Cultural heritage
Close-to-Nature Forest Management as Slovenia’s Intangible Heritage
Close-to-nature forest management has been listed in the Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage, maintained by the Ministry of Culture, since 2024. This recognition gives additional professional acknowledgment to the individuals and organizations whose activities ensure that the knowledge and skills shaping Slovenian forests for centuries continue to develop and be passed on. Close-to-nature forest management, together with sustainable and multifunctional forest management, forms the three pillars on which Slovenian forestry is based. Slovenia is among Europe’s leading countries in close-to-nature forest management and serves as an example to many. This system, which has prohibited clear-cutting by law since 1947, encourages careful attention to details in forest ecosystems and the emulation of developmental processes occurring in virgin forests.
Selective logging
Close-to-nature forest management is a comprehensive and highly demanding form of forest management that requires specific knowledge about habitats, tree species, appropriate tree mixtures, and silvicultural forms. Managing close-to-nature forests involves creating suitable forest microclimates and nurturing forest soils to develop diverse and mixed forests. Among the most critical measures is selective logging, which shapes the appropriate forest stands. This method promotes the growth of native tree species, cares for the remaining forest structure, and protects forest soils. The emphasis lies on maintaining the overall functioning of the forest ecosystem, establishing biological balance, and enhancing the diversity of native plant and animal species.
Resilient forests
Close-to-nature forests are more resilient to natural disturbances, less susceptible to harmful organisms, and recover more quickly after disruptions. The knowledge and skills required for close-to-nature forest management are passed down through various educational activities. Forestry organizations play a key role in this process, working independently or in collaboration with educational and research institutions. They organize training programs for forest owners, ensure the continuous professional development of forestry experts, and transfer knowledge to various target groups through forest pedagogy.
Such management, which does not differentiate forests based on ownership, will continue to guide the development of resilient and diverse forests for the benefit of nature and people alike.
The initiative for this listing originated from the Municipality of Radlje ob Dravi, with the process coordinated by the Carinthian Regional Museum, which highlights the rich legacy of the Pahernik family regarding close-to-nature forest management. Pro Silva Slovenia, the Slovenia Forest Service, and the Department of Forestry and Renewable Forest Resources at the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana also contributed to preparing the materials.
