The project area encompasses a unique network of ecosystems characterised by a great geological diversity, biodiversity and rich heritage. The areas between the Natura 2000 sites and other nature conservation areas are extremely important in terms of ensuring the connectivity, integrity and overall coherence of the Natura 2000 network.
Biodiversity and nature protection play a crucial role in the fight against climate change, as healthy and resilient ecosystems are able to better mitigate climate change.
Wetlands as carbon sinks
Wetlands are the world’s most efficient carbon sinking habitats per unit area. Active storage,
binding of CO2 in soil and biomass, reduction of emissions are also
characteristic for meadows. Climate change has become the biggest threat to
natural heritage sites in the last 10 years and these ecosystems are not an
exception.
Less
precipitation, higher temperatures and evaporation lead to greater drought and
fire risks in meadows and wetlands. Extreme weather events, such as storms,
cause erosion, soil and vegetation damage. Climate change exacerbates other
pressures, such as invasive species, overgrowth and deterioration due to
non-management.
Crucial to Natura 2000 species and habitats
Dry karst
grasslands are among the most diverse habitat types in Slovenia. Meadow
orchards are key habitat structures for birds and bats. Wetlands, such as karst
ponds and other small water reservoirs, have provided water supplies in the
past, but have a nature conservation role nowadays. These aquatic biotopes in
the project area form a network of habitats of water-bound Natura 2000 species
that would not be found in an otherwise dry karst landscape. The disappearance
of these ecosystems results in the decline of populations of the Natura 2000
species and habitat types (e.g. crested newt, yellow-bellied toad, marsh
fritillary, bats etc.).
The overall
objective is therefore to improve the management of wetlands and grassland
ecosystems in the project area which are under climate change pressure.