PHASE 1: Research and monitoring
All the planned activities were carried out. The counts of Scops Owl and Little Owl started with selection of suitable methodology and were carried out by DOPPS staff and volunteers. The ecological research of Ortolan Bunting was carried out by DOPPS staff in 2006, while by the end of March 2008 all the data were processed and analised and final reports prepared. All the educational workshops and lectures were carried out.
The Management guidelines for the dry meadows birds were produced for three Natura 2000 areas (SPAs): Kras, Banjšice and Trnovski gozd – south edge and Nanos. The Natura 2000 caretakers network was established and is active in three Natura 2000 sites in the region as well. All the brochures were prepared, printed and distributed to the target groups.
PHASE 2: Interpretation
The foreseen excursions for special needs groups (blind and deaf people) were carried out with the help of simple interpretation tools designed by DOPPS staff and sign language interpreter. The local blind people association collaborated in the development of the landmarks for indipendent orientation of the blind people in Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve which was also implemented by the end of the project using a stone paving of the trail.
Škocjanski zatok visitors trail was equipped with 11 sets of interpretation board focusing on general presentation of the area and on the most important habitats and species. Additional 12 sets were prepared and fixed on the screening walls showing the most common birds of the area in autumn/ winter period and in spring/ summer period. Bird interpretation boards were placed along the Pliska trail in Natura 2000 area Kras as well.
The brochure on bird-friendly climbing in the rock-faces of Kraški rob was published in Slovene, English, German and Italian (available in the Gallery/ Publications). The work for the protection of the endangered birds of Kraški rob, such as Eagle Owl, was successful with a good example confirming it – in July 2006 the young Eagle Owls flew also from the endangered nests.
PHASE 3: Education
Education project activities started with the project staff training led by RSPB expert Barrie Cooper in May 2006. Teachers Board was established as advisory body to the project team mainly involved in the production and up-grades of Škocjanski zatok Education Program. In total, 55 field classes were carried out during the project, 3 public presentations of the youth research work and a winter ornitology camp for youth. In addition, simple education tools were produced by DOPPS staff, didactic preparation done and materials prepared. The educational games were translated and put on the reserve web site.
PHASE 4: Marketing and promotion
The web site was www.skocjanski-zatok.org upgraded and translated to English and Italian. The North-Adriatic wetlands promotion was carried out through the preparation of brochure “The Beauty and Diversity of North-Adriatic Wetlands” which was published in Slovene, English and Italian (available in the Gallery/ Publications) and disseminated to all the wetlands presented – each partner organised a so called »Adriawet corner« in its visitor centre and thus the common promotion of all the sites was assured.
Exhibition presented the Natura 2000 sites for birds (SPAs) in the region was prepared and exhibited in nearly all the towns within or near the areas: Lipica (Kras), Ajdovščina (Trnovski gozd), Koper (Škocjanski zatok), Nova Gorica (Banjščice), KP Sečoveljske soline, Trenta (Julian Alps) and Kobarid (Kobariški Stol and Planja, Julian Alps). 3 posters were prepared and distributed to the target groups presenting typical forest, dry karst meadows and mediterranean wetlands birds as well as 3 postcards presenting the biodiversity of Škocjanski zatok NR. The publication Life Between the Sky and the Earth was published in Slovene, English and Italian and distributed as well, presenting all Natura 2000 areas for birds in Slovenia.
The Marketing Strategy for Škocjanski zatok NR was developed as well as the Strategy of Development of Ornitoloty Tourism in Natura 2000 sites of Western Slovenia. We participated at two international fairs abroad – BirdFair in the UK in 2006 and Mediterre in Bari, Italy in 2008.
The project publications can be downloaded from the Gallery:
- The Beauty and Diversity of North-Adriatic Wetlands is available in Slovene, English and Italian language;
- Life Between the Sky and the Earth in Slovene language
- Dry meadows, pastures and endangered birds (poster and manual for farmers in Slovene)
- Overlooked Climbing Companions on bird-friendly climbing in Slovene, English, German and Italian language.
