Mr Vizjak stated that the project will improve the state of the high value natural areas and habitats on Pohorje, and seek to find a solution for the sustainable development of Pohorje.

“Protective measures will ensure appropriate management of the six habitat types, and improve the preservation state of the habitat for many animal species,” added the minister.

Participants in the project, which will run until the end of June 2023, will gain information on the target habitat types and species, form a sustainable management model, and upgrade the reporting infrastructure.

They will, among other things, restore the forest and wetland habitats and the rich grasslands with the predominant grey wolf, restore the living environments of some animal species, such as the Alpine longhorn beetle, Italian crested newt, yellow-bellied toad, Geoffroy’s bat, horseshoe bat, and Western capercaillie, and they will enhance the area with educational material on the importance of maintaining biodiversity in the Natura 2000 area.

The Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning also stated that the total value of the project is EUR 2.18 million, of which EUR 1.74 million will be provided by the European Union, and the remaining EUR 436,000 will be taken from the national budget.