Slovenia: The Most Sustainable Country on Earth

Photo by Lonely Planet

In 2017, Slovenia was named the most sustainable country on Earth by National Geographic. While visiting Ljubljana and Lake Bled, I witnessed some visible signs of sustainability: eco-friendly zones, recycling programs, and restricted swimming areas. To go beyond what meets the eye, I decided to do some research on my own to learn more about how Slovenia got its title.

Countries in the running for the top prize of the “World’s Most Sustainable Country” had to satisfy a series of criteria. Out of the 100 sustainability indicators, Slovenia stole the show by achieving 96/100. One of these indicators included waste separation, of which the capital, Ljubljana, collected 63% of separated waste while aiming for separation over incineration. The city center also demonstrated its prioritization of pedestrians and cyclists over cars and traffic which once covered the whole city. Only economically accessible city buses, which run on natural gas, are allowed to access the city center. Additionally, about 74% of houses in Ljubljana are heated by natural gas, reducing the consumption of fossil fuel. Other signs of sustainability could be seen in the green spaces, which are promoted throughout the city. 

Although, as with many tourism destinations around the world, Slovenia is far from perfect and has also felt the effects on their environment as a result of an increasing number of visitors. Around 26,000 animal and plant species have been identified in Slovenia and a significant percentage of bears, bird species and freshwater fish species are being threatened mainly due to pollution. Protected areas and environmental laws are not the only problems, the cause of endangered habitats especially coastal, marine and inland waters are due to lack of coordination between local authorities and national government. 

While I was in Lake Bled, the sustainable efforts being put in place were visible, but again due to increased numbers of tourists and the amount of development around the lake itself, there have been some signs of deterioration. This is due to the surge in swimming, fishing, boating and rapid development of the shoreline in and around the lake. Interactions with local wildlife such as fish feeding have also been a major factor in the deterioration of water quality. 

Even in the most sustainable place on Earth, the effects of tourism can be felt. What can be done to mitigate these negative effects? Education, trainings and tools can enable stakeholders and tourism operators to evaluate and improve their sustainability endeavours. While Slovenia is on top of its sustainability efforts for now, it will be key to prioritize sustainable tourism policies to keep up with increasing tourism figures, which will either make or break this sustainable paradise. 

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