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Forests reflect Slovenia’s attitude towards sustainability

Published:
31.3.2011

Forests reflect Slovenia’s attitude towards sustainability

Slovenia is the third most heavily forested country in Europe, since nearly 60% of all its territory is covered by forest. In addition, it is pleasing to hear that over the last decades the share of forest has increased. Each year, more than 1.2 million trees are planted in Slovenia; that is more than one tree per citizen.

Slovenia is the third most heavily forested country in Europe, since nearly 60% of all its territory is covered by forest. In addition, it is pleasing to hear that over the last decades the share of forest has increased. Each year, more than 1.2 million trees are planted in Slovenia; that is more than one tree per citizen.

More than a third of Slovenian territory is protected and placed in the European Natura 2000 network, which protects biodiversity, and in addition, Slovenia is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. From the perspective of tourism, this green legacy also represents one of the largest competitive advantages of Slovenia. According to the results of the most extensive survey carried out among foreign tourists in Slovenia, it is the nature that is cherished the most among tourists in Slovenia. Natural beauty as a very important motive for the arrival to Slovenia was ticked off by 90% of interviewees.

Slovenia does not take its green natural wealth for granted. In the past years, Slovenia has been actively working towards green tourism that embraces all perspectives of sustainability – and, alongside, it has been carrying out research regarding the attitude of foreign tourists towards green tourism. In its 2010 research, almost two thirds of foreign guests (65%) during their stay in Slovenia indeed felt that Slovenia is acting responsibly towards the environment. A good third of these saw Slovenia as clean and organised, and a quarter mentioned the reason “paying attention to waste separation”.

Based on a rich natural legacy and an attentive attitude towards the management of this wealth, it can be said that the forest in Slovenia is a symbol of the country’s recognisability and a reflection of its attitude towards sustainable development. Slovenia, too, has joined the activities regarding the International Year of Forests, which was declared for 2011 by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. Within the scope of preparations for the campaign upon the International Year of Forests 2011, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food has set up the website www.letogozdov.si (only in Slovene). Its purpose is to inform the wider public and forest owners about forests, forestry and the many events that will take place during this opportunity, and which will be prepared by participating partners in the campaign. These activities, particularly the ones related to tourism, will also be reported by the Slovenian Tourist Board.

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Global public relations and Marketing
e-mail address: press(at)slovenia.info

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