About the project
Issues
In Slovenia, a lack of appropriate management of wetlands in the past led to wetland loss and degradation. In the last 50 years many wetland areas were hydro-meliorated, drainages were constructed, especially in agricultural land and in forests. Hydro-ameliorations were carried out in the belief that desiccation of land would intensify agriculture and forestry. Between 1973 and 1991 over 70,000 ha of lowlands were drained. In addition flood control schemes have canalized natural meandering streams or restricted naturally fast flowing waters. Agricultural intensification has been the main human factor causing wetland loss and degradation throughout Slovenia. Official statistical data show a decrease of almost 40% or 1,282 in the land use/land cover category for ‘reed beds, marshes and ponds’ between 1950 and 1992. Additionally, industrial development, urbanization, introduction of alien species and disturbance by expansion of tourism and recreation have negatively affected Slovenian wetlands.
