Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Lake Cerknica, located in southwestern Slovenia, is one of the largest intermittent lakes in Europe. Its surface area fluctuates dramatically throughout the year, ranging from as little as 0.1 km² during extreme drought to approximately 26 km² when fully inundated, with peak expansions reaching up to 38 km² during periods of heavy rainfall. This cyclical hydrological phenomenon, where the lake periodically fills and drains, has shaped both the cultural and ecological landscape of the region.
Historically, Lake Cerknica has functioned as a multifunctional landscape, supporting diverse human activities such as fishing, farming, and livestock grazing, all occurring within the same geographic space at different times of the year. Within this area, seven agrarian communities collectively manage specific portions of the landscape, deriving benefits from grazing, fodder production, fishing, and farming. However, over time, their land holdings and influence have significantly diminished due to broader socio-economic, political and environmental changes. Today, the area is managed by the Notranjska Regional Park, with conservation priorities aligned with Natura 2000 objectives. However, ongoing climate change presents new challenges, particularly by disrupting precipitation patterns and threatening biodiversity. These changes make it harder to manage the area, as shifting water levels increase conflicts between protecting nature and supporting farming, while the reduced involvement of agrarian communities adds to the difficulty of keeping the land well-managed.
This study proposes an alternative governance model that repositions Lake Cerknica and its surroundings as a form of regional blue-green infrastructure. By integrating ecological, hydrological, and socio-economic functions, this approach aims to maintain biodiversity goals while fostering a more inclusive role for agrarian communities in the face of climate change. We will present the advantages of this framework—specifically, how managing commons can enhance regional resilience and support long-term social-ecological stability.
