SciencesPo

The Kočevsko region in southern Slovenia offers a compelling case study on the intricate relationship between people and nature. This forested region is today known for the country’s biggest conservation area, including a World Heritage virgin beech forest, and the locals’ cohabitation with Europe’s three largest carnivores, with the region’s cultural identity shaped by centuries of peoples’ coexistence with its vast forests. The first Slovenian and Gottscheer German settlers, who colonised the wilderness of Kočevsko in the 14th century, cultivated a way of life deeply rooted in the region’s forests, leading to the introduction of one of Europe’s first forest management laws in 1406. Up until the mid-19th century these settlers mainly used the forests for domestic use, hunting and foraging of non- wood resources. Afterwards, the rise of industrial timber production necessitated a newer perspective to ensure sustainability. Moving away from established clearcutting practices, Europe’s first model of close-to-nature forestry was instituted, based on maintaining forest cover for its multitude of ecosystem services. This also lead to the birth of Slovenian nature conservation with the establishment of the first virgin forest reserves. This rich cultural history continues to define the identity of Kočevsko’s people today. The locals, shaped by centuries of existence with the forest ecosystem, still maintain a strong connection to nature through different cultural practices. The upholding of ecological forest management principles led to the flourishing of biodiversity, resulting in a rich brown bear population, the rebounding of the wolf, and the reintroduction of the extinct Eurasian lynx. The well-preserved ecosystems and a sustainable forestry tradition remain a source of pride, with local identity and a sense of place centred around the continuing preservation of the forest. Meanwhile, the intertwining of cultural heritage within the forest landscape continues to shape people’s perceptions of their home and identity, with some locals still referring to themselves as he Gottscheer. Many locals pursue the revival of old traditions, such as foraging for mushrooms and herbs, wood crafting, and beekeeping, following the steps of the first settlers and reflecting a lifestyle that continues to value and use the forest’s non-wood resources. The region’s deep-rooted bond with the wilderness has profoundly influenced the way locals identify themselves and maintain their ways of life. Locals rely on the cultural ecosystem services of their forested landscape on a daily basis. The forest is more than just a natural resource - it provides spiritual benefits that stem from centuries of human interaction. The cultural heritage interspersed throughout the forest and conservation efforts, rooted in historical developments, reinforce the forests' role in shaping local identity to this day. The case study of Kočevsko demonstrates how even in developed countries, a long-term interaction of people with an ecosystem shapes not only the ecosystem, but the people themselves, with it becoming a centrepiece of a people’s identity and a grounding force in their daily lives. A strong identity rooted in history and interactions with nature can influence decisions on resource extraction and support a more sustainable future.