Within the framework of the implementation of LENA Project Regional development agency Gorenjska, BSC Kranj (partner from Slovenia) organised Regional capacity building workshop: Harvesting plants as economic activity in the protected areas. Regional workshop for regional stakeholders and other interested public was organised in cooperation with Tourism Bohinj in the premises of Triglav National park.

At the beginning of the workshop LENA project manager from BSC Kranj, Blanka Odlazek, presented the LENA project to the participants and introduced the activities and goals of the project. Andrej Arih from Triglav National Park made the presentation about Wild Plants utilization in Triglav National Park and its current situation (State of Play). Kirsten Palme from TRAFFIC was having the presentation on activities of wild plants actions with introduction of FairWild standard, Sustainable wild harvesting and training about the ecological rules of FairWild. The participants were having the opportunity also to see the animated video about harvesting plants in a sustainable way.

After the presentation, a discussion about the applicability of the criteria, requirements and implementation of harvesting wild medical plants in the pilot areas was opened. The following questions were addressed: What is the status of wild plant harvesting and trade in Slovenia? In what way can the situation be improved – what kind of support is needed, about Management plans what do they cover? Discussion among the participants was interesting and fruitful – there are already fresh ideas for the next steps to be taken.

During the discussion a lot of attention was focused on Triglav National Park Management Plan (2016 - 2025), its Nature conservation aspect, its implementation and revision, which will be made after the first five years of its implementation.

In the second half of the workshop Peter Rangus, from the family company Arxfarm, Natural Products and Essential Oils, Ltd presented his experience of gaining a certification of FairWild as a study case. The company Arxfarm produces 100% natural essential oils and plant extracts of highest quality. Although one has to reach the highest standard of harvesting to gain the certificate and the certificate is payable, the added value can result in a double marketing price in comparison with the products without the FairWild certificate.

In the afternoon the participants, during the study tour, visited a local package company, engaged also in the afternoon activity of picking wild medical plants and growing herbs, mixing the ingredients into herbal tea mixtures, making custom made massage oils and creams, selling them in the local market. 

These activities were implemented according to the project activities under Work Package 5 “Nature Capital Actions – Wild plant actions”. The capacity building workshop took place in the area of Triglav National park, which is a pilot area of Regional Development agency Gorenjska, BSC Kranj.