN, especially the establishment of guiding infrastructure with a bird observatory. This infrastructure will alleviate the problem of visitor pressure to farmland.«

Cerknica Angling Club

»Cerknica Angling Club is aware of the importance and advantages project LIFE STRŽEN will bring, which is why we support it. Restoration is the best course of action at the moment, since it will provide fish with at least minimum survival conditions.«

Hunting fraternity Cerknica

»We support project LIFE STRŽEN, because it will bring together many stakeholders, who all take advantage of the beauties of Cerknica Lake. It will also open the possibility of cooperation between them.«

Tourist Association Notranjska Cerknica

»The Tourist Association Notranjska Cerknica supports project LIFE STRŽEN, because it will establish basic infrastructure on Cerknica Lake, thus bringing the possibility of the development of sustainable tourism, in addition to nature conservation.«

Association of Križna Cave Lovers

»Association of Križna Cave Lovers supports project LIFE STRŽEN. A member of the Association will join the project council of stakeholders as a representative of tourism providers.«

Inter-Municipal Inspectorate of the Municipalities of Postojna, Cerknica, Pivka, Loška dolina and Bloke

»We support project LIFE STRŽEN, because we are aware of the issues in the protected area of Cerknica Lake, such as rule violations and the pressure of uncontrolled visits to this area.«

Biebrza National Park

»Restoration of meanders, planned within the project, will increase the water retention time in the lake, thus enabling the successful breeding of water birds, increasing the chances of survival of fish and protecting wetland habitat types. Since we are facing a similar problem within our project LIFE, we strongly support the project of Notranjska Regional Park and intend to share our knowledge and experience with the team.«

Latvian Fund for Nature

»We wish you success in implementing your Project and in capturing Bitterns! We hope that our experiences shared with you will massively facilitate this success«

Municipality of Postojna

»In the last years, Notranjska Regional Park has been very successful with obtaining European and national funding. I’m glad to see it has also been successful with the largest European financial mechanism LIFE, in the field of nature preservation and the environment. In order to achieve the goal Notranjska Park has set in the scope of project LIFE Stržen, we will have to carry out a lot of intertwined and joint activities. I strongly believe our collaboration will be fruitful, as the project positively influences the development of the Municipality, as well as the entire region. I wish you success in your future work!«

Nenno Harlekin, producer

“How sad to think that nature speaks and mankind doesn’t listen.” – Victor Hugo

I’m glad project Life Stržen listens.

Tur servis d.o.o.

»Our company TUR SERVIS d.o.o. gladly supports the activities of Notranjska Regional Park in the scope of project LIFE Stržen. Managing watercourses and establishing suitable infrastructure is the foundation for tourism programs on Lake Cerknica. Education and cooperation of the park and the locals is key for the development of this area, which is why our company participates in activities and supports project LIFE Stržen«.

Silvo Zalar, photographer

»For me as a photographer, project LIFE Stržen opens new possibilities and challenges of exploring Cerknica Lake through the photographic lens. I’m excited by the fact that we’re bringing back the Lake’s image from times before man interfered with it. It’s important to me, as a photographer, that the lake keeps its essence. I’m glad that new infrastructure will offer better information to visitors and enable a more interesting and harmless use of the lake«.

Grifon d.o.o.

»Grifon d.o.o. supports project LIFE Stržen and its commitment to improve the condition of Natura 2000 areas. Renaturation of the watercourse and redirection of visitors will have a positive influence on the conservation of appropriate habitats for all animal species«.

Restaurant Glaž’k, Srečko Gruden s. p.

»We support project LIFE Stržen, because it encourages the conservation of nature and many plant and animal species on Lake Cerknica, as well as brings socio-economic benefits to the locals«.

RRA Zeleni kras, d.o.o.

»RRA Zeleni kras and RDO Postojnska jama Zeleni kras support project LIFE Stržen and all the activities that are connected to sustainable conservation of the environment and habitats of protected plant and animal species. These activities and measures will contribute to the development of tourism, friendly to nature, locals and visitors alike, as well as encourage the sustainable economic development of the Primorska-Notranjska region. As a regional development agency and a destination tourism organisation we want to have a fruitful collaboration with all project partners and hopefully enhance the project’s effects, which are going to bring us closer to the vision of Green Karst and Slovenia as a green, healthy and active destination«.

Česnik d.o.o.

»I support any environmental project that aims to improve the state of nature and the cohabitation of people and nature. What I like about the LIFE Stržen Project is that its goal is to restore nature back to its original state, to reduce the pressure of tourism on the environment and to encourage sustainable tourism development«.

Mavricij Pivk, photographer for the newspaper Delo

»Every piece of Notranjska is a piece of me«.

PAPIRUS M & R Mihaela Meden s.p.

»We are very much aware of the meaning of the LIFE STRŽEN Project aimed at nature conservation, and we are glad that the project encourages ordering products and services in the local area«.

Anže Abram, diver

»For me, as a diver, the conservation of the environment under as well as above the water is crucial to me. This is which is why I very much welcome the LIFE Stržen Project. By researching and mapping the underwater caves in the area of Notranjska Regional Park we raise awareness of natural resources and treasures in the Park. This indirectly contributes to the conservation of this priceless area«.

Mojca Jernejčič

»As a resident of Cerknica I support the LIFE Stržen Project and all the activities which are aimed at conserving and protecting our wonderful natural resources. The implementation of projects like this one will enable the future generations to know the lake and its surroundings in a state, as close to natural as possible«.

Parish Of Cerknica, mag. Jožef Krnc, parish priest

»The LIFE Stržen Project is the right thing to do. We’re happy to see that the approach to this jewel of Notranjska is being careful. We welcome the efforts of all individuals, as well as the local and extended community, to respect and preserve the God’s creation. The all-round progress which we want is certain! Congratulations to all involved and … boldly forward! «

VSE SE DA, Igor Klančar s. p

»Lake Cerknica represents endless beauty of nature in and out of water. I am a self-employed entrepreneur also working in the area of tourism in the Notranjska region. One of my greatest wishes has always been the establishement of suitable infrastructure in the lake’s surroundings, which would enable safety and comfort for all species that live here, and allow people to experience this beauty without any harmful consequences. This will finally be possible with the LIFE Stržen project. I would like to thank Notranjska Regional Park, hoping that this is a starting point for many other good projects in Notranjska.«