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4. Nature and biodiversity

4A. Present Situation Describe the present situation in relation to nature and biodiversity in your city, including any relevant disadvantages or constraints resulting from historical, geographical and/or socio-economic factors which may have influenced this indicator area. Where possible, show trends in biodiversity data and management over the past 5-10 years. Make reference to whether:

1. There are any Natura 2000 areas in and around the city; 2. There are Management plans for these sites; 3. The habitats and/or species for which the sites have been designated are in good conservation

status. (max. 600 words) Ljubljana is situated in a basin surrounded by low hills covered with natural forests. Forest covers 46% of the entire area of Ljubljana. Urbanisation has taken place in the lowland plain sections, so these areas have preserved slightly less of the non-forest habitat types that are important for nature protection. Despite the urbanisation, however, implementation of appropriate measures has enabled us to preserve non-forest habitat types that are important on a European scale:

• wet mesotrophic and eutrophic grasslands, • oligotrophic wet grasslands with purple moor grass, • mesotrophic to eutrophic cultivated grasslands, • copses of central European black alder and ash, • transition mires, dry matgrass swards.

The forest habitat types that are in good condition and whose preservation is important on a European scale include:

• central European acidophilous beech forests, • mixed oak and hornbeam forests, • thermophilic mixed deciduous forests, • red pine forests.

Slovenia and Ljubljana live with NATURA 2000

Slovenia stands right at the top of EU countries with the highest proportion of the NATURA 2000 network (37.16%). In 2013 we expanded the area by 2.4%. At any point in Slovenia you are at most 10

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km from the nearest NATURA 2000 area. We therefore live with NATURA 2000 practically on our doorstep, and this also means that nature is very well preserved and diverse.

In Ljubljana NATURA 2000 areas cover 16.5% of the entire surface area (4,536ha), encompassing the greater part of the Ljubljansko Barje, the area of Šmarna Gora, Rašica and areas along the River Sava.

Four landscape parks in Ljubljana

• Zajčja Dobrava LP is the oldest LP in Ljubljana. Its declaration served to preserve a natural lowland forest that provides a green barrier between a residential area and industrial zone, and this is a favourite spot for citizens to enjoy recreation.

• Polhograjski Dolomiti was declared a LP more than thirty years ago. The prescribed regime has enabled preservation of a sparsely inhabited landscape with and exceptionally high biodiversity featuring endemic species.

• Right in the city centre lays the Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski Hrib LP (TRŠLP) . This area is covered with natural forest. We have preserved numerous species that are important for nature protection and are on the Red List of endangered species. It is also the most frequently visited area in Slovenia, with more than 1.7 million visitors each year.

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• The city’s fourth park, Ljubljansko Barje LP (LBLP), covering 135km2, was declared in 2008.

This is the biggest area of wet grassland, with a system of hedgerows and forest, thicket and water surfaces, in Slovenia. Owing to the method of working the land, a high biodiversity has been maintained.

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1,400 hectares of forest have been declared special-purpose forest

A unique characteristic of Ljubljana is the direct contact of forest areas with the city centre itself. This creates a pleasant sensation, has a favourable impact on the climate and offers citizens numerous opportunities for healthy leisure activities. We’ll gradually buy up special-purpose forests, thereby enabling the establishment of systematic supervision and maintenance.

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Green corridors are also provided by farmland and water courses, so the city is characterised by high biodiversity, especially of nesting birds. Based on the bird distribution atlas , which we produced in 2011, we determined that Ljubljana has evolved in a very sustainable way, for we recorded 161 different bird species.

Management plans

In total the protected areas cover more than 14% of the entire area of the municipality, and if we add to that the NATURA 2000 areas, ecology areas and areas declared special-purpose forest, more than 20% of the area has nature protection status.

A management plan has been made for LBLP, as well a s for TRŠLP.

4B. Past Performance Describe the measures implemented over the last five to ten years. Comment on which measures have been most effective. Make reference to:

1. Managing and increasing Natura 2000 areas designated for nature protection and biodiversity as described above;

2. Dedicated conservation actions to manage and restore the sites; 3. Protecting nature in other open spaces; Promotion of public knowledge and understanding of

nature and biodiversity, particularly among young people;

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4. Communication activities to promote Nature and Biodiversity including the Natura 2000 network among the public;

5. Monitoring the effectiveness of management measures. (max. 1200 words) We are proud of the fact that we’ve protected more than 20% of the entire area of Ljubljana. By adopting relevant documents and implementing measures we also preserved numerous areas in the city centre that are today covered with natural vegetation and represent a habitat for many protected, rare and endangered species.

• More than 46% of the city’s surface area is covered with natural forest . In 2010 we declared a full 1,440 ha special-purpose forest. We committed to gradually buy these areas (mostly privately owned) and ensure effective protection. Special-purpose forests have a significant impact on the city’s climate (source of cool air in the summer, protect water sources).

• We have established nature conservation monitoring by creating an inven tory of habitat types . The first inventory was made in 2002, the second in 2009. Based on the findings we have implemented measures to reduce the impact of different agricultural activities on habitat types. In 2010 we carried out mapping and nature protection evaluation of non-forest habitat types for areas that were highly assessed in the preceding inventory.

• In 2006 we installed an ERM (ecoremediation) system in a polluted tributary of the Glinščica stream. This is a sustainable method for remediating aquatic ecosystems (Figure 7).

• From 2009 to 2013 we co-financed 25 NGO projects involving: o removal of invasive alien species, o nature protection measures for conservation and improvement of endangered animal

species habitats, o nature protection interpretive trails.

All projects include public education. We are especially proud of the Garden Volunteers project, which promotes active ageing and newly acquired knowledge in the fields of botany, biodiversity and environmental protection among elderly people.

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• Implementing measures in NATURA 2000

The largest part of the NATURA 2000 overlaps with Ljubljansko Barje, which has been protected since 2008 as a landscape park. Since 2010 it has had a park administration , financially supported also by the City. To preserve biodiversity, protect natural assets and ensure the favourable status of Natura 2000 species and habitat types, a management plan was made. A comprehensive assessment of the protected area was performed, and recommendations made for agriculture and rural development, as well as for other activities. We carried out mapping and nature protection evaluation, and made an inventory of the blue tit, and also obtained data on the areas where invasive alien plant species have spread. We implemented activities to protect amphibians, bats and birds. To monitor the state of natural assets, we also systematically carried out field inspections of all natural assets in the park.

We published several information publications (Pile-dwellers of Ljubljansko Barje, the excursion map, the Guide to Corn crake Interpretive Trail, postcards, the brochure on otters). In 2012 we introduced monthly expert guided tours , where participants are guided by renowned experts and can acquire detailed information about Ljubljansko Barje .

Very close to settlements in the Ljubljansko Barje area there is a vital population of blue tits (Rana arvalis), which is on the Red List of endangered and rare species. This animal is extremely timid, so any large-scale visits of its habitat have a negative impact on reproduction. This year we carried out the project “frog guard ”. Alongside physical barriers, a number of lectures were given, a leaflet was printed and a special website set up.

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We monthly provide information for the local media and educate professionals (consultations/workshops on agriculture and policy in the context of nature protection), tourist guides and publish expert. We regularly update the geo-information and informative web portal www.ljubljanskobarje.si in Slovenian and English.

We regularly perform nature protection control.

We’ve paid special attention to encourage the participation and cooperation of the growers and to gradually create and strenghten the brand of local products and services known as Barjanski cekarček.

• In 2011 we created an atlas of the presence of birds in the city and i ts surroundings . We systematically recorded birds during the nesting season and over the winter. We recorded 161 species, among them 104 nesting birds, of which 84 are on the Red List of endangered species. We found that 97 species winter in the city.

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• The function of park administration of Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski Hrib LP is being performed by the City’s Administration. Measures carried out over the past 5 years:

� to protect amphibians trying to cross roads, we set up a temporary protective fence in early spring each year and organise the transporting of amphibians across the roadway.

� Each year biology students help us to remove the invasive alien plant Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica). Journalists are invited to join us and they report on the event. We have also produced instructive publications.

� Removal of Japanese knotweed has been conducted for two years now by the NGO, which regularly involves students from the Ljubljana Biotechnology Education Centre in the project, and provides information for the public.

� We’ve removed female trees of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and younger plants sprouted from seed. In the coming years we’ll regularly control the success of this measure and if necessary repeat it until we no longer trace saplings of this invasive alien species in the undergrowth.

� We carried out remediation and revitalisation of th e Tivoli pond right by the city centre , planting reeds on the banks and in this way increasing biodiversity potential and improving its self-cleaning capacity.

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� When removing the old avenue of horse chestnuts in TRŠLP, it was found that the trees were populated by hermit beetles (Osmoderrma eremita). This is a saproxylic species of beetle that is extremely rare in Europe. The trunks inhabited by the beetles were moved to another location and have been appropriately protected.

� In 2013 we’ve carried out an inventory of beetle fauna that are qualifying species for Natura 2000 areas, and in doing so we discovered a great variety of species, especially saproxylic beetle species. Based on the inventory we are implementing measures to protect these rare animals.

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� We regularly maintain the information signs in the TRŠLP and forest interpretive trail, which draw attention to the biodiversity of the area.

� In 2013 we’ve created two conceptual plans for new interpretive trails in TRŠLP.

� We’ve been implementing a project to improve the habitat of the European Pond Terrapin – we’ll record the population size and remove specimens of alien terrapin species. We have produced a leaflet on this topic for schoolchildren, and provided lectures and workshops.

• We’ve installed bat boxes on older trees in the city centre and held special workshops for children. We have also issued a publication about bats that explains the importance of old trees in the city.

• We’ve carried out a campaign of protection of Common Kestrels in the city , by installing permanent nesting boxes and actively raising awareness via a special website and at interactive lectures.

• Along the River Sava there are dry grasslands that provide a habitat for many rare and endangered species. These are also areas that have been newly categorised in NATURA 2000. The species that are especially endangered include the Chapman’s Blue (Polyommatus thersites), and to protect it we are implementing the project to improve the habitat . By clearing out the overgrowth we’ll revitalise the habitat.

• We are conducting numerous actions to remove invasive alien plant species.

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4C. Future Plans Describe the short and long term objectives for nature and biodiversity and the proposed approach for their achievement. Emphasise to what extent plans are supported by commitments, budget allocations, and monitoring and performance evaluation schemes. Demonstrate how this work coincides with the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy and Nature Directives and complementary national strategies. (max. 800 words)

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These objectives will be set out in the nature protection programme 2014–2020 , which will be part of the environmental protection programme by the end of this year. The nature protection programme will define:

• the measures to achieve main objectives, • the indicators of the state of nature, • indicators of implemented measures.

All measures will be financially evaluated. The environmental and nature protection programmes are adopted by the City Council and they form the basis for obtaining budget funds.

The measures will be implemented to prevent the decline of biodiversity. In the past, through professional urban planning and timely protection of large areas we succeeded in preserving unspoilt nature in a full 20% of the entire area of the City . Nearly half of the municipality is covered with natural forest. To protect drinking water we were also successful in protecting large areas of the lowland plains. Because of this kind of activities citizens drink clean and healthy water without any additional treatment or preparation.

Based on habitat types monitoring, we have found out that the decline in biodiversity can be ascribed chiefly to the abandoning of agricultural use, or on the other hand to the intensification of agricultural land. We are establishing contract protection –owners of land with rare and endangered habitats will be entitled to compensation when managing the land in a way to preserve the habitats.

We’ll continue with the activities to improve and revitalise endangered and rare species habitats . We’ll remediate the degraded area along the River Sava.

In order to increase biodiversity in the city, we’ll set up green corridors , which will link the natural hinterland with the urban section of the city (in 2014, € 3,000,000).

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In 2014 we’ll adopt a decree aimed at protecting dendrological heritage of local importance and we’ll prescribe methods of maintenance . We’ll prepare appropriate literature and signage in situ.

Measures in the Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski Hrib Landscape Park

Slovene legislation does not actually require the management and drafting of a management plan for landscape park. Nevertheless we’ll establish appropriate management of TRŠLP, which extends right into the city centre and for this reason, is very frequently visited. Visitors seek to connect with unspoilt nature and satisfy their need for recreation, but at the same time put great pressure on the natural environment. For this reason we’ve already drawn up a management plan , which involves the first measure of formulating a plan to direct park visitors and to arrange paths . In accordance with the plan we’ll focus on park infrastructure –parking spaces, toilets, rest areas and information points. In order to increase biodiversity, we’ll leave part of the forest to natural succession and establish eco-cells . A forest classroom is also planned.

We’ll strengthen the awareness with additional activities:

• expert guided tours , • research workshops and workshops for young children to experience nature, • new thematic interpretive trails that will incorporate both natural and cultural heritage, • additional awareness-raising publications .

Among the most significant measures are nature protection controls.

Guidelines for managing urban forests

In 2013 we supported the international project EMoNFUr, whose aim is to verify the established methods for monitoring the state of urban and peri-urban forests and to draw up guidelines for managing urban forests . The impact on the development and state of urban forests is different from the impact on forests outside of cities. To preserve urban forests it is vital to know the processes in the forest ecosystem, the impact of the city and the impact of climate change on the state of the forest.

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Multipurpose facility with simultaneous retention and self-cleaning function

As part of the TURAS project, which we supported, we’ll arrange the flood retention at Podutik into a multipurpose facility (by 2015; EUR 40,000). The facility will hold back high water, and at normal water levels it’ll have a self-cleaning function that will additionally increase the already constructed eco-remediation facility at the inflow. The entire area of the retention is becoming overgrown with abundant vegetation with exceptional biodiversity, which creates a habitat similar to an oxbow lake. We wish to maintain biodiversity while also allowing the area to perform a retention and self-cleaning function.

We’ll also continue with all implemented measures to remove invasive alien species.

Aims and measures at Ljubljansko Barje LP

In line with the management plan for 2014–2023 the following measures and activities are highlighted:

• Preserving biodiversity, natural values and landscape diversity (inventories of important sections of land, conservation of specific species and habitat types);

• Inventories and monitoring of status (inventories of key species and habitat types);

• Controls on implementation of the Decree on the LBLP;

• Providing information, awareness-raising, training and visits (communication plan);

• Sustainable use of natural resources (maintaining infrastructure on agricultural land, promoting organic farming);

• Park infrastructure (info centres, enhancing infrastructure, nesting boxes, protective fences);

• Managing a World Heritage Site (UNESCO).

4D. References List supporting documentation, adding links where possible. Further detail may be requested during the clarification phase. Documentation should not be forwarded at this stage. (max. 400 words) Landscape parks: http://www.ljubljanskoBarje.si/index.php http://www.ljubljana.si/si/zivljenje-v-ljubljani/okolje-prostor-bivanje/naravno-okolje/ Special-purpose forest: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/zivljenje-v-ljubljani/ljubljansko-podezelje/gozdarstvo/ Inventories: "Assessment of impacts and capacities in the forest section of the Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski Hrib

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Nature Park”: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/70324/detail.html The results of mapping and evaluation of habitat types in Ljubljana: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/9182/detail.html The web portal URBINFO, which is also adapted for tablets and smartphones that use the android and iOS systems. https://srv3dgis.ljubljana.si/Urbinfo/web/profile.aspx?id=Urbinfo@Ljubljana EMONFUR project: http://www.emonfur.eu/ The project Revitalisation and remediation of the pond in TRŠLP (Inženiring za vode, 2010): http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/9204/detail.html The ecoremediation system project and the results of monitoring and maintenance of the system: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/9202/detail.html http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/9208/detail.html http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/9209/detail.html Information on the amphibians action: http://dvozivke.blogspot.com/ NGO projects: Report on the project "Trees and bats live in Ljubljana too": http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/9360/detail.html Report on the project "The kestrel – an urban bird of prey": http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/72570/detail.html Information on the project "Invasive species – a threat to us and our environment": http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/77096/detail.html http://dsb.biologija.org/dsb/index.php/projekti/invazivke Report on the project “Cave habitats in the City of Ljubljana”: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/9358/detail.html Report on the project “Ljubljana friendly to nocturnal animals, too”: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/9361/detail.html Report on the project “Action – Japanese Knotweed”: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/72444/detail.html Report on the project “With an otter through the capital”: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/72881/detail.html Report on the project “Mechanical removal of Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)”: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/77002/detail.html Report on the project “Action – Japanese Knotweed 2+”: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/77088/detail.html Presentation of project “Preserving the biodiversity of Ljubljansko Barje”: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/81791/detail.html Presentation of the project “Nature study interpretive trail in the Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski Hrib Nature Park”: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/81765/detail.html

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Presentation of the project “Garden volunteers and Japanese Knotweed (VIJ)”: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/82592/detail.html Presentation of the project “Mechanical removal of non-native invasive plant species – Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)”: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/81788/detail.html Presentation of project “Nature study interpretive trail of Koseški Bajer and Šišenski Hrib”: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/81764/detail.html Presentation of project “From words to actions 2013”: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/81950/detail.html Presentation of the project “Chapman’s Blue – neglected jewel of the Sava gravel banks”: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/82599/detail.html Presentation of the project “Improving the habitat of the European Pond Terrapin in the Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski Hrib Nature Park”: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/mol/mestna-uprava/oddelki/varstvo-okolja/projekti/82081/detail.html Invasive species: http://www.ljubljana.si/si/zivljenje-v-ljubljani/okolje-prostor-bivanje/tujerodne-vrste/ http://www.ljubljana.si/si/zivljenje-v-ljubljani/v-srediscu/78617/detail.html