Monthly Highlights: March 2026
Increasing Resilience through Integrated Water Management and Nature Conservation along the Entire Border with Croatia
On February 27, Minister of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning Jože Novak met with Croatian Minister Marija Vučković at Trakošćan. The delegations discussed conceptual issues and reviewed the work of subcommittees for the Mura and Drava, Sava, Sotla and Kolpa rivers, as well as the sea and Karst regions. The Slovenian delegation was accompanied by the Slovenian Water Agency. Croatia thanked Slovenia for effective flood reporting in August 2023, which significantly improved their preparedness for action in the event of potential floods.
Minister Jože Novak and Minister Marija Vučković. | Author MNVP
Implementation of the Final Stage of the Gradaščica Project
In Dobrova, the final stage of the Gradaščica flood protection project was presented. Following the completion of Stages 1A and 1B, Stage 2 involves constructing the Razori dry detention basin and additional watercourse improvements. The project aims to enhance flood safety for southwestern Ljubljana and surrounding settlements, including environmental measures and infrastructure protection, significantly reducing flood risk.
Presentation of Flood Protection Measures in Dobova.
Protection of Nearly 18,000 Residents from Floods through the Mali Graben Project
Minister Jože Novak, with Ljubljana Deputy Mayor Boštjan Koritnik and acting Director of the Slovenian Water Agency dr. Lidija Kegljevič Zagorc, inaugurated the Mali Graben flood protection project at Dolgi Most. The project improves safety for nearly 18,000 residents and over 3,000 buildings on Vič and Dolgi Most, rehabilitating six kilometers of the river channel and constructing a spillway diverting high water toward Barje, improving flow and controlled flooding, including nature-based measures.
Minister Novak Visits the Soča Valley on River Waste and Post-Earthquake Recovery Support
In the Soča Valley, Minister Novak participated in a GPS-tracked river waste monitoring project for better management. The event “For Clean Waters: Drop the Habit, Not the Waste” raised awareness, connected experts, local communities, and education, emphasizing youth involvement. 128 students from France Bevk Primary School Tolmin participated in an art contest following workshops on waste, plastic, and microplastics.
Minister Jože Novak and Director of the Water Institute Neža Kodre with students from France Bevk Primary School Tolmin | Author MNVP
Launch of the Natura Mura–Drava Project for River and Riparian Habitat Restoration in Natura 2000 Areas
On March 9 in Lendava, the Natura Mura–Drava project was presented as a key conservation initiative in Slovenia to restore river and riparian habitats in Natura 2000 areas along the Mura and Drava rivers. The project aims to renaturalize river channels, restore oxbows, floodplain forests and wetlands, and improve conditions for endangered species with a total budget exceeding 12 million €.
Launch of the Natura Mura–Drava Project for the Restoration of River and Riparian Habitats in Natura 2000 Areas
Overview of the Directorate for Water Activities in 2022–2026
In 2022–2026, the Slovenian Water Agency shifted from post-flood emergency measures to systemic watercourse management with strengthened institutional capacity and long-term planning. By 2026, 772 million € was allocated for maintenance, remediation, and investments, launching the 2024–2028 extensive remediation program, emphasizing prevention, digitalization, and multi-year flood risk reduction planning.
Expert Workshop on World Water Day: Strengthening Water Resilience in Slovenia
On March 19, prior to World Water Day, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, the Slovenian Water Agency and the Slovenian Water Institute organized an expert workshop in Brdo pri Kranju titled Water and Water Management in Slovenia – Strengthening Water Resilience. The event addressed key water management challenges, modern technologies, legal frameworks, and planning for sustainable, integrated, and resilient water management in Slovenia.
Speech by the Acting Director of the Slovenian Water Agency, Dr. Lidija Kegljevič Zagorc | Author STA
Completion of Water Infrastructure at the Medvedce Reservoir
The Medvedce detention basin infrastructure project is a key measure under the Flood Risk Reduction on the Dravinja and Polskava Rivers operation. It finalizes detention basin construction and establishes structures to retain high flows from the Polskava and Devina rivers, including spillways, channels, weirs, and nature-based measures to preserve Natura 2000 values. Work is co-financed by EU cohesion funds, with completion expected by the end of 2027.
Overview of Planned Arrangements in the Medvedce Reservoir Area | Author DGD, VGB Maribor d.o.o.
New Bridges in Celje and Prevalje Connect People and Communities
On March 20, Minister Jože Novak and State Secretary Miran Gajšek inaugurated a new bridge over the Voglajna River in Celje and later a bridge near a gas station in Prevalje. In Carinthia, 11 active flood protection projects are underway on key rivers and torrents, gradually increasing community and infrastructure resilience. A major project in the area is the Poljana high-water retention reservoir, expected to be completed in 2027.
New bridge at the Historical Archive of Celje. | Author MNVP
Completion of Works on the Mura: Benica, Gradišče, and Konjišče
Under the LIFE RESTORE for MDD project, key water management and conservation measures were completed on the Mura River. The Benica side channel (1.9 km) and Gradišče oxbow (1.5 ha) were restored, improving water regime, biodiversity, and floodplain connectivity. At Konjišče, the river channel was widened, and embankments removed and rebuilt. Combined with upstream works, a 2.2 km continuous renaturalized section—the largest in Slovenia—was created.
Benica Side Channel Restoration Area after Implementation of the Measure | Author Saša Sobočan, POMGRAD – VGP d.d.