As part of the International Wild Flower Festival, the 3rd forum on the topic of sustainable development of protected natural areas will take place this year.

Theme of this year’s forum

The content of this year’s forum will focus on the exchange of information on opportunities and challenges in strengthening local food supply chains within the framework of geographically defined development areas, the economic potential of indigenous and traditional plant varieties and animal breeds, and the challenges posed by climate change in the development of these areas.

Emphasis will be placed on the presentation of good practice examples and the strengthening of joint activities in the preservation of biodiversity, as well as the economic and social aspects of developing protected natural areas in the context of climate change.

Target audience

The forum invites experts who prepare, lead and guide development policies and projects, farmers, nature conservationists, tourism workers, experts engaged in scientific research on sustainable development, and the interested public.

The forum is intended for all those who live or work in protected natural areas and are involved in:

• – development challenges of protected and sensitive natural areas,
• – strengthening the integration of local food production, crafts, and service activities,
• – closer integration of tourism with the local environment, and
• – those who see development policies as an opportunity to address the challenges of their environment.

Forum Programme

8:30–9:30 Reception and registration of participants
9:30–9:45 Opening address

• Klemen Langus, Director, Tourism Bohinj
• Jože Sodja, Mayor, Municipality of Bohinj

Panel discussion: Opportunities and challenges of strengthening local food supply chains within the framework of regional integration

9:45–11:15

Moderator: Dr. Luka Juvančič, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana

Introductory presentation: Objectives and further activities of measure IRP-12, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food
Andreja Komel, Head of the Sector for Structural Policy and Rural Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food

Panelists:

• Matej Kline, Lipa Self-Sufficiency Community, trading company, d.o.o.
• Aleksandra Koprivnikar, Jarina, Cooperative for Rural Development, z.o.o.
• Mitja Vodnjov, Self-Sufficient Gorenjska d.o.o., supply for institutions and caterers
• Barbara Jerovšek Volek, Institute for Culinary and Tourism – Dobrote Dolenjske
• Klemen Langus, Tourism Bohinj, Public Institute for the Promotion of Tourism

11:15–11:45 Break

Panel discussion: Economic potential of indigenous and traditional animal breeds

11:45–13:15

Moderator: Dr. Luka Juvančič, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana

Good practice presentation: Programme for the preservation of the indigenous Istrian cattle breed Boškarin
Jasenka Kapuralin, Istrian Rural Development Agency

Panelists:

• Matjaž Hribar, Head Expert, Breeding Organization for Cika Cattle
• Davorin Koren, Representative of Drežnica Goat Breeders
• Urban Škander, Representative of Bovec Sheep Breeders
• Andrej Kastelic, Head Expert of Breeding Organization and Secretary of the Krškopolje Pig Breeders Association
• Dr. Jože Zalar, Vocational College for Hospitality, Wellness and Tourism Bled
• Grega Gardener, Foksner Eatery, Ribčev Laz

Presentation of conclusions from the public discussion on climate change and biodiversity conservation in protected areas, and the projects “Beyond Snow” and sustainable mobility in Bohinj

13:15–14:15

• Andrej Arih, Head of the Nature Conservation Department, Triglav National Park Public Institution
• Matjaž Stare, Senior Associate for Sport, Tourism Bohinj, Public Institute for the Promotion of Tourism
• Klemen Langus, Director, Tourism Bohinj, Public Institute for the Promotion of Tourism

14:15–15:30 Lunch
15:30 Conclusion of the forum

Participation and registration

Participation is free of charge, but prior registration is required due to limited seating.
Deadline for registration: 15 May 2025
Registration form: www.1ka.si/a/a10dd86b