On June 17, under the framework of the Kras4us project, we organized two focus groups for experts, aimed at identifying biodiversity hotspots in the Slovenian and Italian Karst.
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The goal of the focus group was to create a joint map that would bring together all identified key areas for the conservation of Karst biodiversity, with an emphasis on open habitats, dry karst grasslands, and areas undergoing overgrowth. Karst ponds and other water bodies, cliffs, and mature forest stands were also recognized as important habitats.
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The map represents an important expert basis for further nature conservation planning and measures in the cross-border Karst area.
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The second part of the focus group was dedicated to discussing the main threats to Karst biodiversity. According to experts, most species are primarily threatened by intensive overgrowth and invasive alien species. On the Slovenian Karst, wind and solar power plants represent an additional specific threat, while Italian experts particularly emphasized bureaucratic obstacles in land management.
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published on 20. 8. 2025