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Biosphere Reserve Julian Alps

Biosphere Reserve Julian Alps

First Slovenian Biosphere Reserve

Triglav, the island in the middle of the lake, Triglav Lakes, the emerald-green Soča River, the Golden eagle, Alpine ibex, the Bled cream cake, the Russian chapel... All these come to mind when we think of the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park.
To preserve the diversity of animals and plants while also providing locals with a livelihood and tourists with unforgettable experiences, humans and nature must coexist. The wider area of the Slovenian Julian Alps is internationally recognized as the Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve.

The Biosphere Reserve of the Julian Alps covers nearly 200,000 hectares. This is almost one-tenth of Slovenia's territory, extending over 10 Slovenian municipalities: Bled, Bohinj, Bovec, Gorje, Jesenice, Kobarid, Kranjska Gora, Radovljica, Tolmin, and Žirovnica.

The central and peripheral parts of the area include Triglav National Park, while the transitional zone covers the wider Julian Alps area.

 

The Julian Alps were pronounced as a biosphere reserve of global significance by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2003.

The Julian Alps are home to many animal and plant species. The purpose of the biosphere reserve is to harmonize the protection of natural and cultural heritage with sustainable resource use across all economic sectors, including agriculture, forestry, fishing, cheese-making, tourism, and the management of water and other natural resources.

Did you know that over 650,000 people visit the natural and cultural gems of northwestern Slovenia every year? Tourism is one of the key economic sectors in this area. Since a large part of the region is legally protected (Triglav National Park), managing visitor movement poses a significant challenge. Therefore, there is a focus on implementing sustainable development in tourism, agriculture, and mobility.

 

Long-standing cooperation with the Italian Julian Prealps Nature Park has paid off. On July 5, 2024, UNESCO pronounced the new Cross-border Julian Alps area, which combines the biosphere reserves on both sides of the border.