The conservation status of Slovenian forests has drastically deteriorated in the last 10 years due to forestry intensification. The forestry politics investment measures and subsidies for construction of forest roads have resulted in opening of forests, left to natural processes and rich in biodiversity, to felling. The forest reserves surface is too small for biodiversity conservation. Negative impacts on birds are also due to disturbance, caused by increase of recreation and photography in nature.
Project objective is the conservation of forest birds in climax forests, contributing to nature conservation and welfare of the society. The target groups are nature conservation and forestry public bodies and citizens – environmentally aware people and nature lovers. Indirect target group is general public. Project benefits go to all citizens, due to the importance of preserved nature for healthy life environment.
The ownership of the Slovenian forests is not transparent - there are a lot of small owners who don't really know how to handle the forest properly. This also affects the obligation of the caretakers. It is difficult to reach small forest oweners and give them guidelines on forest preservation so the projects will also try to establish more transparent database of owners.
The project will be carried our by applicant DOPPS and partner NOF, both leading national NGOs in bird conservation. While DOPPS is responsible to carry out the project activities, the role of NOF is to support it with their experience in recruiting of members, supporters and in advocacy work.