Triglav National Park Forum

Triglav National Park Forum: What do we want Triglav National Park to be recognized for in the next 100 years?

The Public Institution Triglav National Park (JZ TNP) convened a forum of interested public at the beginning of the jubilee year, attended by slightly more than 70 representatives of residents and all those operating in the protected area. The main topics were the implementation of the management plan, directing visitation and recreational activities, and financing park communities. The forum also took place in the spirit of commemorating the 100th anniversary of the signing of the agreement on the establishment of the Alpine Protection Park, the predecessor of Triglav National Park (TNP).

The forum is, in accordance with the Law on Triglav National Park, a method of discussion among residents of the protected area and all those connected to it in their work and activities. The director of JZ TNP, Dr. Tit Potočnik, said after the conclusion of the forum: "The forum is an opportunity for interested stakeholders to think together and shape the direction of long-term development of the only national park in Slovenia. On the 100th anniversary of the signing of the agreement for the establishment of the Alpine Protection Park, the predecessor of Triglav National Park, the key question is: how do we want future generations to remember us in the next 100 years?" Potočnik added that JZ TNP, through the implementation of public services, various projects and programs, and cooperation with other sectors, carries out daily activities for nature conservation and better coexistence of humans with nature. Therefore, the forum is intended for our reflections on the long-term future with the common goal that the existence of nature is key to our operations.

The forum took place in Jesenice in the Kolpern hall, which is part of the museum area Stara Sava. The deputy mayor of the Municipality of Jesenice, the host municipality of the forum, Tina Repovž, greeted all nature and mountain lovers in the introduction and thanked everyone for protecting the natural heritage. In her address, she highlighted that the forum enables the exchange of opinions and is also an opportunity for planning a sustainable future. The participants of the forum were also wished good cooperation by the mayor of the Municipality of Kranjska Gora Henrika Zupan, the deputy mayor of the Municipality of Bohinj Monika Ravnik, and the deputy mayor of the Municipality of Gorje Danijela Mandeljc.

Bojan Dejak, president of the Council of JZ TNP, emphasized: "The forum is a space for diverse opinions, views, and thoughts. Today, the current topics are those with which we pave the development and existence of the park in the next century. The institute's council proposed three key topics that are important for nature conservation today and tomorrow: reporting on the implementation of the management plan, the proposal for an action plan for directing visitation and recreational activities in TNP, and the procedure for preparing an action plan for co-financing projects of park communities." According to Dejak, coordinating different interests in the space is demanding, also time-wise, but it brings the most effective implementation on the ground.

Diversity of opinions also contributes to better solutions in the space

The red thread of the forum was the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the agreement on the establishment of the Alpine Protection Park. In the moderated discussion, participants presented their positions, experiences, and expectations about the past management of the oldest and largest protected area in Slovenia and about the future.

Participants in the discussions highlighted a range of different topics, including wolf management and related farming, management of hiking trails, arrangement of sustainable transport, high number of visitors, water management, and inclusion of cultural heritage. Forum participants also actively discussed the proposal for the Action Plan for Directing Visitation and Recreational Activities in Triglav National Park and the financing of park local communities, which was also presented at the forum. Details of the discussions will also be in the minutes prepared by JZ TNP.

Proposal for the Action Plan for Directing Visitation and Recreational Activities in Triglav National Park

At the forum, JZ TNP presented the preparation process, current phases of coordination, and involvement of stakeholders in preparing the proposal for the Action Plan for Directing Visitation and Recreational Activities in Triglav National Park. The plan addresses current challenges of visitation and traffic in TNP with the aim of achieving nature conservation goals. Directing visitation is a dynamic task that is upgraded every year and is subject to new insights, practices, solutions, and technologies. And it is also a common task of all competent organizations and institutions in this area. The numbers on TNP visitation are higher every year: daily visitation, motor traffic, scope of beds and overnight stays, outdoor recreational activities, etc. In the period 2014-2018, motor traffic in some parts of TNP increased by more than 100 percent. Without measures, it is expected that traffic will increase by 5-6 percent every year. The Julian Alps area has an adopted transport strategy that emphasizes the importance of sustainable mobility as a key factor in improving traffic arrangements in the space. JZ TNP has actively participated in financing free bus transports, purchasing electric vehicles, and promoting the use of sustainable mobility means, especially in the high tourist season.

From 2008 to 2022, the number of beds in the TNP influence area increased by more than double - from 23,142 to 48,876 beds. However, their occupancy is distinctly seasonal. In this regard, JZ TNP also highlights the ratio between the number of beds and the number of residents. Among the municipalities, Bovec and Bohinj stand out, the ratio worsened from 2008 to 2022 (the ratio between beds and local residents is 1:2.19 in Bovec, and 1:1.69 in Bohinj). The number of daily visitors, which is increasing, also contributes to the burdens on the area. All this affects nature, residents, and the experience of nature.

In JZ TNP, in cooperation with representatives of various stakeholders, based on data, they prepared a plan of measures. The basic purpose of the action plan is to direct visitation and recreation in TNP in such a way that natural values and biodiversity are preserved, visitors are enabled a quality experience of the national park, residents are ensured undisturbed living, development opportunities, and sustainable development, and the impact of visitation on climate change is mitigated. In total, they prepared measures in 10 priority areas, and the organization of implementation and financial plan are in preparation. The document will then be submitted for public discussion.

Action Plan for Financing Park Local Communities

The action plan is a one-year program that includes the content and financial scope of projects of park municipalities. It is an already established process based on proposals from municipalities. The preparation process is defined by the Law on Triglav National Park, the Management Plan for Triglav National Park, and the Decree on Criteria and Standards for Promoting and Financing Projects, Investments, and Activities in Triglav National Park. Funds are provided in a special budget item in the financial plan of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning for a total of eight park municipalities.

Municipalities proposing projects must demonstrate compliance with development guidelines defined by legal and sub-legal acts (among them are ensuring appropriate communal equipment and economic public infrastructure; support for above-standard development of social activities; support for above-standard implementation of state local public services; preservation of jobs; promotion of activities that contribute to maintaining settlement). Funds are limited to one year and are not transferable, so it is important that municipalities plan projects well, while providing all necessary documentation for the disbursement of funds.

Appropriate projects proposed by municipalities in accordance with all requirements and with all necessary documentation attached are included in the action plan. Drawing of funds for implemented projects then proceeds based on a request and report on project implementation - the implemented project, based on attached evidence, is reviewed by JZ TNP and issues a statement of compliance with the action plan.