Mitigating torrential risks in mountanous regions through forest management: A case study from Slovenia

Abstract ID: 3.12445
|Review Result Accepted as Talk
|Abstract registered Abstract is registered
| 2025-09-15 11:02 - 11:12 (+2min)
|Presentation Location MCI – Aula 302
Guček, M. (1,2)
Bončina, Ž. (1,2); Simončič, T. (1,2); Mrak, I. (1,3); and Poljanec, A. (1,2)
(1) Slovenia Forest Service, Večna pot 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
(2) University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Forestry and Renewable Forest Resources, Večna pot 83, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
(3) Faculty of Environmental Protection, Trg mladosti 7, 3320 Velenje
How to cite: Guček, M.; Bončina, Ž.; Simončič, T.; Mrak, I.; and Poljanec, A.: Mitigating torrential risks in mountanous regions through forest management: A case study from Slovenia, International Mountain Conference 2025, Innsbruck, Sep 14 - 18 2025, #IMC25-3.12445, 2025.
Categories: Adaptation, ES-Forests, Hazards
Keywords: torrential risk, adaptive forest management, natural hazard mitigation, monitoring system, flood prevention
Categories: Adaptation, ES-Forests, Hazards
Keywords: torrential risk, adaptive forest management, natural hazard mitigation, monitoring system, flood prevention
Abstract

Slovenia, as part of the Alpine region, is characterized by a complex hydrological network of torrential streams influenced by lithological and geomorphological characteristics, and precipitation patterns. The majority of torrential streams are located in forests. Forest ecosystems play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of torrential hazard. Despite Slovenia’s long-established close-to-nature, sustainable and multifunctional forest management system, measures to mitigate torrential hazards along mountain streams have often been neglected. This is partially a consequence of manifold competences of different actors, and an absence of comprehensive torrent management system. The increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events over the past decade have caused severe forest damages and substantial financial losses due to torrential floods, which has triggered many debates and activities dealing with torrent management in forests. In the presentation, we will introduce an approach developed within Forest EcoValue project aimed at establishing a comprehensive management system for torrential risk mitigation in forests. The study area used represents a diverse mountainous region (proportion of forests 74%). Our methodology follows a systematic framework, beginning with the identification of high-risk torrents based on hazard maps, field assessments, and historical damage records. There are 72 torrents with a total length of 102 km within the study area. 33% of these torrents are considered problematic, while 5% are classified as highly problematic. We developed a monitoring system incorporating the documentation of silent witnesses, the identification of critical areas for woody debris removal, and the delineation of torrent sections requiring targeted biotechnical interventions. Additionally, we recorded the time spent on monitoring the assessment of efficiency and estimate the needed capacities. At the end, we proposed a governance model (i.e., responsibilities of different actors). To elaborate the system, several activities were caried out on staff training, capacity building, networking between stakeholders using a set of participatory workshops. Our results will highlight the role of sound forest management in the comprehensive system of torrential risk mitigation, particularly in the context of climate change and enhanced flood protection. The study was funded by the Forest EcoValue project (Interreg Alpine Space Programme).