Within Slovenia, the Pohorje represents a distinctive peculiarity as the only massif with silicate bedrock. Due to the impermeable ground the water frequently stagnates in shallow depressions on broad crests forming the characteristic peat-bogs with small lakes and bog woodland. The forests give a characteristic appeal to the area, covering more than 70% of the site. Relief of the upper part of Pohorje is relatively gentle.During the early medieval colonization, the mountain forests in the area were transformed into extensive mountain pastures. In the period of industrial revolution (mining, charcoal-burning, glazier's trade, forest clearcutting) the natural landscape was profoundly altered. A special type of cultural landscape developed with typical solitary farms, lumpy villages and pastures in higher altitudes. The present economic development of the Pohorje is closely linked with forest exploitation, rural economy and tourism.
Location and size: Pohorje covers 84.000 hectares and is located to the south from the Drava River between the cities of Dravograd, Maribor and Slovenske Konjice.Status: NATURA 2000 sites (SPA and SCI)
Project partner active in the area:
Issues / challenges:
- The area is overloaded with negative impacts on natural values due to non-coordinated management.
- Conflicts among different initiatives from spatial planning, regional development and nature conservation sector are present.
- The responsibilities are also insufficiently divided betwen 16 municipalities, 3 regional development agencies, 4 major tourism enterprises and 2 nature conservation regional units.
Envisaged Results in NATREG Project
- Harmonization of the activities of these sectors, according to the integrated management plan to avoid several present obstacles and to recognise the potentials of the area.
- Establishment of the consortium of local stakeholders and achieved agreement on development initiatives as well as conservation measures in the area.
- Encouraged sustainable development with preserved nature as one of the main drivers for future investments in the regional development plans and in other national/regional programmes.
- Awareness of local inhabitants raised by several events.
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