Outputs include pilot activities to mitigate threats and pressures on green infrastructures (GI) in the cross-border area, environmental interpretation activities for GI restoration and biodiversity conservation. Joint guidelines for the effective management of GI in the cross-border area have been implemented, including guidance on their application and examples of environmental interpretation. These activities were integrated by dissemination and communication actions for the general public in order to strengthen the knowledge on biodiversity and GI and thus promote the implementation of environmental protection.

Pilot Actions

Restoration of the Mrzlek Pond in the Karst Natura 2000 Area

Due to the abandonment of animal husbandry, the Mrzlek pond in the Municipality of Divača has lost its original function. It gradually became overgrown and retained water only during times of heavy precipitation. Its revitalization in 2024 contributed to the preservation of biodiversity: the revitalized pond now serves as a source of drinking water for wildlife, birds and pollinators, as well as providing habitat for amphibians, among them the protected Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex).

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Restoration of the Lipce Pond and Stone wall in the Municipality of Hrpelje-Kozina

The Lipce karst pond, located near the village of Rožice (Municipality of Hrpelje-Kozina), had been dry for several years before its restoration. The newly created pond is part of a network of water bodies in the transboundary landscape, important for the migration, breeding, watering and feeding of species of biodiversity importance.

The dry stone wall next to the Lipce pond has also been restored and provides a home and shelter for many reptiles, pollinators and other animals. Both restored elements of green infrastructure will enhance the biodiversity of the landscape and help to preserve the cultural heritage. 

Another stone wall was restored in the village of Beka. The restoration of the stone wall was carried out with respect for traditional construction techniques, which further emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the area’s intangible heritage.

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Restoration of the Na Zavrteh Pond in the Karst Natura 2000 Area

At the end of 2024, the Municipality of Hrpelje-Kozina began restoring the pond “Na Zavrteh,” located near the village of Nasirec, within the Natura 2000 Karst protected area. Before the restoration, the pond was heavily overgrown, and few people knew that a second, smaller pond was hidden nearby among the shrubs.

Near the area, fruit trees were planted, a bench was installed for visitors, and an informational sign was placed to highlight the pond’s ecological importance and the species it supports. Thanks to this restoration, both ponds are already full of life and biodiversity, with green and brown frogs, tree frogs and newts populating the area.

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Restoration of the ice house in the municipality of Hrpelje-Kozina

Ice houses represent an exceptional cultural heritage of the Karst and Brkini area. They were created as a result of the economic and demographic development of Trieste in the 19th century for the production, storing and sale of ice The ice houses were deep masonry wells, dug near the Karst ponds. About 80 ice houses were recorded just in the vicinity of Hrpelje and Kozina, but today most of them are ruined and overgrown.

The Municipality of Hrpelje-Kozina strives to preserve the heritage of the ice houses, and, as part of the ENGREEN 2 project, it started the restoration process of one of the ice houses near Nasirec village. The ice house was cleaned and the project documentation for its comprehensive renovation - which will take place in the future - was drafted.

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Development of the Beka Landscape Park for Biodiversity Conservation

The development of the Beka Landscape Park represents an important milestone for the ENGREEN 2 project, which aims at delivering a series of actions for the conservation of biodiversity and improvement of visitor experience. Covering 264.77 hectares, the park includes the scenic Glinščica gorge, the Griža valley, underground karst caves, and significant archaeological sites, and it combines outstanding natural features with rich cultural heritage. With the project, it was achieved the installation of new information boards in the village of Beka, helping visitors better understand the natural and cultural value of the area.

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Informational signs in the Val Rosandra Nature Reserve

The Municipality of San Dorligo della Valle - Občina Dolina, as the managing authority of the Val Rosandra – Dolina Glinščice Nature Reserve (part of the European Natura 2000 network), has completed the installation of a new signage system to make the reserve more accessible, clear, and usable for all visitors.

The new signage represents a significant added value for local tourism, improving the usability of the reserve and guiding visitors in discovering the nature and history of the area. The structures are made with the aim of preserving the integrity of the natural environment. 

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Joint Cross-Border Guidelines for the Long-Term Management of Green Infrastructure and Related Biodiversity

With the ENGREEN 2 project, the partners have also worked on updating and implementing a set of guidelines realized during the ENGREEN project, that aims to contribute to the management of green infrastructures and biodiversity in the area of interest between Italy and Slovenia. This document contains strategic objectives, an inventory of good practices and an action plan. The guidelines can also be consulted as a “manual” for the management of Karst ponds, the conservation of dry-stone walls, and the enhancement and promotion of green wine-growing infrastructure. 

The document also includes an inventory of water resources in the Municipality of Hrpelje-Kozina, and useful insights on the awareness-raising activities realized during the implementation of the project.

Download the Guidelines (ITA)

Download the Guidelines (SLO)

Sensibilization and engagement

Through ENGREEN 2, project partners organized a series of events to improve awareness of nature protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management, while strengthening cooperation between local communities. The activities managed to engage various local and regional target groups: students (from primary schools to universities), fragile groups, citizens, landowners, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, as well as decision-makers and policy-makers.

Thanks to the project, a wide range of educational and awareness-raising events was organized, including workshops, conferences, educational activities, guided tours, and more. In particular:

• ENGREEN 2 CLASSROOMS: organization of 8 events dedicated primarily to students, fragile groups and elder citizens, with more than 270 people involved. Pupils and adults were informed about the importance of biodiversity and nature conservation, particularly through games, laboratories and field visits. In the Slovenian area, for example, pupils had the chance to do some net sampling and monitoring in the local ponds;
• ENGREEN 2 EXCURSIONS: partners realized 5 events open to the general public, which involved circa 280 people. Participants had the chance to visit the green infrastructures of both Italy and Slovenia, for instance with a cross-border hike amongst the Val Rosandra Nature Reserve and the Beka Landscape Park;
• PARTICIPATORY PROCESSES WITH STAKEHOLDERS: a significant contribution also achieved thanks to a participatory approach with more than 80 stakeholders, with the organization of 5 events aimed at planning for the protection and restoration of green infrastructures with local communities;
• SENSIBILIZATION EVENTS: project partners organized lectures, workshops and citizen science laboratories and attended international events for a total of 20 public events, granting the involvement of an additional 3.500 people.

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Communication

Project activities were also accompanied by continuous communication efforts and promotional activities. 

Newsletter: Newsletter 1 | Newsletter 2

Videos: YouTube channel

Publications:

• Publication “Salvaguardia degli anfibi e del loro habitat / Varstvo dvoživk in njihovih habitatov” - Park Škocjanske Jame: The Škocjan caves regional park and the Biosphere reserve dedicate a lot of effort into amphibian conservation, for instance by restoring their habitats, by helping them cross the roads during spring migration, and through consistent monitoring activities in the ponds. It is for these reasons that, in the context of the ENGREEN 2 project, a publication dedicated to amphibian species was realized, with a particular focus in the Slovenian area and on the conservation efforts. For more information: nina.strekelj@psj.si
• Publication “Štranjev malen” - Comune di San Dorligo della Valle-Občina Dolina: Based on documentation of the "Štranjev malen" mill received from the descendants of the last miller, and on archival research, Maurizio Radacich - a connoisseur and enthusiast of local heritage - created a historical overview of all the mills of the Rosandra valley, from Klanec to the mouth of Aquilinia. The study appears extremely important for the preservation of local history and it offers an opportunity for reflection on the shared cross-border heritage, the possibilities for its preservation and integration into current sustainability initiatives. For more information: goran.cuk@sandorligo-dolina.it

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