Have a look at some of the Slovenian amazing landscapes and the ecosystem services they provide…
Rural landscapes significantly contribute to food diversity such as old fruit varieties. Sometimes a tree or a grove with a place they are creating could influence local identity. Photo by: Mateja Šmid Hribar
Aquatic ecosystems support the delivery of crucial ecosystem services, such as fish production, water provisioning and recreation. Less evident ecosystem services are also connected to the hydrological cycle in the river basin, for example water purification, water retention and climate regulation. Photo by: Daniela Ribeiro
Urban gardens provides several ecosystem services to citizens: fruits and vegetables, contribute to pollination and biodiversity. They are an urban oasis bringing peacefulness and relaxation to many people. Photo by: Mateja Šmid Hribar
Karst regions depend on water supply from karst springs and wells. The provision of good water quality is aggravated by the vulnerability and low self-purification processes of karst systems. Besides the benefits to the local population, the karst springs support a diverse and unique underground habitat to many endemic karst species. Krupa Spring had a significant role in the water supply of the Bela krajina region. Photo by: Daniela Ribeiro
The Vintgar Gorge in Bled with its deep walls and river beneath not only provides habitats for endangered species, but due to its impressive landscape attracts numerous visitors and thereby importantly contributes to cultural ecosystem services, mostly to aesthetic and inspirational meaning, to tourism and cultural and natural heritage. Photo by: Mateja Šmid Hribar
Water is essential for human kinds and in the meantime belongs to our common-pool resources. Therefore it should be governed and managed carefuly and in a sustainable way. Photo by: Mateja Šmid Hribar
Karst dolines represent one of the most characteristic features of karst landscapes. Cultivated karst dolines are an exceptional landscape feature of Slovenian karst landscapes, and due to their geomorphological importance and uniqueness, some are proclaimed a natural monument. Despite of the very difficult conditions for agriculture, many dolines are still being cultivated, providing several ecosystem services such as food, soil accumulation, aesthetic value and microhabitats. Photo by: Daniela Ribeiro
Karst is a special landscape that develops on carbonate rocks. In Slovenia, karst landscapes cover over 44% of the country’s territory. Caves are one of the most interesting features of karst landscapes and provide valuable ecosystem services, particularly storing pristine water, habitat function for rare and endemic species, and climate regulation. Photo by: Jure Tičar
