Integrated Solutions for Krakov Forest

Integrated Solutions for Krakov Forest

Integrated solutions for Krakov Forest. In cooperation with partners, the IWRS is preparing solutions for the protected Natura 2000 site in Krakov Forest. The Forest is drying and finding a solution for its diminishing water levels is essential. The IWRS and its partners will find solutions that will partially help solve the issue of flood protection at Kostanjevica na Krki. Since the majority of solutions are related to hydrology and hydraulics, the IWRS plays a major role in the design of such project solutions. This is why ensuring integration is extremely important. Foresters and biologists have a key role in defining problems.

In collaboration with our partners, the IWRS is preparing a preliminary study to apply for co-financing using ERDF funds. In accordance with the results, we aim to develop project solutions to apply for funding within the LIFE funding mechanism. Preliminary analyses have shown that the retention areas around the Krka River and in Krakov Forest need to be restored to ensure water stages in Krakov Forest and indirectly to increase flood protection at Kostanjevica na Krki. This will improve the state of the aquatic and riparian systems and provide the added value of partially decreasing the flood risk of Kostanjevica na Krki. There are no plans for making changes on the Krka River; the analyses and the solutions will focus on its tributaries instead. We know that these measures do not address the issue of the Krka River’s flood waves, which are the biggest cause for flooding. However, the water retention measures will produce positive effects in Krakov Forest.

The integrated approach is made possible in collaboration with our partners: Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation, Novo mesto Regional Unit; Slovenian Forestry Institute; Slovenia Forest Service, Brežice Unit; Brežice Forest Management Company.