From 13 to 15 January 2026, PROMONT project partners gathered in Postojna (Slovenia) for the 4th project meeting, hosted by the Regional Development Agency Green Karst. The meeting aimed to set the foundation for the year ahead and coordinate upcoming activities.

After an initial project phase mainly dedicated to academic research, the engagement of local communities, and the definition of common tools, the partners are now ready to put the results into practice and activate tangible actions to support the protection and regeneration of mountain biodiversity in six pilot areas (Mt. Olympus, Mt. Baldo, Mt. Snežnik, Mt. Tomorr, Mt. Žaba, and Mt. Komovi).

During the meeting, each partner presented their plans along with an overview of the project’s current implementation status, both at the overall and local levels. In addition, another tool developed by the scientific partner, the International Hellenic University (IHU), was presented. This tool will assist partners in quantifying the real impact of their conservation and protection actions.

Following the afternoon session dedicated to the activities and deliverables planned for the year, partners had the opportunity to visit the first of four cultural and natural sites. These visits broadened participants’ knowledge not only of the region but also of the country. The Notranjska Museum Postojna showcases the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage, with exhibitions on the Postojna Caves and other karst phenomena, local wildlife, and the geological history of the area. Partners explored halls featuring archaeological finds, insights into rural life, and exhibitions on the historical events that shaped the region.

The second day focused on discussions around key elements of the future capitalisation plan. The Adriatic Ionian Euroregion presented the project’s Capitalisation Plan, underlining the importance of extending project results to other territories and supporting their replicability by increasing the number of actors, organisations, and stakeholders aware of the project’s activities and objectives.

The afternoon was dedicated to visits to two other important cultural and educational sites: the Park of Military History and the DINA Centre. In particular, the DINA Centre is an educational facility focused on promoting peaceful coexistence between humans and Slovenia’s three largest carnivores—bears, wolves, and lynxes. It was especially enlightening to learn more about these species and the wide range of conflict-mitigation methods employed, from practical measures to awareness-raising and educational initiatives.

The next project meeting will take place in June in Montenegro.

To follow the project and stay updated on the latest news, visit the Promont website.

This project is co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg IPA ADRION Programme

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