Notranjska Regional Park is actively participating in the LIFE FOR SEEDS project, which aims to conserve and restore species-rich meadows while developing a seed bank for native plant species. The project, carried out in the Lake Cerkniško jezero area and surrounding grasslands, represents a significant contribution to nature conservation and the sustainable development of the region.

The local community plays a crucial role in achieving the project’s objectives. Notranjska Regional Park actively involves local residents in project activities, from seed collection to meadow restoration. These efforts also include reseeding degraded areas with seed mixtures harvested from project sites.

In February 2024, we assisted members of the agrarian community in the area of Lake Cerkniško jezero, who approached us with a request for local seed mixtures from the area. After removing layers of dead reed, a bare surface remained, which they wanted to reseed. The park’s staff sowed the area with a native seed mixture harvested from meadows near Dolenja vas. This collaboration serves as an excellent example of how local community needs can align with conservation goals.

To gather local knowledge, we conducted interviews with twenty landowners whose meadows are rich in species diversity. These valuable insights help us better understand how traditional local practices can contribute to the long-term preservation of meadows.

Engaging local residents and incorporating their knowledge is essential for the success of the project. Community events and presentations strengthen local connections and raise awareness about the importance of nature conservation. In late August, we organized an event where local farmers could learn about a special seed harvesting machine, developed specifically for the project. The demonstration at the Malnšče observation point introduced farmers to the benefits of using native seed mixtures to enrich depleted meadows.

In October, at the Autumn Fair and Seed Exchange Bazaar, we presented the seed bank, distributed samples of local diverse meadow seed mixtures, and participated in a seed exchange initiative. This event provided the broader public with an opportunity to learn about the importance of native plant species and their role in sustainable farming.

The restoration of species-rich meadows and the establishment of a seed bank not only support biodiversity conservation but also enhance ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and soil erosion prevention. These efforts increase the resilience of agricultural land to climate change. The local community plays a key role in this process, actively contributing with its knowledge and experience to shaping a sustainable future that respects nature.