«Getting ready» Newsletter

Special Issue Slovenia

At a first glance

Slovenia lies in the heart of Europe, where the Alps meet the Mediterranean and the Pannonian Plain meets the Karst. This small green country measures 20,273 km2 in area, and is home to sincere, hospitable people of great diligence. It has an exceptional number of top athletes, and a wealth of cultural creativity. In Slovenia it is not difficult to compare the value of goods and services, as they are priced in one of the world’s major currencies, the euro.

Slovenia has a population of two million, of whom the vast majority are ethnic Slovenes. People hailing from the other former Yugoslav republics make up a significant minority, albeit less than 10% of the total population. The Italian and Hungarian ethnic communities have protected minority status, despite their small size.

The majority of people live in towns and cities, but a significant number live in the countryside. Agriculture accounts for only a small proportion of the workforce, while the majority work in services and manufacturing.

Slovenes are renowned as a diligent, hard-working nation, part of the reason that Slovenia is the wealthiest of the new EU members. They constantly aim to prove themselves and to progress. Their toil and persistence has allowed many Slovenes to achieve at the global level. A very good example is the country’s athletes, particularly those involved in extreme sports, from mountaineering and extreme skiing to ultramarathon biking and swimming exploits.

Slovenes are also very thorough in learning foreign languages to make themselves understood. Even primary school students can speak foreign languages. The majority of people can speak good English, while most have a good grasp of German. A large share of the population can communicate in the languages of the old Yugoslavia, while there are many fluent Italian speakers in the areas bordering Italy.

Did you know...

... that Slovenia is among the most biologically diverse countries in the world? Slovenia accounts for less than 0.004% of the Earth's surface but is home to more than 1% of all living creatures and 2% of terrestrial creatures. A total of 24,000 animal species.

... that Slovenia is the third most forested country in Europe? Almost 60% of its territory is covered by forest. In recent decades, the proportion of forest has been increasing, since every year we plant over 1,200,000 trees.

... that over one third of Slovenia's territory is protected and included in the Europe-wide Natura 2000 network, which protects biodiversity?

... that Slovenia has one of the largest brown bear populations in Europe? Between 500 and 700 bears, it is believed.

... that Slovenia is one of the richest countries in Europe in terms of water? It has almost 27,000 kilometres of rivers, streams and other watercourses. It also has numerous thermal and mineral springs and many subterranean waters.

... that Maribor, Slovenia's second-largest city, is home to the oldest vine in the world? Although it is over four hundred years old, its Žametna Črnina grapes still produce 25 litres of wine every year. ... that the linden or linden leaf is an important symbol of Sloveneness? The Najevnik Linden in Koroška is said to be over 780 years old. Each August, for the last 20 years, the country's leading political figures have gathered at the tree.

To find out more about this gorgeous country, please visit www.slovenia.info

(Photos & Text credits www.slovenia.info)

10:10 CAMPAIGN IN SLOVENIA

Joining forces with British Embassy Ljubljana

Our work in Slovenia would be so much different without the help of British Embassy in Ljubljana – and we are so very thankful for their time, efforts and all the help they are providing.

HMA Andrew Page wearing a 10:10 tag

A special thanks goes to Ms Maja Badovinac (left on the photo), a real trooper and a wonderful person!

And to find out more about their carbon cutting activities, browse through these amazing photo galleries to find out:

• How the Diplomatic Forrest was planted http://www.flickr.com/photos/ukinslovenia/sets/72157623771156899/

• How Green Day was celebrated (as a part of European Mobility Week 2010) and how our Tree Planting Challenge actually got its first tree planted! http://www.flickr.com/photos/ukinslovenia/sets/72157624871439013/with/5007702069/

• How our 10:10 visited the offices of British Embassy Ljubljana, and got some VIP time with HM Ambassador Andrew Page http://www.flickr.com/photos/nektarina/sets/72157624887245579/

•

Working with British Council Ljubljana

A huge thanks goes out to Ms Tina Skocaj, for all her help with volunteers, contacts, media, her positive energy and great 10:10 spirit!

A support from the Slovenian capital – Ljubljana

The City of Ljubljana, Slovenian capital, was the first city in our 24 country hub to support 10:10 campaign, thanks to its Mayor Mr Zoran Jankovic, and we are particularly thankful to Ms Mojca Slovenc, from the Mayor’s office, for all her help and support.

Even though the City of Ljubljana did not officially sign up for 10:10, they make such a great exampleof cutting carbon, please check out our photo gallery here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nektarina/sets/72157624970655706/

and by all means visit the amazing website www.ljubljanapametnomesto.sito find out more on their carbon cutting efforts and success stories!

Signing up Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

«To mark this year's European mobility week the Slovene Ministry of Foreign Affairs has in cooperation with the British Embassy Ljubljana organised a climate change awareness event dubbed Green Day 2010.

On the initiative of the British Embassy Ljubljana the Slovene Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed up to the 10:10 campaign. The Slovene ministry is now the first government department outside the UK to participate in the campaign. Their goal is to reduce 10% of their emissions in a twelve-month period.

British Ambassador Page was delighted Slovenia supported this civil initiative that was launched last year in the United Kingdom.»

To see a video and view a photo gallery please visit http://ukinslovenia.fco.gov.uk/en/news/?view=News&id=22888843

and

http://www.mzz.gov.si/nc/si/splosno/cns/novica/article/6/27420/7738384a47/

We would hereby like to extend our deepest thanks to the Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Samuel Zbogar, and also to the members of his staff Ms Barbara Javornik, Ms Irena Krapez, Ms Urska Kosin and all the others who helped us reach this milestone.

We know this is just the beginning of our 10:10 work in Slovenia, and we are looking forward to more sign ups and more great carbon cutting stories, confident that Slovenia will continue to set a positive and future-minded example to the countries in the region, but also to all the countries in our hub, as well as in entire 10:10 community.