Programme area:
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
Outcome:
Improved management of ecosystems under climate change pressure
Output:
Improved capacity for ecosystems management
Project title:
To Improve Ecosystems and Conserve Vulnerable Species of Natura 2000 at Jelovica; Preparation of Management Model Based on Ecosystem Services in Decision Making Processes
Project acronym:
JeloviZA
Project Promoter:
CIPRA Slovenia, Association for the Protection of the Alps
Project Partners:
Partner 1: Municipality of Železniki
Partner 2: Slovenia Forest Service
Partner 3: Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation
Partner 4: Sora Development Agency, Ltd
Partner 5: CIPRA International (LIE)
Start of the project:
01/05/2022
End of the project:
30/04/2024
Co-financing source:
EEA Grants and corresponding Slovenian contribution
Total eligible project expenditure (EUR):
1,143,298.04
Project grant (EUR):
1,143,298.04
Main project results:
Restoration of ecosystems; analysis of the conservation status of habitats and qualifying species at Jelovica; awareness- raising and training; inventory and evaluation of ecosystem services; zoning of the area and implementation of communication campaigns.
Project summary:
The project addresses the challenges of climate change facing the Jelovica forest plateau, lack of a management plan for the Jelovica area, and lack of participation of local population in the preparation of strategic documents of the municipalities. The damaged mountain forest ecosystem at Jelovica needs to be rehabilitated, restored and efficient ecosystem services provided to it as soon as possible. Jelovica is one of the largest concentrated areas of preserved nature in Slovenia, with most of the area with a Natura 2000 site status. Climate change has had a major impact on the area in the past years (extreme weather events, bark beetles), which has reduced its ability for reduction of CO2 and has put at risk the habitats of sensitive qualified species (Tetrao urogallus L, Tetrastes bonasia, Picoides tridactylus, Strix uralensis). Up to 34% of the total timber cover at Jelovica has been cut down in the last 10 years due to climate change. The main objective of the project is to improve climate resilience of Jelovica through ecosystem restoration, develop a Jelovica management model and incorporate it in strategic development documents of the municipalities in the Jelovica area through public involvement, strategic communication, education, and building of a support network in the local area. The following specific objectives are pursued to achieve the main objective: inventory and assessment of ecosystem services (analysis of the status of the forest, collection of data on the status of qualified species, establishment of habitats for the relevant species, analysis of the area from the point of view of activities – zoning); restoration of 20 hectares of affected forest area with more climate-resistant species; training and education of experts (hunters, district foresters, field assistants of Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Protection, representatives of interested NGOs, local communities) responsible for carrying out the activities of the Jelovica management model in the future; elaboration of the model, cooperation of different stakeholders, establishment of a strong regional network of stakeholders committed to the implementation of the Jelovica management model (memorandum of understanding of the main stakeholders); creation of a social environment that supports the Jelovica management model and sustainable development of the area (communication and awareness-raising campaigns, media presence, responsiveness, visibility).